A Sample Query Letter

Ever wondered how to write a successful querychange her fate and do the opposite of what
letter? You may see a lot of advice on how toinstinct tells her. A series of catastrophic events
write such a letter, but may still need some helpsoon follows, putting her back in the arms of
in getting a visual image of how one should look.David and estranged from the affections of
Take the following query letter as a visualMatthew. Meannwhile, (misspelled word, will
example and heed some cautions in thedefinitely count against you) Athena fixates on a
parenthesis, which are common errors made bypoisonous spider wondering why it is indestructible
new writers.and why it seems to taunt her when tragedy
SAMPLE QUERY LETTERensues. (Bizarre plot to say the least, but a good
Pen Wrightidea to tell it in present tense. This adds much
123321 Published Blvd.more excitement than a past-tense summary.
Los Angeles, California 90089-9021Some agents/editors will recommend that you
July 11, 2008resolve the story in the query letter. This is left
Submissions Editor (It is best to get a personalup to your discretion, but make sure it is
name instead of a job description)captivating).
Mundane PublishingThe completed manuscript is available upon
10000 Cliché St.request. (Good idea to stress that it is completed,
New York, NY 10003though most editors assume this much. Do not
Dear Sir: (Unless the agent/editor is a woman,state that it's nearly completed; make sure it's
which is always best as it shows you've donethoroughly written and proofread before
your research)submitting!)
Hello. I am a writer and novelist and am interestedA SASE is included for your convenience. (Always
in your publishing house. (Sentence is alreadyinclude SASE if you want a reply)
understood and unnecessary) What if you wereI have been a writer all my life and enjoy writing
torn between two lovers, one simple and sweetfiction. (Irrelevant) I have had 10 books
and the other brilliant but troubled?self-published over the past five years. (Do not
(Clichéd, though the "what if" is a goodmention self-published or vanity-published titles
introduction) What if you knew years in advanceunless you can prove they have had some
exactly how your life would turn out as well asremarkable sales. E-Magazines might also be met
the fates of both of these paramours? Wouldwith some skepticism) I was also voted "most
you try and follow your heart or change yourcreative personality in my school's writing
destiny? (Nice use of recurring personal questions)program. (Do not mention any honors or contests
What if a poisonous spider was to blame for allunless you know it is a recognized achievement)
your life's troubles? (Awkward. Don't start with aThank you for your consideration. I really
cliché and add a bizarre, out-of-nowhereappreciate you giving this opportunity to new
twist to remedy it)writers. I've always loved your work and
These are the questions Athena Linworth mustappreciate you taking the time to do this.
resolve in my novel, "Web Of Love." (A good ideaHopefully, we can publish this book! (Really lame,
to keep the reader guessing) Athena alwaystry not to brownnose beyond just a sentence. A
knew what her future would be from portentoussimple thank you is usually enough)
dreams and disturbing hallucinations. She knew oneI look forward to hearing from you soon. (This is
day she would marry David Ravett and break thefine, since it shows you have a time limit in mind,
heart of Matthew Porte.but assume the agent/editor will respond within
Despairing at her planned future, she decides tothe standard 1-4 months.