How to Write a Query Letter (Examples + Free Template)

• Feb 29, 2024
• 7 min read

• Tags: Fiction, Nonfiction, Novel, Traditional Publishing, Writing Tips

Want to create a query letter that stands out? In this article, we’ve explained the basics of writing a query letter with simple steps. From how to start a query letter to which elements to include, we’ve covered everything!  

We’ve also added good query letter examples and a template for you. Good literary agents receive thousands of queries daily, so it’s important to spare no effort to create one. So without further delay, let’s begin! 

How to write a query letter in 6 easy steps 

Use an active and vibrant voice while writing a query letter for a novel/non-fiction book. Follow these steps to create the perfect query letter! 

1. Address the literary agent 

Begin with a friendly greeting starting with Dear, followed by the agent’s name. For example, “Dear Rachel”. 

2. Write a strong opening  

You can start with an intriguing question or a shocking, thought-provoking statement. This statement/question should be directly relevant to the book’s content/themes. 

Some other strategies to do this are: Highlighting an unexplored theme, an engaging plot twist, an impactful quote, a catchy dialogue, or an anecdote. (Alternatively, you can also start by mentioning the book’s title, word count, and genre). 

3. Create a compelling book description 

Introduce the readers to the book’s protagonist, setting, the main conflict/high stakes. Describe the book’s strengths and what makes it unique (new themes, a twist on common themes, interesting character choices, or unforgettable/unconventional fictional characters) 

If it’s a nonfiction book, write how it will be useful for readers in the book description. 

4. Personalize your book pitch for impact 

Research the top literary agents in your genre and their requirements. If you’ve met them/someone recommended the agent, you can write this. Basically, explain why you’re writing them a query letter. 

Link your work to their interests. For example, if they’re looking for children’s book submissions and you’ve written one, mention this. If there are similarities in terms of background, or shared experiences, highlight this fact. 

5. Add a brief, engaging author bio 

Write a short bio of 2-5 sentences. If you’ve written any books, add them to the author bio. If your book is inspired by real-life events, write this fact. 

Some other strategies for writing a strong bio are: 

• List any press coverage/speaking engagements/ writing communities you’ve been part of. 
• If you’ve received any awards/grants for your writing, mention this. 
• For non-fiction books, write how your background is relevant to the book’s subject matter. 

6. Conclude your query letter

The conclusion should ideally be 1-2 sentences and not very long. Express enthusiasm and confidence about the book’s potential. 

You can also tactfully request the next step such as asking for the manuscript sample pages, a full manuscript request, or a meeting to discuss further (optional). Also, thank the agent for their time. After this, add your contact information so that the agent can reach out if interested. 

7. Thoroughly edit and proofread 

Once you’re done writing, check the query letter for any word choice, spelling, and grammatical errors. You’ll also need to remove extra, unnecessary words for optimum length. Wondering how long should a query letter be? The answer is 150-250 words. 

You can also have your query letter reviewed by the best editing services. 

Want to read examples of good query letters? Browse through our next section! 

Best query letter examples  

Browse through the top 2 sample query letters to literary agents to write your own! Both query letter samples demonstrate the basic format for querying agents. 

1. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak 

Now let us see the next sample query letter for a literary agent. 

2. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green 

Please note: The contact details for the authors given are fictional and only for demonstrating the query letter format. 

This sample query level for the novel The Fault in Our Stars demonstrates how to strongly pitch a book. Inspired by this sample query letter to a literary agent? Let’s see a query letter template to help you write one! 

Query letter template 

This template includes all basic elements such as the book description, author’s bio, and more. Whether you’re writing a novel query letter or a non-fiction query letter, this template will help! 

This article clearly highlights what is a query letter. After understanding how to write a query letter for a literary agent, you can start brainstorming to create one. However, we’ll be honest: Writing a query letter isn’t easy and it’s best to hire professionals to do so. 

At PaperTrue, our expert team can create the perfect query letter. This will enable you to send well-edited query letters to publishers/agents. With this, we also provide professional editing and proofreading services for your book. 

How did you find this article about writing query letters? Do you have any additional tips for writing query letters? Let us know in the comments section! 

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Priya

Priya has a talent for academic research and enjoys simplifying complex topics. When she's not helping students improve their writing, she can be seen reading poetry, playing the harmonium, or learning classical dance.