Embrace Your Query Letter

Take a moment. Look around your office? How many piles are there at different stages, with hopes of getting to them at some point in time? With that in mind, just think what an editor’s desk might look like on any given day. He or she receives each day large quantities of manuscripts. They go into a series of many piles. Such as a short story, novel, freelance article, etc. Then there is a pile; no one likes to think about, the Rejection pile. Heaven forbid you ever get a Rejection letter; however, you won’t be the only person that has ever received one.

Now that I have your attention, think about the manuscript you’ve finished. You’re smiling, right? It’s your baby. You love it. You want the editor to love it as well. Make the best presentation you can. The editor’s time is valuable. They’re looking for a story, which will capture their attention. Your Query Letter is like an interview. Present in a positive way, the editor will want to read more.

Read everything you can about the publishing house and the editor you are submitting to. If you’ve met this editor before, give a short description of the time and place. Be sure the editor is still at this publishing house. Read their guidelines. Follow them to the letter. Don’t send a manuscript about children to an editor, if she doesn’t want a story about children. Be sure your story fits the guidelines for their publishing house. Don’t waste your valuable time and theirs. Editor’s may blog. This is an excellent way for you to get to know their likes and dislikes, as well as the style of writing they are interested in.

Convey enthusiasm for your story. Set the tone of your writing, using a strong element describing your story as a romance, comedy, suspense, etc. Know your story; tell it briefly. Introduce your hero and heroine. Describing the conflict and the black moment. Explaining the over all plot, in such a way, the editor will want to read more. A short summary is all that is required.

Keep your Query letter short, professional, single-spaced. Let the editor know the manuscript is completed, with a word count and the title of the manuscript. Be enthusiastic about your accomplishments. Let the editor know if you are already published. Contests you have placed in. Chapters you belong to, including the writer’s positions you’ve held. List if you belong to a critique group.

Tell the editor you appreciate their time and look forward to hearing from them soon.

End with the proper signature.SASE encl.

I’m listing a few websites that might help you.

Preditors and Editors is one site.
http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/pubagent.htm

www.charlottedillon.com/query.html

www.writing-world.com/basics/query.shtml

There are several more. Just Google “Query Letter/Writers”. I hope I’ve answered some of the questions you might have about writing a query letter. The best advice I can give you. Write what you know. Be true to yourself and continue to practice writing a Query Letter.


Sharon.