The Query Letter

I don't know much (which I'm sure you've figured out by now;-D), but I've learned a little about the query letter.  In doing my research on literary agent blogs, I've come across a few important things I want to pass along.

I've blogged about this a little already.  Work on your query letter, putting as much effort into this concise, one-page pitch as you did your 400-page novel.  Make it appealing.  Find a way to show your voice.  Above all, be sure you use correct grammar.  This is your first impression and it's extremely important (I know, enough pressure already, right?).

All of the above is important information but not exactly why I'm writing this entry.  There are rules to querying just as there are to anything else.

1. Be respectful!
2. Address the agent by name.  In all the blog posts about queries I read, this is a consistent piece of advice.
3. Describe your plot.  It would seem this would be the first thing you would have in mind, but apparently it isn't for some people out there.  It could be they don't exactly understand the purpose of the query to begin with.  It's not to introduce you.  It's to introduce your novel.
4. Leave your name and alternate ways to reach you (phone, address, etc.).
5. Don't include sample pages unless directly asked for.
6. Have a finished product.  There are exceptions to this in nonfiction but that's an entirely different animal.

I realize I can go on and on and on.  I'm sure you don't want me to do that.  Especially not when you can read this stuff from people more knowledgeable than I.  If you haven't yet checked out Janet Reid's blog as well as that of her alter ego, Query Shark, do so now.  Right this minute!  Trust me, you'll thank me for it later.

Finally, and I think my most important piece of advice above all else here, read the websites of any agent you're interested in.  You will gather invaluable information there.  What they are looking for and how to query.  Not everyone is the same.  Again, trust me on this!  Good luck!