I recently completed an editing job on an action/adventure novel by a first time author. When I handed over the manuscript, his first question was, now what do I do? The answer is, write a query letter.

A query letter is a formal letter sent by a writer to literary agents, editors, or publishing houses. This is a way for writers to propose their ideas. If you are a writer who aspires to get your work published, then getting this right is vital. After all, literary agents and publishers get their first impression of you and your book from this document.

Query letters should be limited to a single page and follow specific guidelines. The ideal format includes single spacing and a twelve-point font size. Your query letter would also consist of four sections in its single page format: the hook, synopsis, biography, and closing.

The Hook

The first section or paragraph of your letter is the hook, which is basically your whole book compressed into a single sentence. Briefly introduce the most basic elements, like the character and the dilemma.

You’ll likely spend more time on the hook than on the rest of the document. This sentence needs to give just the right quantity of information. More importantly, it must grab the agent by the lapels and intrigue him or her to learn more about your book. This part of your letter will determine whether or not the rest of your query letter gets read.

The Synopsis

The second part in your letter is where you are given the chance to describe your manuscript in a whole paragraph instead of limiting yourself in just one sentence. Here you can expand on what you mentioned in the previous section. Now is the time to focus on certain aspects of the book such as its genre, word count, and even your understanding of its audience. If you are querying a non-fiction book, you must be able to show that there is a demand in the market for your book and convince your reader (whether it is a literary agent or a publisher) that there are people who will be interested in buying and reading your book. If your book is part of a series, or has the potential to be the first in a series, be sure to mention it here and explain why the story is marketable as a series.

The Biography

The third section is the easiest since all you have to do is talk about yourself. Remember that you do not only have to sell your book, but as a writer you must also sell yourself.

In this part, mention any awards and achievements as well as experience you have in writing and publishing. It is also important to mention any prior published works you may have.

Do not hold back on your credentials and if you have an impressive record in writing then make sure you show your editor or agent that you have all the skills and experience in the world. Just make sure that you are able to fit everything into one paragraph.

If this is your first book, however, and if you do not have a lot of fancy awards or accomplishments to talk about, don’t worry about it. This just means that you are left with more space to talk about your book at a deeper level.

The Closing

The fourth and final paragraph is the closing paragraph. This is the portion in your letter where you ask the agent or editor for permission to send your manuscript. At the same time, you would also be giving out your thanks for the time that they took to review your query. Also do not forget to mention that you are looking forward to hearing from them.

It is also important that you remember to place your contact details: your name, e-mail address, and telephone or cell phone numbers at the end of the paragraph.

This is a very basic and universally accepted format in writing your query. If this is your first time writing such a letter, it would be safest to follow this format. After all, most agents, editors, and publishers don’t like surprises. Be respectful of their time and they will appreciate you for it.

The truth is, your querying style can make or break your writing career. It’s all about making the right impression. Take your time with this important document. Have family, friends, or your critique partners read it over before you send it out. Give your query letter the time and attention it deserves and you will be well on your way.

Happy Writing!

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