Writing Tip: Tips for a good query letter

When publishers and agents read a query letter, they are too busy to have to spend time getting used to a unique format or fancy font. So, as a new writer, the format for the submission/query letter that you send to a publisher, producer or agent should be very basic. It should be single spaced, one-inch margins on top, bottom and sides. It should be written in a simple, non-fancy, number 12 font.

1. Tell the name of your manuscript and identify it as to: Fiction, Non/fiction, Fictionalized Non or Fiction. Give word-count length, actual or estimated.

2. Tell why you wrote this book. Give your background as it applies o this book, if applicable.

3. Tell about your background.

4. Give any writing experience (classes, etc.) and/or previous publishing of any kind.

5. In one sentence, tell the theme of your book. In a very few sentences the plot and name at least 2 main characters. Tell when and where the story takes place.

6. Say you will be glad to submit additional material if interested.

7. If you are submitting your material to several publishers at the same time, do this only to publishers who indicate in the Writer's Market that they "accept simultaneous submissions.

8. The format for the submission/query letter that you send to a publisher, producer or agent should be single spaced, one-inch margins on top, bottom and sides. It should be written in a simple, non-fancy, number 12 font.

9. If at all possible, the query letter and the synopsis should be one page each.

10. NEVER, address your query letter, submission to the general - To Whom It May Concern. Either find out who the person is, or do not waste your time, effort and stamps. Contact information can be found in Writer's Market.