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Write a Killer Query That Gets A Publisher's Nod

By: Borat Sagidiev As a business owner, would you hire a rumpled, smelly, illiterate person to head one of your most important, highly detailed, costly projects? Of course not. Keep this in mind when writing your query-the one-page letter designed to pique a publisher's interest in your work. The query letter is your initial meeting with the perspective "boss," and based on its content and appearance, it alone determines whether there's a second meeting. Formatting your query letter is simple. It should be brief-no more than one page. Use a fairly heavy paper (24 lb) with standard font and size such as Times New Roman, 12pt. Avoid bold, script, or italics (except for titles). Use a 1-inch margin on all sides and block formatting. Single-space the body of the letter and double-space between paragraphs. Excellent punctuation and grammar is a must. The letterhead should include your name, address, phone number and e-mail. Proper formatting is important and satisfies query appearance, but it will only get you so far. Publishers are most interested in content. The following steps will help you write a carefully crafted query that grabs a publisher's attention: 1. Always address the query to an actual person such as the submissions editor. Use the editor's name. If you don't know the editor's name, call the publisher and find out. 2. If possible, the first sentence of the query should begin with something you know about the person you're writing to. Mention a recent book they edited and how much you enjoyed it, and so on. If you don't know anything about the person, then begin with a startling fact that relates to your book, or a witty line - again, something that ties in with your work. Many authors begin with a strong opening line that simulates the book's lead. 3. The next paragraph should state upfront what you're selling, including word count, genre, and title: "I recently completed a five-hundred word picture book manuscript called, Ice Cream For Breakfast." If this is a book proposal, include an estimated word count and tentative completion date. If applicable, mention the availability of artwork or photographs, but do not send them with your query. 4. Use the next two or three sentences to explain what your book is about: "The story is about a child who never wants to eat anything but junk food until it makes him sick. Through his mother's fabulous cooking, he learns the nutritional value in each of the food groups." 5. In the following paragraph give specifics about what niche your book fills and a marketing idea such as "According to the American Academy of Pediatrics the number of overweight kids in the nation has doubled since the 1960's. Obesity contributes to sleep apnea, asthma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, shortness of breath, bone and joint problems, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and type 2 diabetes. This book could be a helpful handout for pediatricians, dieticians, and daycare providers." 6. The next paragraph should include a short bio showcasing your writing accomplishments and your qualifications: "I'm a weekly newspaper columnist with two published books on nutrition." If you don't have any writing credits, then tell only the information that will help establish your credibility as the book's author: "I'm a second-grade teacher," or a child psychologist, or a pediatrician. If you have connections that will help sell your book, say it: "I am a producer for the locally-aired television show Children's Health. We will promote this book on every single show." It's hard to believe, but there are writers who brag in their query that their book will make the publisher rich. (As if!) Another common, but just as deadly mistake, is the writer who boasts how much their friends, family, and pet turtle love, love, love their book. Don't do this. Just don't. 7. And finally, the query closing. Keep it short and sweet: "Thank you for your time; I look forward to hearing from you soon. Kind regards, Ace Author." Always enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) for the publisher's reply. You only have one chance to make a good first impression on a publisher. Your query should be dressed to impress with excellent punctuation and grammar, proper formatting, and a killer concept expressed with brief, attention-getting prose. Copyright 2007 - Mary M. Bauer. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.