Your query letter is your first – and sometimes only – chance to grab a literary agent’s attention. But, how do you write a query letter that stands out from the crowd? A well-crafted query letter can make all the difference between landing a book deal and being lost in the slush pile. Whether you’re submitting a query letter for fiction, non-fiction, or even a memoir, you need a concise, engaging pitch that showcases your book’s hook and your writing credentials. Today at What We Writing, we’re breaking down how to write a query letter, including the essential structure, query letter examples, and common mistakes to avoid. You’ll also find a query letter template to help you craft a compelling pitch. By the end, you’ll know exactly what literary agents look for and how to get your book noticed. Ready to write your effective query letter? Let’s get going!
What Is A Query Letter?
A query letter is a one-page pitch that introduces your book to a literary agent or publisher. It serves as your first impression, highlighting your story’s hook, genre, and why your book is a great fit for the agent you’re querying.
The main aim of a query letter is simple: to get a literary agent interested enough to request more pages. Agents receive hundreds of queries, so yours needs to be concise, engaging, and professional.
A standard query letter format includes:
- A compelling hook to grab attention.
- A brief book summary (similar to a back-cover blurb).
- A short bio with relevant writing credentials.
Most successful query letters are between 250-400 words, keeping them sharp and to the point. In the next section, we’ll break down exactly what you need to feature in yours.
Essential Elements Of A Query Letter
A well-structured query letter follows a clear format that makes it easy for a literary agent to understand your book and your writing background quickly. Here are the most important features to include:
1. The Greeting
Always address the agent by name – never use “Dear Agent” or “To Whom It May Concern”. Personalisation shows that you’ve done your research. If possible, mention why you’re querying them specifically (e.g. “I saw in an interview that you mentioned you’re looking for atmospheric thrillers, and I believe my novel fits that description”).
2. The Hook (Opening Paragraph)
Your first sentence should immediately grab the agent’s attention. Think of it as a movie trailer – short, intriguing, and compelling. This can be:
- A one-line pitch (“What if you discovered your best friend was a murderer?”).
- A thematic question (“How far would you go to keep a deadly secret?”).
- A unique comparison (“My novel blends the suspense of Gone Girl with the atmospheric mystery of The Secret History.”).
3. The Book Summary (Body Paragraphs)
This is the heart of your query letter. Summarise your book in 3-5 sentences, similar to how a back-cover blurb might be presented. Focus on:
- The protagonist and their central conflict.
- The stakes – what happens if they fail?
- The genre and word count (e.g. “This 85,000-word psychological thriller…”).
Avoid too much detail or listing too many subplots – agents want a clear and concise pitch, not a full synopsis.
Check Out Our Guide On How To Write A Novel Synopsis
4. Your Credentials (Closing Paragraph)
If you have writing experience, publications, awards, or an MFA, mention them briefly. If not, don’t worry – just keep it professional. If your book has themes inspired by your background (e.g. a lawyer writing a legal thriller), this is a good place to highlight it.
5. The Sign-Off
End politely with a short, professional close:
- “Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response.”
- Include your name, email, and phone number (no need for a full address).
And that’s it! Keep it concise, engaging and professional, and you’ll have a solid query letter that stands out from the rest.
Query Letter Template (And Example)
Writing a query letter can feel overwhelming, but following a structured format makes it so much easier. Below is a simple template you can use, followed by a sample query letter for a fictional book.
Query Letter Template
[Your Name]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Agent Name]
[Agency Name]
[Agent’s Email]
Subject: Query: [Your Book Title] (Genre, Word Count)
Dear [Agent’s Name],
[Hook] – Open with a compelling sentence that immediately grabs attention.
[Book Summary] – In 3-5 sentences, introduce your protagonist, the central conflict, and the stakes involved. Keep it succinct and engaging.
[Your Credentials] – Mention relevant writing experience, publications, or background that connects to the book. If you have no credentials, keep this section brief and professional.
[Sign-Off] – Thank the agent for their time and consideration. Include your contact information again.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Query Letter
Jane Doe
(123) 456-7890
April 3, 2025
Emily Agent
Bright Literary Agency
Subject: Query: The Vanishing Hour (Psychological Thriller, 85,000 words)
Dear Ms. Agent,
What if the one person you trusted most disappeared – along with every memory of your past?
In my 85,000-word psychological thriller, The Vanishing Hour, 29-year-old Elise Carter wakes up in a hospital bed with no memory of the past six months. The only person who appears to know her is her fiancé, Daniel – but she has no recollection of ever meeting him. As Elise pieces together fragments of her past, she stumbles upon a chilling truth: someone has erased her memories, and Daniel may not be who he claims to be. With time running out, Elise must uncover the truth before she loses herself forever.
I am a freelance writer with short fiction published in Thrill & Chill Magazine. While this is my debut novel, my background in psychology has heavily influenced my exploration of memory and identity in this story.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Even the best book ideas can get overlooked if your query letter is poorly written. To increase your odds of success, avoid these common mistakes:
1. Being Too Vague or Generic
A query letter should immediately hook the agent and clearly convey your book’s premise. Avoid broad or generic descriptions like:
- “This is a story about love and loss.”
- Instead, be specific: “In a dystopian world where emotions are forbidden, a rebel scientist must choose between erasing her outlawed love or facing execution.”
2. Making It Too Long
A query letter should be between 250-400 words and take up no more than one page. Agents receive hundreds of queries, so long-winded letters are likely to be ignored. Get to the point quickly and keep your book summary concise.
3. Querying Multiple Agents in the Same Email (Without BCC)
Agents want to feel like you’ve chosen them for a reason, not that you’re sending a mass email. Personalise each query and follow the submission guidelines they outline. Never send a bulk email with multiple agents cc’d in – this is a surefire way of being rejected.
4. Overhyping Yourself
Comparing your book to bestsellers can definitely backfire. Saying “This is the next Harry Potter!” or “This will be a NYT bestseller!” comes across as amateurish. Instead, let your book do the talking for you. If you do compare, use measured, genre-specific comps like:
“This novel blends the dark gothic suspense of Emma with the psychological tension of The Silence of the Lambs.”
Avoid these common pitfalls, and you’ll be well on your way to crafting a polished, professional query letter that stands out for all the right reasons.
What to Do After Sending Your Query
Once you’ve sent your query letter, the waiting game begins. Here’s what to expect and how to handle different outcomes.
1. How Long to Wait Before Following Up
Most literary agents will list their typical response times on their websites, usually between 2 to 12 weeks. If the agent states, “No response means no,” it’s best to assume they’ve passed after the stated timeframe. If an agent does allow follow-ups, wait at least 8 weeks before politely checking in. Keep it professional, though:
Subject: Query Follow-Up: [Your Book Title]
Dear [Agent’s Name],
I wanted to follow up with you regarding my query for [Book Title], which I sent on [date]. I understand you receive many submissions, but I wanted to check if my query was still under consideration.
Thank you for your time!
Best,
[Your Name]
2. Handling Rejections and Learning from Feedback
Sadly, rejections are a normal part of the querying process – even bestselling authors have faced them. If you receive a form rejection (generic response), it likely means that your query didn’t resonate with the agent. If you receive a personalised rejection, take note of any feedback, as it might help improve your query or manuscript.
If you’re getting no requests at all, consider revising or rewriting your query letter. Sometimes, a stronger hook or clearer stakes can make all the difference.
3. What to Do If You Get a Partial or Full Manuscript Request
If an agent requests a partial or full manuscript, congratulations! This means your query has caught their attention. Here’s what to do next:
- Send exactly what they requested. If they ask for the first 50 pages, do not send them the whole manuscript.
- Format your manuscript properly. Use Times New Roman, 12pt font, double-spaced unless they specify otherwise.
- Be patient. Agents can take weeks or even months to read requested materials. Avoid following up too soon – wait at least 12 weeks before checking back in.
If an agent passes after reading your manuscript, don’t be discouraged. Some may offer feedback, which can be incredibly valuable for revisions. Keep querying and improving – you only need one yes to land representation!
Wrap Up
Writing a query letter may feel daunting, but with the right structure, a compelling pitch, and a professional tone, you can widen your odds of success and grab an agent’s attention. Now that you know how to write an effective query letter, it’s time to send yours out!
Remember, the key to success is persistence. If you don’t get requests right away, don’t be discouraged – keep refining your query, researching agents, and submitting. Every rejection brings you one step closer to the right opportunity.
Have you ever written a query letter before? Share your experiences in the comments below! Whether you’re sending your first query or revising one, let’s discuss together. Good luck, and happy querying!
James has been passionate about storytelling ever since he could hold a pen. Inspired by the epic fantasy and historical dramas he devoured in his youth, his work now centers on dark, psychological tales featuring intense, introspective characters and atmospheric, gothic undertones. In 2025, he founded What We Writing to share his creative journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way with fellow writers and passionate storytellers.
