There is a sweet satisfaction to typing “The End” — there is
an even greater satisfaction in knowing you have an editor who is willing to
give your masterpiece a look. So how do you get from A-to-B? This is where the
query letter comes in.
Write two to three sentences describing your story, highlight
a key phrase in your little summary. Make a note of WHO you think will enjoy
and/or benefit from reading your book. Research similar books, don’t look at
the story line as much as the theme (such as boy meets girl, etc.). While you
are researching these similar books be sure to copy down the names of the
publishing companies that produced them. And finally take a good look at the “loglines”
accompanying these books (similar to the key phrase concept), this will come in
handy when you write your query letter.
Choose the publisher(s) you want to submit to; bear in mind
that many of the larger publishers want writers to go through agents. Check out
submission guidelines for necessary formatting; how much, if any of the manuscript,
should accompany the query; the standard length expected; and who (and where) to
address the query to. By the way it is not uncommon for publishers to request
all queries be made via e-mail, be sure to follow the directions. Now is the
time to start composing your letter.
Start with a HOOK, make sure it really reaches out and grabs
the reader. What is a hook? It says something about your story, but it is NOT
the plot. The hook is about that unique feature that sets your book apart from
the rest. Don’t say “this is a love story about…”, instead try something like “a
jaded gigolo falls in love with a cynical gold digger.” The hook is really your
logline (told you it would come in handy), it tells you much more than the plot
of the story, it literally sets you up asking “now how the heck is this going
to happen?” Play around with a few hooks and choose the best one to open your
letter with.
Move on to the next paragraph, the short and sweet pitch
commonly called the elevator pitch. Imagine you are in a small elevator with
the one person you want to sell you story to and you’ve got less than a minute
to entice them with your story. Start with no more than 20 words and ask a
question, “What would you do if you were the only one people counted on to save
the world?” Start them thinking about the conflict in your story. Be honest
about the story, in other words the question should be relevant to your plot.
You can add a little bit about your credibility to write about the subject (award-winning,
personal experience) and/or how well the book is being received or a BRIEF
testimonial.
Your third paragraph is the author’s bio, but no matter how
interesting your childhood was, it doesn’t belong there unless it is directly
relevant to YOU AS AN AUTHOR. Keep this brief.
Your entire query should be NO MORE than one page. Make sure
that your name and contact information is included. By the way, there is no
reason to use, absolutely no reason, flowery type in pastel colors, rose scented
paper, tiny print, or a background that would require special glasses in order
to see the writing. Make it easy on the submissions editor who receives your
query.
Good luck
Writing Exercise: Write
two or three paragraphs describing a crowded elevator you are on when it gets
stuck between floors (it’s your decision how long and why the elevator is
stuck). Tell us about the other people who are trapped with you and how
everyone passes the time.
Writing Prompt:
Write up to ten “loglines”, each one representing a major event in your
own life. Make them catchy and lines that should make someone want to know
more.
Challenge Assignment:
Write a brief biography about yourself (1) as an author; (2) as a member
of your family; and (3) as a worker in whatever your full-time position
(employment?) is. Each biography should be relevant to the role and only a
short paragraph long.
