Guidelines to Writing a Query Letter
Do's:
- Address it to me or to an agent within the agency personally
- Show us that you understand our business--how and where did you find out about us?
- Give me your credentials: professional and list of publications if applicable
- What is it (the book project) and why did you write it: in brief
- Write the letter in a style that represents you, while respecting business conventions
- Always include an SASE
- Keep your letter under two pages
- Please provide all contact information including a working email account.
- "I'm writing three books"--sell me one book--the book you care about most
- "Every book I've ever written has been turned down, but I'm sure that you'll see its merits"
- Give me an excerpt from the proposed book in the body of the letter (a brief excerpt attached to the query letter is acceptable)
- Refer me to your website for reading sample
- Set your letter in the smallest type possible
- Attach "laudatory" rejection letter from another agent
- Don't call me to find out if I received your letter or call me cold and expect a call back, especially with a long-distance number
- Email - we respond to written queries only
If you want to be taken seriously, do your homework. Read books on the publishing process before you contact me. Give us what we are looking for and we will treat you with respect. It's not our job to give you a detailed assessment of your project, but we do try to respond to every letter we receive.
