So, you’ve poured your heart and soul into writing a book, a potential masterpiece. But there’s one final hurdle: grabbing the attention of an editor who can bring your work to the world. While it might seem daunting, crafting a compelling query letter is the key. Think of it as your book’s resume, a concise and captivating introduction designed to pique an editor’s interest. If you can’t convince one person of your book’s merits, how can you expect a publisher to believe you can captivate thousands? Here’s a guide to crafting a query letter that gets results:
1. Target the Right Publisher: This sounds basic, but it’s crucial. Ensure the publisher specializes in your genre. Sending a fantasy novel query to a technical manual publisher is a waste of time. Research similar books and identify their publishers. Recurring names are a good sign.
2. Address the Right Person: Never use generic greetings like “Dear Editor.” Consult resources like Jeff Herman’s Writer’s Guide to Book Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents to find the specific editor responsible for queries in your genre. Address them by name, ensuring correct spelling and gender.
3. Nail Your Opening: Your first paragraph is critical. Immediately state why you’re contacting this editor. Did someone refer you? Has your work received praise? Most importantly, define your target audience, highlight your book’s uniqueness, and explain its sales potential. Be specific. Instead of “all women,” try “5 million women aged 40-55 who enjoy [Specific TV Show/Magazine] will love this book.” If you have media contacts or a hook that makes your book irresistible to the media, mention it upfront.
4. Describe Your Book Concisely: In the second paragraph, provide a brief, jacket-style summary of your book. Compare it to bestselling titles in the same genre, highlighting its unique selling points. Focus on facts, not opinions. “The market is 5.8 million single women” is a fact; “This is the greatest book ever written” is an opinion. Explain how your book fills a gap in the market. Keep it short and to the point.
5. Highlight Author Credentials: In the third paragraph, discuss yourself. Why are you the perfect person to write this book? What are your credentials? Are you an expert in the field? Have you been published before? Do you have media experience or contacts? Honesty is key. Lack of experience isn’t a deal-breaker, but exaggeration is.
6. Leave Them Wanting More: Conclude by thanking the editor for their time and offering to send your full proposal (for non-fiction) or the first few chapters (for fiction). Include your contact information. Wait for them to request further materials. If you’re sending simultaneous queries, be upfront about it. If you’re offering an exclusivity period, state the duration. Skip the SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope); editors now respond via phone or email.
7. Proofread Meticulously: Your query letter is your first impression. It must be perfect. A single error can derail your chances. Don’t solely rely on spellcheck; rewrite and refine each sentence until it shines.
8. Professional Presentation Matters: Print your query letter in black ink on high-quality, plain white paper using a laser printer. If you have a letterhead, use it, but avoid anything too flashy. When mailing, consider using a tracked service. While the content of your letter is paramount, professional presentation shows you’re serious. Avoid gimmicks or gifts; your writing and idea should speak for themselves.
By following these steps, your query letter will stand out from the crowd. If a market exists for your book, a well-crafted query will almost always lead to a request for a proposal or sample chapters. That’s when you know you’ve captured an editor’s attention and are one step closer to publication.