The query letter should be a single page and should follow specific guidelines. The ideal format includes single spacing and a twelve-point font size. Your query letter should also consist of four sections in its single page format: the hook, synopsis, the biography and the closing.
1. The Hook
The first section or paragraph of your query letter is the hook, which is your whole book compressed into a single sentence. Here, you will briefly introduce the most basic elements, like the character and the dilemma.
Take in mind that this sentence needs to give just the right quantity of information, but of course, not too much. More importantly, it needs to catch the attention of the reader and intrigue the reader to learn more about your book. This part of your query letter will determine if the agent or publisher will continue reading the remainder of your letter.
2. The Synopsis
The second part in your query letter -- or the synopsis -- lets you describe your manuscript in a whole paragraph instead of limiting yourself to one sentence. Here, you can expand more on some things that you have mentioned in the previous section.
You must mention certain aspects of the book such as its genre, word count and your understanding of the market (i.e. who would buy your book?). Show great demand in the market for your book and convince the literary agent or publisher that people are interested in buying and reading your book.
Examining successful books and not-so-successful books can help you explain how your book has potential to sell more copies than competing books in the marketplace.
3. The Biography
The third section is the easiest among all sections, because all you have to do is talk about yourself. You do not only have to sell your book, but as a writer, you must also sell yourself.
Do not hold back on your credentials. 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. Make sure to fit everything in one paragraph.
If this is your first book, and you do not have fancy awards or accomplishments, you do not have to worry. This means you are left with more space to talk about your book at a deeper level.
4. And finally, The Closing
The fourth and final paragraph is the closing paragraph. This is the portion in your query letter that you ask the agent or publisher for permission to send your manuscript. At the same time, you would also thank the agent or publisher for their time. Also, mention you are looking forward to hearing from them.
Remember to place your contact details -- your name, e-mail address, telephone or cell phone numbers- at the end of the paragraph.
This is a very basic and universally accepted format in writing a query letter. If this is your first time writing a query letter, then use this format. Many agents, editors and publishers do not prefer query letters that deviate from the universally accepted format.
The query letter can make or break your writing career -- it is about making the right impression. Keep this document simple yet impressive. Stimulate your readers' interest and make them beg for more of what you can offer. Most especially, be yourself in the best possible way you can.
