Hey, busy writers! Happy New Year! Whether you’re still riding the high of finishing that manuscript or you’re just diving into your new year goals, it’s time to talk about something that might have you feeling a little anxious—the query letter. You know, the all-important letter you send out to literary agents when you’re looking for representation? But do you know how to craft a query that will make agents sit up and take notice?
Here are 5 secrets to crafting a query letter that will hook any agent’s attention:
1. A brilliant idea
Your story idea is the hook, the shiny lure that’s going to catch the agent’s attention in the first few sentences. You don’t just want something “good” – you need something great, something unique. Think of a high-concept plot that could easily be described in a single, punchy sentence. Is your main character solving a mystery while battling inner demons? Are they up against a world-shaking decision with everything to lose? Maybe your setting is unlike anything we’ve seen before. Whatever it is, make it stand out. Don’t forget to mention a few relevant comps (comparable titles) that have been published in the past 3-5 years. Aim for books that show you understand the market—nothing too big like Harry Potter or The Hunger Games. You want to show you’re writing something fresh, yet still commercially viable.
2. A clear story arc
Agents don’t have time to sift through a bunch of backstory or secondary character plots. They want to know what your book is about. Focus on your main character, their situation, and what happens from beginning to end. Keep it simple and direct. Outline the setup: who is your protagonist and what’s their goal? What’s standing in their way? Then give us a taste of the stakes—what happens if they fail? Bonus points if you tease the fatal flaw or wound your protagonist needs to overcome. Keep it tight, clear, and high-stakes.
3. A compelling cliffhanger
This is where things get tricky. A cliffhanger isn’t just a question like “Will they survive?” or “Can they stop the villain in time?” Instead, you want to present a problem that’s so intriguing, so urgent, that the agent can’t wait to read more. The key is leaving them wondering, “What happens next?” But here’s the kicker: Don’t use rhetorical questions. Instead, craft a moment or statement in your query that makes the agent think, “I have to know more about this character’s journey!” A cliffhanger could be a shocking reveal, an emotional decision, or an unexpected twist that ups the ante.
4. A strong voice
If you’ve spent hours (or years) perfecting your manuscript’s voice, don’t hide it behind a bland query letter! This is your chance to show off your unique writing style. Inject some of your character’s voice into the query if it’s a first-person POV. A protagonist with humor, snark, or vulnerability can shine through even in a few lines. In third-person queries, you can still convey your story’s tone. Is it dark and brooding? Quirky and light-hearted? Sarcastic and sharp? Let the agent get a taste of what it will feel like to read your book. Your query should stand out from the sea of dry, mechanical letters they’ve seen a million times.
5. A personal touch
Agents are people, too. That’s why you should always start your query with a personal touch. Mention why you’re reaching out to this agent. Did you meet them at a conference or event? Did you see that they’re currently interested in projects like yours? Agents want to feel like you’ve done your research and aren’t just blasting your query to every agent on the planet. And don’t forget to include a concise bio! Highlight why you’re the best person to write this book. Do you have a background in the industry? Are you writing from personal experience? Maybe you’ve been published elsewhere or have an MFA—whatever makes you the perfect fit for your book. Keep it short but compelling.
Conclusion
Your query letter is your first impression—a handshake, a job interview, a snapshot of your book and your writing. If you can’t nail it, you’re not likely to get a second glance. But if you sprinkle in these 5 elements, you’ll be on your way to writing a killer query that grabs agents’ attention and makes them want to read more of your work. So go ahead—take a deep breath, and get to writing!
But what about the rest of your submission package? Don’t worry—this is just the beginning! In the upcoming posts of our Querying Series, we’ll break down every critical element, from perfecting your pitch to mastering your synopsis and opening pages. Follow along and make sure your submission package is not only complete, but unforgettable!