How To Write A Query Letter Literary Agents Actually Read (With Examples) 

A query letter is a one-page pitch that introduces your book to a literary agent and convinces them to read your work. Sadly for us writers, the majority of query letters are rejected within seconds – not because the writing is bad, but because the letter is unclear, unfocused, or missing crucial information agents are expecting to find. Today at What We Writing, we’re breaking down exactly how to write a query letter agents will actually read. Below, you’ll find clear, step-by-step advice, effective query letter examples, a simple fill-in-the-blank template, and the most common mistakes agents claim lead to instant rejections – so you can submit with confidence.

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What Is A Query Letter? 

A query letter is a one-page professional pitch sent to a literary agent that introduces your book, showcases its premise and marketability, and asks the agent to consider representing you. 

Query letters are primarily used by novelists, memoirists, and some nonfiction writers who are looking to go down the traditional publishing path. They are typically sent via email or submitted via forms, and act as your first impression – often determining whether an agent requests pages or rejects the project. 

A query letter is not a full synopsis, a back-cover blurb, or a writing resume. Rather, it is a snappy, targeted introduction that clearly explains what your book is all about, who it is for, and why it should belong in the current market. 

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Check Out Our Guide On How To Write A Synopsis

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What Literary Agents Look For In A Query Letter 

Literary agents read query letters frightfully quickly, often choosing within just a handful of lines whether or not to continue reading. Whilst preferences naturally change, most agents are looking for the same core signals: 

• A strong hook
  Your opening should clearly introduce the protagonist, central conflict, and stakes without sounding vague or too gimmicky. Agents need to understand the story fast – not decode it. 
• A clear genre and word count
  Stating your genre and approximate word count shows you understand industry norms and have positioned your book appropriately for the market. 
• A professional, polished tone
  A strong query letter is concise, polished, and respectful. Avoid overselling, apologies, or sounding unsure about your work. 
• Proof you understand the market
  Referencing any books similar to yours shows that your book fits within the current publishing landscape and that you know where it belongs on the shelf. 

Together, these elements combine to reassure agents that you aren’t only a good writer – you’re a prepared one. 

The Perfect Query Letter Format (Step-By-Step) 

A strong query letter follows a clear, industry-standard format. While agents aren’t expecting perfection from you, they do expect clarity. Every section of your letter has a role to play – and skipping or bungling any of them can cost you a request. 

1. The Opening Hook (With Examples) 

A good query letter hook quickly establishes who the story is about, what they want, and what stands in their way. It should be specific, grounded, and easy to visualise. 

Good hook example:

When a failed journalist happens upon evidence linking his sister to a decades-old murder, he must choose whether exposing the truth is worth destroying what remains of her family.

Bad hook example: 

This is a gripping, emotional story about love, loss, and secrets that will keep readers turning the page. 

The first tells us what happens. The second tells how to feel – which most agents will ignore. 

2. The Story Pitch (The “Back-Cover” Paragraph) 

This is the heart of your query letter. Think of it as a short, focused version of back-cover copy. 

A strong story pitch introduces: 

• The protagonist: Who the story follows
• The central conflict: What problem do they encounter
• The stakes: What they stand to lose if they fail 

Stick to the main plotline and main character only. Avoid any subplots, worldbuilding details, or explaining the ending. Agents want to see narrative momentum – not a summary of everything that happens. 

3. Comparable Titles (How to Choose Them) 

Comparable titles (“comps”) show agents where your book sits in the current market. 

• Why comps matter: They signal genre, tone, and audience at a glance. 
• How old is too old: Aim for a book published within the last 3-5 years. Older classics can work only if they’re paired with something more recent. 
• How many to include: 1-3 titles is perfect. 

Strong comp examples: 

• For fans of The Silent Patient and The Push. 
• Blending the atmosphere of Mexican Gothic with the small-town tension of Sharp Objects. 
• Perfect for readers who enjoyed The Night House and A Flicker in the Dark. 

4. The Author Bio (What Agents Actually Care About) 

Your author bio should be brief and relevant. 

• Credentials matter if you have publishing credits, professional expertise related to the book, or a platform for nonfiction. 
• Credentials don’t matter if they’re unrelated – it’s okay to keep things simple. 

Simple bio formula:

I am a [job/background], and this is my first novel. I live in [location].

That’s plenty. Allow your story to do the talking. 

5. The Closing Paragraph 

Finish your query letter precisely and professionally. 

• Thank the agent for their time
• Mention that you’ve included pages or materials per their submission guidelines (always check these!)
• Sign off with your name

A clean, confident closing reinforces that you’re familiar with the process and, more importantly, aware of the agents’ workload. 

Full Query Letter Template 

Use this fill-in-the-blank query letter template below to draft your own submission. This format follows standard literary agent expectations and works for most fiction projects. 

Subject line (if emailing)

Query: [BOOK TITLE] ([GENRE]), ([WORD COUNT])

Dear [Agent Name],

I’m querying you because you represent [type of books/genres], and I believe my novel would be a good fit for your list. My novel, [BOOK TITLE], is a [word count]-word [genre].

[Opening hook: Introduce your protagonist, the central conflict, and the core stakes in 1-2 sentences.]

[Story pitch: Expand slightly on the main conflict and consequences, keeping the focus on one protagonist and the primary plotline. Avoid subplots and the ending.]

[BOOK TITLE] will appeal to readers of [Comparable Title #1] and [Comparable Title #2].

[Author bio: Brief and relevant. Mention any writing credits, professional experience related to the book, or keep it simple if this is your debut.]

Thank you for your time and consideration. Per your submission guidelines, I’ve included [requested materials]. 

Best regards,

[Your Name]

How to Use This Template

• Personalise each query letter for the agent you’re submitting to
• Keep the entire letter to one page (about 250-350 words)
• Follow the agent’s submission instructions exactly 

Final Checklist Before You Hit Send 

Before submitting your query letter, run through this final checklist to avoid common – and easily preventable – mistakes. 

• Formatting
• The letter fits on one page (roughly 250-350 words)
• Standard font and spacing (no unusual formatting) 
• Title, genre, and word count are all clearly stated
• Proofreading 
• No spelling or grammatical errors
• Consistent tense and character names
• Clean, polished sentence structure
• Agent Personalisation  
• The agent’s name is spelt correctly
• Personalisation is specific and relevant, rather than generic 
• The book genuinely fits the agent’s wishlist 
• Submission Guidelines 
• Required materials are provided (pages, synopsis, etc.) 
• Subject line follows the agent’s instructions
• Attachments and file formats are correct 

A final, careful review can make all the difference between a rejection and a request – not because it makes your book better, but rather because it removes the reasons why an agent may say no. 

What Agents Say Makes Them Keep Reading 

Whilst every agent has their own preferences, industry insiders often share common themes about what grabs – and holds – their attention in a query letter. Understanding these can give your submission a serious advantage. 

• Stay strong and stay concise 
  Agents read hundreds of queries each week. A clear, compelling opening hook can make the difference between “read more” and “delete.”
• Show you know the market 
  Agents appreciate when authors reference relevant comparable titles or demonstrate awareness of their book’s genre and audience. It signals professionalism and preparation.
• Focus on one story, one protagonist
  Letters that try to cover too many subplots or characters lose readers quickly. Agents much prefer a more concise, more focused pitch.
• Professionalism matters
  Polished grammar, proper formatting, and a respectful tone might seem obvious, but these elements reinforce that you’re someone to be taken seriously.
• Avoid cliches and over-hyping
  Overly dramatic language, vague descriptions, or repeated claims of this being the best book ever written off turn agents off. Substance beats hype every time. 

By keeping these insights in mind, you can craft a query letter that not only meets expectations but also sticks out in a crowded inbox, increasing your odds of a request for pages.