Which query letters make a good first impression? I asked this question to Jennifer Manguera, an office manager for a literary agency. Reading query letters is one of her responsibilities. She’s usually the first to read them, deciding which ones are passed on to the literary assistant or agent. Manguera said that a clean, error-free letter is more important than one would think. And you know how you hate getting form letters? She feels the same way and finds it a “nice touch” when a query is personalized. Here are a few more points Manguera made:
Do Your Homework
Be familiar with the books and authors the agency represents. An easy way to find the information is by visiting the agent’s website. Another way is to use the Search Inside the Book ™ service found on Amazon.com because many authors mention their agent in the dedication page.
Provide Credentials
Explain why you are the best person to write this book. This includes writing credits, contest wins and any pertinent expertise. People won’t read a long list of awards and credits, so hit the highlights.
Just the Facts
Give the basic, necessary information in the query letter. Do not send a mock-up of the cover you want or a marketing plan for your book. While these added features show initiative, it also shows a lack of awareness on how the industry works.
Don’t Brag
Too many writers tout themselves as “the next Nora Roberts”. If your work has a similar style or theme like a best-selling author, then say, “My work will appeal to those who read Nora Roberts”.
Overall, the author must show knowledge of her work, her genre, the publishing industry and the agent she is contacting. All of these elements will get the query past the first reading.
This article first appeared in Cata-Romance.
