Query Letters Made Easy ... with a Jackson 5 song?
Finding a literary agent can almost feel like searching for the elusive one through an online dating service, but once you’ve located an agency whose professional profile strikes your fancy, it is up to you to make the next move … by sending them your query letter. Writing query letters are the bane of virtually every aspiring author’s existence, but what if the lyrics of an old Jackson 5 song could simplify the task?
"ABC" is wellknown for its bouncy beat and catchy lyrics (who could forget A-B-C, easy as 1-2-3?), but now we can use that memorable hook to assist us with query letters! How, you ask? As a young Michael once sang, "Come on, come on, come on. Let me show you what it's all about!"
We'll begin with "A". Every query letter starts with a greeting, and it's perfectly fine to use the basic standard: Dear Mr./Mrs. so-and-so. You can even use Hello as opposed to Dear. The only true no-no in regards to professional salutations is referring to the agent by their first name. Unless it is noted on the agency's website that it's okay to address an agent by their first name, don't. Why? It's very simple. You don't know these people to be on a first name basis with them; you are trying to get to know them just as they are trying to get to know you, and your query letter (from the beginning to the end of it) is your introduction. It is your hi and bye, the tone of your voice, the grip of your handshake, and your body language at first meet. First impressions are important so it is best to begin on a respectful note and make sure you represent yourself/your personality well.
The "B" of "ABC" stands for be brief, or better yet, breif summary of novel otherwise known as your synopsis. If your manuscript is finished, and it should be if you're sending out query letters, you should have a synopsis together. If not, take this time to do so because the opening paragraph of your query should be your synopsis, a short hook describing your novel.
"C" is for compare. The next paragraph of your query letter should reveal the title of your manuscript, the word count, the genre, and a comparison of it to two other books in that genre. Typically, you want to mention newer novels, ones that have been released in the past three years or so because their successes are still fresh on agents minds. If you haven't been keeping an eye on book trends in your genre (or the genre you feel your novel is geared towards), don't fret! Check the best sellers list, read the synopsis of books that catch your eye, and see which ones have the most similarity to yours. Remember, you don't need to find an exact replica of your book, just one that is similar.
Now, let's move on to the easy as 1-2-3 line. The number "1" applies to your one introduction. Within the same paragraph as your comparisons, tell the agent about yourself: who you are, what you've done, awards you've won, your features in magazines, any interviews you've done, whether or not you've met them before or have been referred to them, and anything else that helps show off your accomplishments, abilities, and potential. If you don't have any accomplishments that pertain to the literary world, that's okay. Really! Just highlight your personal positives, your other endeavors. For example, if you worked in television, mention it. If you're a veteran, mention that. If you're a housewife or a college freshman or a high school student or even a retiree, mention that. This is your one chance to gloat about yourself. Make it brief, and make it count.
"2" counts for a two-step, samples and closures. Some agents will ask you for a sample of your work. The sample can be anywhere from the first 5 pages to the first 50 pages to the first 10,000 words to the first chapter to the first 3 chapters and even the full manuscript. This is why it is necessary for you to have a full manuscript. Note that you've included the sample they've requested in whatever form they requested it in (for email queries, they will ask that you either send it as an attachment or place the sample in the body of the email beneath your query letter). Then, thank the agent for their time and let them know that you are looking forward to hearing from them.
Finally, we've come to the last element of your letter, the "3". After you've signed your name, leave your phone number, address, and website within your signature. If you don't have a website, you can look into website builders like godaddy.com, weebly.com, and (my personal favorite) wix.com. They are very easy to use, fun to do, and what's more is you can add graphic designer/website creator to your resume!
So, the next time you come across the task of having to write a query letter, remember little Michael Jackson and his brothers singing "A-B-C, easy as 1-2-3" (or let the song play in the background while you write) and it won't feel like so much of a burden. Not only will writing your query be fun, it will be easy and very effective.
Below, I've included a query letter of mine that has generated a lot of positive feedback. I hope you'll be able to see how the "A-B-C, 1-2-3" method is applied.
Happy writing!
Love,
Stashia ♥
P.S. This query letter mentions that a sample is included, however I don't have it shown for you. The reason why is because it is a sneak peek to my upcoming novel, "The Florist," which I plan to share with you very soon. Keep your eyes peeled, fellow story lovers/storytellers!
Dear, Ms. ______:
A wave of poetic murders has the small town of Nolan, Louisiana living in fear. Outspoken college student Capri Winters is devastated to find that her roommate/best friend (Nia Woodruff) has been murdered. After the compassionate detective (Mel Perrin) reveals that a serial killer known as "The Florist" may be responsible, she reveals a secret of her own: The Florist killed her parents 10 years prior. Capri's aggressive yet credible plea to work the case, and the likelihood that she is in danger, forces her into the protection of Mel's home where their mutual attraction is hard to ignore. When the hunt for one killer becomes a search for two, Capri and Mel unravel a twisted tale of corruption and suspicion solving the mystery of The Florist once and for all.
The Florist is a romantic suspense finishing at 56,496 words. It is a comparative blend of The Collector by Nora Roberts and Kiss Me by Susan Mallery. I am an award-winning former broadcast journalist, graphic designer, entrepreneur and published author. After the publication of my poem “My Generation” in the November 2003 edition of Vibe Magazine, my first novel Jupitervale went to print in 2004. Since then, I’ve authored 3 other novels, 1 novella, and 3 books of poetry.
I've included the first 3 chapters for your consideration. Thank you very much for your time. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Stashia Barnabá
Address
Phone number
http://sbarnaba.wix.com/stashiabarnaba
http://sbarnaba.wix.com/olivehoneypublications