How to Stand Out With a Killer Query Letter
I recently wrote advice at Wild Hunt Books for writing a query letter that will hook from the get go.
One of the hardest parts of writing a novel is actually putting together your submission package. Generally, this includes your manuscript or manuscript sample, synopsis and query letter.
When reading for Wild Hunt Books, the first thing we look at is the query letter. It’s your way to introduce yourself to us and also your work. We have a fondness for succinct and clear queries that keep it to one page max (please don’t include 4 pages of theatre credits or your unrelated novel project you hope we’d be interested in, too). Also, it's always prudent to tailor your letter to the publisher your submitting to, i.e., what are their guidelines?
Below are our suggestions for composing a stellar query letter that also conforms to industry standards.
Dear FIRST NAME,
Short intro paragraph
Logline (optional)
1-2 short paragraphs about the plot
A brief note about you
Best regards,
YOUR NAME
*
Short intro paragraph: This should include the name of your novel in all caps, what you’re providing, genre, word count and comparable titles in the market that have been released in the past 5 years, e.g., Thank you for reading {the first three chapters, 50 pages, entire manuscript} and one-page synopsis of my time slip 85,000 word novel, THE BEST OF TIMES. Comp titles.
Logline: This is an optional point but a logline can help tease and get at the core of what your book is about, e.g., When a British PhD student goes missing in the Alaskan wilderness, a young journalist pieces together clues to find the true reason for the student’s disappearance. (Bear Season by Gemma Fairclough, Wild Hunt Books 2023).
Plot Paragraph(s): This will be slightly different from your synopsis but the info does overlap. You want to provide your main character’s name in all caps, what’s happening to lead to the world of the novel being upended, and how the character(s) overcome the narrative, i.e, the character(s), the setting, the plot’s premise and pay off; you can also include the mood, for example, if it’s a humourous time slip novel, you can add info here to convey this.
A brief note about you: This should be only a few sentences. Information in this sign off section can include what’s unique about your book, why you wrote it and if you have any specialist expertise, writing awards or if this book is part of a series. Keep it short.
*
EXTRAS
Comp titles: These are books that you can name that have similar vibes, are within your genre or inspirational to the novel. The idea is to give a quick and easy way for the person reading an idea of the vibes of your book but also where it could sit in the market. Some standard ways to include this info is: If X meets Y or in the vein of X with the fantasy elements of Y. (NB, you can also include zeitgeisty films and television series with your comps).
Addressing the reader: Use first names. Mr, Mrs, Ms, etc. is old-fashioned and outdated, and you will look out of touch with the industry. Also, you’ll be assuming someone’s title.
BEST OF LUCK WITH YOUR QUERYING JOURNEY!
Read More: How to Write the Best One-Page Synopsis