The Query Letter
By Rick Frishman - Feb 01 , 2008
In publishing, the accepted protocol to start the book-acquisition process is sending a query asking agents or editors if they would be interested in your project.
Query letters or e-mails should be submitted to literary agents if you’re looking for an agent to represent you, or to editors if you want to go directly to a publisher. Queries should be submitted for all books: fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, art books, cookbooks, whatever.
When you compile a list of agents’ and editors’ names, send them query letters or e-mails. Even those who accept unsolicited telephone inquiries prefer a written query because it gives them a sense of how well you write. If recipients are interested in a project, they will initiate further contact.
How you initially query an agent or editor is critical. Your query is your chance to make a strong first impression and generate interest in you and your project. So, it’s vital to do it well. If you don’t, you may not get another shot.
Publishers and agents have different specialties and submission requirements, which can frequently change. Before you send a query letter, check your target’s website so you don’t send your how-to book to an agent who handles only fiction, or an editor who now works for a different publishing house. Most publishers and agents list their submission requirements on their website, so frame your queries precisely as they suggest.
As the name indicates, the main purpose of a query letter is to inquire if an agent or editor would be interested in learning more about your book. Your query has to arouse the agent’s or editor’s interest and make him or her want to see more.
To capture the agent’s or editor’s attention, your inquiry has to clearly demonstrate that you have a great idea for a book that will sell and that you’re professional and disciplined and write well.
Query letters show agents and editors that you:
• Have a good idea for a salable book that is compatible with their areas of interest or list
• Can express yourself clearly in writing
• Have the ability and qualifications to complete your book
• Are professional
The agent or the editor who receives your submission will make a quick assessment of your professionalism on the basis of that submission.
If your submission comes in a colorful package or is written on colorful stationery; has flowery stamps; contains cross-outs, typos, and misspellings; or is generally sloppy in appearance, recipients will label you unprofessional. If they don’t reject your submission, they will probably delay reading it or will assign it to an underling. To make a strong initial impression, submit a professional-looking query letter!
Rick Says
Never underestimate the importance of demonstrating your professionalism.
Agents and publishers want to work with writers who have their act together, who are focused, result oriented, and willing to do what it takes to write and support a successful book.
Working with professionals makes their lives easier; it cuts down on the possibilities that writers will not follow directions, that their submissions will be late, will be delivered in poor shape, and will require more in-house work. Agents and publishers prefer to deal with writers whom they can rely on to deliver a quality book.
