Effective Query Letter Samples: Get Your Work Noticed!

Crafting a Compelling Query Letter: Your First Impression

A query letter is your initial introduction to a literary agent or publisher. It’s a brief, professional sales pitch designed to pique their interest in your manuscript. A well-crafted query letter can be the key to securing representation or getting your book considered. This article provides 17 diverse query letter samples to inspire and guide you in crafting your own effective query.

Essential Elements of a Successful Query Letter

A strong query letter typically includes: a personalized greeting, a hook that grabs the agent’s attention, a concise summary of your book’s plot, information about your target audience and comparable titles (comps), your credentials as an author, and a polite closing with a clear call to action. Remember to research agents thoroughly and tailor your query to their specific interests. Before diving into samples, consider the impact of customization for each agent.

17 Query Letter Samples to Spark Your Creativity

Sample 1: General Fiction

Dear [Agent Name],

I am writing to seek representation for my [Genre] novel, “[Title],” complete at [Word Count] words. “[Title]” follows [Character Name], a [Character Description], as they [Brief Plot Summary].

“[Title]” will appeal to readers of [Comparable Titles] and explores themes of [Themes]. I am a [Your Background/Credentials]. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 2: Science Fiction/Fantasy

Dear [Agent Name],

I am submitting my science fiction novel, “[Title],” a [Word Count]-word story of [Main character], a [Character Description], who [plot summary].

This novel appeals to fans of [Comparable Titles] and explores themes of [Themes]. I am a member of [writing group] and have been published in [magazine/journal]. Thank you.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Sample 3: Thriller/Mystery

Dear [Agent Name],

I am seeking representation for my thriller, “[Title]”, complete at 80,000 words. When [Plot summary], [Character Name] must [Action].

“[Title]” combines the suspense of [Comparable Titles] with a focus on [Theme]. I have previously [Published short stories/won writing contests]. I’ve attached the first three chapters for your review. Thank you.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 4: Romance

Dear [Agent Name],

I am excited to submit my contemporary romance novel, “[Title],” a [Word Count]-word story. [Character Name] and [Character Name] must [Plot summary].

Readers who enjoy [Comparable Titles] will appreciate “[Title]”. I am a member of [Romance Writers of America] and have completed several writing workshops. Thank you for your time and I hope to hear from you.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 5: Young Adult

Dear [Agent Name],

I am seeking representation for my young adult fantasy novel, “[Title]”, a [Word Count]-word story about [Character Name], a [Character Description], who [Plot Summary].

“[Title]” would appeal to readers of [Comparable Titles] and will explore themes of [Themes]. I am a former teacher with a passion for young adult literature. Thank you.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 6: Middle Grade

Dear [Agent Name],

I’m seeking representation for my middle grade fantasy, “[Title]”. This [Word Count]-word novel is about [character name], who [plot summary].

“[Title]” will appeal to middle grade readers because of [reason]. I have experience [experience relevant to children] and have worked to appeal to this demographic in my writing. Thank you.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 7: Historical Fiction

Dear [Agent Name],

I am seeking representation for my historical fiction novel, “[Title]”. Set in [Setting], this [Word Count]-word story follows [character name], who [plot summary].

“[Title]” is targeted towards readers of [Comparable Titles]. I have researched extensively into the historicity of the situation for authenticity. Thank you.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 8: Non-Fiction (Memoir)

Dear [Agent Name],

I am seeking representation for my memoir, “[Title]”, which recounts my journey [Brief Description of Memoir]. At [Word Count] words, “[Title]” tells a story of [Theme].

My experiences [Relevant Background] make this book relatable to people who [similar experience to theme]. Thank you.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 9: Non-Fiction (Self-Help)

Dear [Agent Name],

I am seeking representation for my self-help book, “[Title]”. This book provides [brief summary of book] which is a [summary of argument] for [target audience].

My background in [experience] will make this book a valuable resource to the people that read it. Thank you.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 10: Short Story Collection

Dear [Agent Name],

I am writing to seek representation for my short story collection, “[Title]”. The collection explores [Themes] and contains [Number] stories, ranging from [Genre] to [Genre].

These stories have been published in [Journals/Magazines] and will appeal to fans of [Author/Collections]. Thank you.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 11: Poetry Collection

Dear [Agent Name],

I’m seeking representation for my collection of poems “[Title]”, exploring themes of [Themes].

Several of my poems have appeared in [Journals/Magazines] and will appeal to fans of [Author/Collections]. Thank you.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 12: Cookbook

Dear [Agent Name],

I am seeking representation for my cookbook, “[Title]”. This book features [Number] recipes focused on [Cuisine/Dietary Restriction].

My [Chef background] and [recipe style] will resonate with cooks. I am confident in my cooking abilities and welcome any challenges. Thank you.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 13: Graphic Novel

Dear [Agent Name],

I am writing to seek representation for my graphic novel, “[Title]”. At [Number] pages, “[Title]” tells the story of [Character Name], who [Plot summary].

“[Title]” will appeal to readers of [Comparable Titles] for its [Theme] themes. I hope you enjoy what you read! Thank you.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 14: Screenplay

Dear [Agent Name],

I’m seeking representation for my screenplay, “[Title]”. This [Genre] film follows [Character name], who [Plot summary].

I hope this will appeal to readers! Thank you.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 15: Hybrid

Dear [Agent Name],

I am writing to seek representation for my hybrid [description of book]. At [word count], this is the story of [Character Name], who [Plot summary].

Readers will enjoy [book]. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 16: For an Agent Met at a Conference

Dear [Agent Name],

It was a pleasure meeting you at [Conference Name] on [Date]. I am following up on our conversation regarding my [Genre] novel, “[Title]”.

[Briefly re-mention the book and its appeal]. Thank you for considering and I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 17: Referal from Another Author

Dear [Agent Name],

[Author Name] suggested I contact you regarding my [Genre] novel, “[Title]”. Thank you for the consideration.

[Mention plot summary and other things]. I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]