A query letter is a one-page pitch that asks a literary agent to read your manuscript or proposal. It is often the first thing an agent sees from you, and many agents read hundreds of them. A clear, confident query will not guarantee representation, but a confusing or unprofessional one can end your chances before anyone reads a single page of the book. Here is how to write a query letter that gives your work a fair shot.
What a Query Letter Needs to Do
A query letter has one job: make the agent want to read more. To do that, it must quickly communicate:
- What the book is: genre, category, word count, and title.
- What happens in it, or for nonfiction, what it offers readers.
- Why you are the person to write it.
- That you have done your homework on this agent.
Most query letters are around 250 to 400 words. Short is a feature, not a limitation.
The Structure of a Query Letter
1. Personalized greeting
Address the agent by name and spell it correctly. “Dear Agent” or a mass email to many agents at once signals that you have not researched who you are querying.
2. The hook and book details
Many writers open with a line or two that states the essentials: title, genre, word count, and, if relevant, why you are querying this agent specifically, such as a book they represent or a wish list item they published. Some writers prefer to open with the hook and put the details at the end. Either works if it is clear.
3. The pitch
This is the heart of the letter, usually one to three short paragraphs.
For fiction, write it like back-cover copy. Introduce the main character, what they want, what stands in the way, and what is at stake if they fail. Focus on the central conflict. You do not need to reveal the ending in the query; that belongs in the synopsis.
For nonfiction, explain the big idea, the problem it solves or the story it tells, and why readers need it now. Mention your platform briefly here or in the bio.
4. Comparable titles
One or two recent books that share your audience help an agent picture where your book fits. Pick titles from the past few years rather than decades-old classics or giant bestsellers, and keep the comparison brief.
5. Author bio
For fiction, keep it short and relevant: publication credits, writing awards, or experience that connects to the story. It is fine to have no credits; a single honest sentence works. For nonfiction, the bio carries more weight. Include credentials, expertise, and platform.
6. Closing
Thank the agent for their time, note what you have included per their guidelines, such as the first ten pages or a synopsis, and sign off with your name and contact details.
A Simple Query Letter Template
Dear [Agent name],
I am seeking representation for [TITLE], a [genre] complete at [word count] words. I am querying you because [specific, genuine reason].
[Pitch paragraph one: character, situation, inciting incident.]
[Pitch paragraph two: central conflict, stakes, the choice the character faces.]
[TITLE] will appeal to readers of [comp title one] and [comp title two].
[Short bio.]
Per your guidelines, I have included [materials]. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Email, phone, website]
Follow the Agent’s Guidelines Exactly
Every agency publishes its own submission requirements. Some want the query in the body of an email with the first pages pasted below; others use an online form. Some want a synopsis, others do not. Following instructions is the easiest way to look professional, and ignoring them is one of the most common reasons queries are rejected unread.
Common Query Letter Mistakes
- Querying before the manuscript is finished. For fiction, the book should be complete and revised.
- Too long. A query that runs past one page is hard to read quickly.
- Vague pitches. “A story about love, loss, and finding yourself” could describe thousands of books. Specific details make yours memorable.
- Rhetorical questions. Opening with “What would you do if…” is a common cliché.
- Claims about future bestsellers or what friends and family thought of the book.
- Word counts far outside the norm for the genre without explanation.
- Typos and the wrong agent’s name.
How Many Agents Should You Query?
Many writers query in small batches, perhaps eight to twelve agents at a time, and use the responses to judge whether the letter is working. If a batch brings no requests for pages, revisit the query and opening pages before sending the next round. Tracking tools such as QueryTracker, a free database that lists agents and lets writers track their submissions, can help you stay organized.
After You Hit Send
Response times vary widely, and many agents do not reply to queries they are passing on. Check each agent’s stated policy. If an agent requests the full manuscript, send it promptly in the format they ask for. If an agent offers representation, let other agents who have your manuscript know so they have a chance to respond. For more on finding and vetting agents, see our guide on how to find a literary agent.
The Bottom Line
A good query letter is short, specific, and professional. Personalize it, pitch the heart of your book in a few vivid sentences, show where it fits in the market, introduce yourself briefly, and follow each agent’s guidelines to the letter. Revise it as carefully as your manuscript, and let the book’s strongest qualities speak for themselves.