Query Basics
2
You may read confusing or contradictory suggestions for the nuances of query writing. Don’t worry overmuch about that. As with all writing, it’s an art not a science. But there are a few things you should do and not do. Here are the basics.
The process of approaching a publisher or agent with hopes of getting a contract is called querying. To get that done, you’ll probably need to provide a query letter and a synopsis of your book (along with a few other bits and bobs). The query and synopsis are not the same; it will do you no favors to put the same thing down in both spaces on the publisher’s website.
In the query letter all you really need are:
· a little about yourself and maybe a few words on why you wrote the story
· the specs of your book: title, genre & category, word count
· a short description of the story
· courtesy, professionalism
In the query letter what you do not need are:
· your complete bio
· a full synopsis
· overconfidence/arrogance
Blasting overconfidence in your query may sound like a good idea, but it isn’t. Neither is humor. I’ve read exactly one query (it was actually the bio) that made me laugh out loud, and I didn’t request a contract for the book—other reasons. Editors want to find the next book to publish almost as much as you want it to be yours. If they have to wade through a bunch of unnecessary stuff, it hurts your chances.
A note on salutations—be as specific as possible. Search the publisher’s website for names or titles. If you still come up empty, Dear Name of Publishing Company or Dear Editors is better than the outdated Sir or Madam. And do I even need to say not to send a query letter addressed to the wrong publisher?
For more great advice on query writing, check out these articles by experts:
https://susanbrooks.wordpress.com/2019/03/27/how-to-query-a-publisher/
https://www.janefriedman.com/query-letters/
https://nybookeditors.com/2015/12/how-to-write-a-darn-good-query-letter/ (for querying agents)
Next time—the synopsis.
Cindy