
You wrote the book. Now it’s time to sell it.
But here’s the truth most writers don’t want to hear: the story alone isn’t enough. Before an agent or publisher even reads the first page, they’ll read your query letter. And if your query doesn’t spark interest, your manuscript might never see the light of day.
So how do you write a book query that demands attention?
Let’s break it down.
Table of Contents
ToggleWhat Is a Book Query (and Why Does It Matter So Much)?
A book query is your personal sales pitch—a one-page letter that introduces your manuscript to a literary agent or publisher. Think of it as the movie trailer for your book: punchy, tight, emotional, and impossible to ignore.
In just a few paragraphs, it must:
- Show that your story is unique.
- Prove that it’s marketable.
- Convince the reader that you’re the right person to write it.
Agents receive hundreds of queries every week. That means yours has seconds to make an impression.
The Three-Part Formula for Query Success
Every successful query has three core components. Get these right, and you’re halfway there.
1. The Hook
Start with a single sentence that captures the heart of your story. It should pose a question, hint at conflict, or introduce an irresistible premise.
“When a memory thief steals her past, seventeen-year-old Mira must rediscover who she is—before her forgotten secrets destroy her future.”
This is your book’s elevator pitch. It should work even without context.
2. The Brief Synopsis
Next, offer a summary of your book—usually one paragraph, max two. Focus on the main character, the conflict, and the stakes.
Bad:
“Anna’s life changes when she moves to New York.”
Better:
“After her brother disappears in a subway tunnel, Anna trades her ballet shoes for a map of Manhattan’s underworld, determined to find him—no matter the cost.”
Avoid subplots, backstories, or side characters. This is a highlight reel, not a chapter-by-chapter breakdown.
3. The Bio and Closing
Wrap up with a short author bio. Include relevant writing credentials, publication history (if any), and your contact information. If it’s your debut, don’t apologize—just say so confidently.
Then thank them for their time and include any requested materials (sample pages, synopsis, etc.).
What Makes a Query Stand Out in the Slush Pile?
Here’s the harsh reality: most queries are rejected within the first few lines.
Here’s why—and how to avoid the same fate.
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Your goal is to hook the agent emotionally, just like a reader in a bookstore. Make them feel something—urgency, curiosity, even fear of missing out.
Sample Query Letter (And Why It Works)
Let’s take a look at a sample query and break down what makes it effective.
Dear [Agent Name],
When sixteen-year-old Ren discovers she’s a reincarnated oracle destined to stop the apocalypse, she’s not interested in saving the world—she just wants to survive tenth grade. But with omens falling from the sky and her crush suddenly possessed by a spirit of destruction, Ren has no choice but to fight fate with eyeliner and ancient spells.
Echoes of Ashes is a 78,000-word YA urban fantasy in the vein of The Raven Cycle and Percy Jackson, complete with snark, spellwork, and slow-burn romance.
I am a high school English teacher and a graduate of the GrubStreet Novel Incubator. My short fiction has appeared in Flash Fiction Magazine and The Writer’s Chronicle.
Per your submission guidelines, I’ve included the first ten pages and synopsis below. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Email | Phone | Website]
Why It Works:
- The first paragraph hooks with a strong voice and conflict, immediately showcasing the character and tone of the story.
- The second paragraph clearly states the genre, word count, and smartly chosen comps to position the book in the market.
- The author bio is short, relevant, and confidently highlights credentials without oversharing.
- The closing follows all submission instructions, signaling professionalism and respect for the agent’s process.
Fiction vs. Nonfiction Queries: What’s the Difference?
While the format is similar, the focus shifts depending on your book type.
If You’re Querying Fiction:
- Focus on the story.
- Emphasize characters, conflict, and emotional stakes.
- Mention the genre and comparable titles.
If You’re Querying Nonfiction:
- Emphasize your platform: Who are you? Why are you the expert?
- Show the marketability of your topic.
- Include your credentials, audience size, and relevance.
Example:
“I’m a licensed nutritionist with 100K YouTube followers, and I help women reverse hormone imbalance naturally. My book combines storytelling with science to empower readers with real results.”
How to Research Literary Agents (and Avoid Wasting Time)
Don’t just send your query into the void. Target the right agents by doing real research.
Here’s how:
- Use agent directories: Manuscript Wishlist, QueryTracker, Publishers Marketplace.
- Check client lists: Who do they represent? What genres do they love?
- Read interviews: See what they’re looking for right now.
- Follow submission guidelines exactly: Word count, format, sample pages—they all matter.
Personalizing your query shows professionalism. Mention why you chose them:
“I loved your recent interview in Writer’s Digest, and your interest in eco-fiction aligns perfectly with my novel’s themes.”
Query Rejection Doesn’t Mean Your Book Is Bad
Even the best queries get rejected. It happens for reasons outside your control:
- Agent already represents something similar.
- They’re not taking new clients.
- Your genre is saturated at the moment.
Keep going. Revise. Send more. Don’t obsess over one “perfect” version. Instead, keep improving as you learn from feedback (if you get any).
Query Writing Is a Craft—So Practice It
Writing a great query is its own art. It’s not just an email—it’s your first impression in a highly competitive business.
If you’re struggling, try:
- Reading successful query examples on sites like QueryShark or WritersDigest.
- Workshopping your letter in writing groups.
- Hiring a freelance editor with query experience.
And remember: a boring book with a great query might get a full request. But a brilliant book with a flat query? It might never leave the inbox.
You Wrote a Book. You Can Write a Letter.
Writing a query letter might seem like another obstacle. But really, it’s an opportunity. You’ve already done the hard part—writing a full book. Now you’re learning how to sell it.
That means you’re not just a writer.
You’re a professional.
You’re stepping into the publishing world with clarity and confidence.
And that single-page query?
It could be the beginning of your publishing career.
Final Takeaways
- Keep It Concise
Stick to 250–400 words; every sentence should serve a clear purpose and move the query forward. - Start with a Hook
Open with a compelling one-liner that grabs attention and sets the tone for your story. - Highlight the Heart
Focus on your protagonist, their goal, and the central conflict driving the narrative. - Match the Tone
Reflect the voice and emotion of your book—funny, dark, romantic, or thrilling—right in your query. - Know Your Genre
State your genre and word count clearly; add comps to help agents visualize the book’s place in the market. - Personalize Your Pitch
Tailor each query to the agent’s preferences or past work to show you’ve done your homework. - Project Confidence
Be professional and self-assured in your bio—without sounding arrogant or defensive.
FAQs (Quick Answers)
Q1: Can I query multiple agents at once?
Yes, as long as they accept simultaneous submissions.
Q2: Should I mention if it’s a debut novel?
Yes. Just state it professionally: “This is my debut novel.”
Q3: Do I need to copyright my book before querying?
No. Your work is automatically protected under copyright law once it’s written.
Q4: How long should I wait for a reply?
Usually 4–8 weeks. Check the agent’s website for timelines.
Q5: What if I get no response?
It’s common. Consider revising your query and sending it to other agents.
Ready to query?
Your manuscript deserves to be read. But first, your query letter must do the heavy lifting.
Write it with care.
Edit it like you edited your book.
And believe in your story—because that belief is contagious.