Perfecting Your Agent Query Letter Email: A Step-by-Step Guide
Source writeme.ai
An agent query letter is a critical component in the journey of an aspiring writer seeking representation for their work. It serves as the initial introduction between an author and a literary agent. The letter encapsulates the essence of the manuscript, showcasing its key features, target audience, and the author’s credentials.
Structure of an Agent Query Letter Email
A well-structured query letter email can increase your chances of landing a literary agent. Here’s a comprehensive guide:
Subject Line
* Keep it concise and attention-grabbing.
* Include your manuscript’s title and a brief hook.
Salutation
* Research and address the agent by name.
* If you don’t know their name, use “Dear Agent.”
Introduction
* Introduce yourself and your background.
* State that you wish to query your manuscript.
Manuscript Details
* Provide the manuscript’s title, genre, word count, and target audience.
* Include a brief synopsis of your story, highlighting the main conflict and resolution.
Why You and Your Manuscript Fit the Agent
* Explain why you believe your manuscript is a good fit for the agent’s interests and why they should represent you.
* Highlight any similarities between your work and books they have previously represented.
Research and Professionalism
* Demonstrate your research by mentioning the agent’s recent deals or clients.
* Show that you understand the industry and have taken the time to personalize your query.
Closing
* Thank the agent for their time and consideration.
* Express your hope that they will find your manuscript intriguing.
* Include a call to action, inviting them to request the full manuscript or schedule a meeting.
Formatting and Etiquette
* Use a professional font and font size.
* Double-space your letter.
* Keep your query to one page.
* Proofread carefully for any errors.
| Element | Content |
|---|---|
| Subject Line | Manuscript Title: Hook |
| Salutation | Dear Agent Lastname |
| Introduction | My name is [Your Name]. I am querying [Title], a [Genre] manuscript with [Word Count] words. |
| Manuscript Details | Synopsis that highlights the main conflict and resolution. |
| Fit for Agent | Explanation of why the manuscript is a good fit for the agent’s interests and their previous clients. |
| Research and Professionalism | Mention of the agent’s recent deals or clients. |
| Closing | Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope you find my manuscript intriguing and would like to read more. |
Sample Agent Query Letter Emails for Different Reasons
Reason 1: Querying a New Agent
Dear [Agent Name],
I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name] and I am a writer seeking representation for my debut novel, [Manuscript Title]. The manuscript is a [Genre] novel of approximately [Word Count] words.
- Logline: [Brief summary of the plot (1-2 sentences)]
- Synopsis: [More detailed synopsis (2-3 paragraphs)]
- Comp titles: [Similar books that would appeal to the same audience]
- Bio: [Short biography highlighting your writing experience and credentials]
I believe that [Manuscript Title]’s unique perspective and relatable characters will resonate with readers. I am confident that I have crafted a compelling story with strong writing and pacing.
I am eager to find an agent who shares my passion for this work and can help me bring it to a wider audience. I am available for a phone call or meeting at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reason 2: Following Up on a Query
Dear [Agent Name],
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to follow up on my query letter for [Manuscript Title], which I sent on [Date].
I understand that you are likely busy, but I would greatly appreciate any feedback you can provide. If you have not had the opportunity to review my query, please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist.
I am confident that [Manuscript Title] is a strong novel with the potential to connect with readers. I am eager to find an agent who can help me share this story with the world.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reason 3: Requesting a Revision
Dear [Agent Name],
I hope you are well. I am writing to request a revision to my query letter for [Manuscript Title], which you received on [Date].
After careful consideration, I have made some changes to the manuscript that I believe have strengthened the story. I have included these changes in the attached revised query letter.
I would be grateful if you could review the revised query and let me know if you have any further feedback or suggestions. I am confident that [Manuscript Title] has the potential to be a successful novel, and I am eager to find an agent who believes in its potential.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reason 4: Submitting a New Project
Dear [Agent Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to submit a query letter for my new manuscript, [New Manuscript Title]. I am a previous client of yours, having worked with you on [Previous Manuscript Title] in [Year].
My new manuscript is a [Genre] novel of approximately [Word Count] words. It is a departure from my previous work, but I believe it is equally engaging and impactful.
- Logline: [Brief summary of the plot (1-2 sentences)]
- Synopsis: [More detailed synopsis (2-3 paragraphs)]
- Comp titles: [Similar books that would appeal to the same audience]
I am eager to work with you again on this new project. I believe that your expertise and guidance will help me take this manuscript to the next level.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reason 5: Checking on Submission Status
Dear [Agent Name],
I hope you are having a productive day. I am writing to inquire about the status of my query letter for [Manuscript Title], which I sent on [Date].
I understand that you are likely busy, but I would appreciate any updates you can provide. If my query is still under review, please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist.
I am excited about the potential of [Manuscript Title] and I am eager to find an agent who can help me bring it to life. I believe that you are the right person to represent this novel and I am hopeful that you will find it as compelling as I do.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reason 6: Expressing Thanks After a Rejection
Dear [Agent Name],
I am writing to thank you for your time and consideration of my query letter for [Manuscript Title]. While I was disappointed to learn that you are not offering representation at this time, I appreciate the feedback you provided.
Your insights have been invaluable, and I will use them to improve my writing and future submissions. I am determined to find the right agent for [Manuscript Title], and I will continue to work hard to develop my craft.
I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Thank you again for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reason 7: Requesting Representation for a Non-Fiction Project
Dear [Agent Name],
I hope you are doing well. I am reaching out to you today to query my non-fiction book proposal, [Proposal Title]. I am an expert in [Topic] and have a unique and compelling perspective to share on this topic.
My book will be a [Format] of approximately [Word Count] words. It will cover the following key themes:
- [Theme 1]
- [Theme 2]
- [Theme 3]
I have conducted extensive research and have compiled a wealth of data and anecdotes to support my arguments. I am confident that [Proposal Title] will be a valuable resource for anyone interested in [Topic].
I am actively seeking an agent to help me bring this project to life. I believe that you have the expertise and connections to help me reach my target audience.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
What is an Agent Query Letter Email?
An agent query letter email is an email sent to a literary agent to introduce a writer’s work and to request the agent’s representation. The email typically includes:
- A brief introduction of the writer
- A logline or synopsis of the writer’s work
- A brief description of the writer’s target audience
- A call to action, asking the agent to request the full manuscript or to schedule a meeting
What is the Importance of a Query Letter Email?
A query letter email is important because it is the first impression that a writer will make on a literary agent. It is the writer’s chance to show the agent that their work is worth reading and that they are a professional and serious writer. A well-written query letter email can help a writer get their work noticed and can lead to a successful book deal.
What are Some Tips for Writing a Query Letter Email?
There are a few things that writers should keep in mind when writing a query letter email:
- Keep it brief: Literary agents are busy people, so they do not have time to read long emails. Keep your query letter email to around 250 words.
- Be clear and concise: Use clear and concise language to explain your work. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that the agent may not understand.
- Hook the agent: Start your query letter email with a strong hook that will grab the agent’s attention. This could be a surprising fact, a provocative question, or a compelling story.
- Showcase your writing skills: Make sure that your query letter email is well-written and free of errors. This will show the agent that you are a skilled writer who is serious about their craft.
Hey, thanks for hanging out with me while I walked you through the ins and outs of agent query letter emails. I know it’s a bit of a labyrinth, but hopefully you have a better sense of direction now. If you’re still feeling a little lost, don’t worry – this is just one part of the journey. Keep exploring, and you’ll get there eventually. In the meantime, feel free to swing by again if you need a refresher or have any other writing-related questions. I’m always happy to help.