Hi everyone
Does anyone have any advice on writing a good query letter? Whilst waiting for some editing feedback on my MS I thought I'd work on my query letter and synopsis. I'm happy with my synopsis but not too sure about my query letter. Maybe I could post it and get some feedback if someone/ people wouldn't mind having a look, but I don't have access to my laptop right now.
Also, how much does a query letter matter? Can it put an agent off if the MS is good enough?
Thanks
Thanks Emilie.
Thanks Adrian, that's pretty much the formula I've followed
It is important to remember that in your cover letter you should be informative and never chatty. This is a business correspondence, not a letter to your dear old aunt.
Whether you are writing to a literary agent or an editor, most letters follow this simple three-paragraph formula, but no more than 4 paragraphs maximum.
Paragraph One: Introduction and Summary of Work
PROFESSIONAL LETTERHEAD
Ima Storyteller. Followed by your address.
Dear (Name of Specific Agent or Editor):
I would like to submit my manuscript, (Title of Novel), to your agency.
(Title of Novel) is a story about (two or three sentences of summary, no more). In ways, it is similar to other books recently published, such as (Book Titles).
Paragraph Two: All About You.
Paragraph Three: Contact Number and Closing
Thank you again for reading my work. Please, feel free to call me at home: (123) 456-7890.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely, Ima Storyteller.
Q: Can it put an agent off if the MS is good enough?
A: It certainly can. If you act like some of the silly, irresponsible users of this site, any agent with a bit of sense will avoid you like the plague.
Some agents won't even bother opening your ms document (or reading the first line, if sent as a paper ms) unless their interest has been awakened by your covering letter.