While writing a query letter is the best way to contact a literary agent, agencies receive hundreds of queries a week. Although the odds seem at times overwhelmingly high, many published authors first found their agents by writing a strong query letter.
Because of the high volume of queries- also known as the "slushpile"- many new writers are tempted to make their queries original through means other than their writing. However, more often than not these attempts backfire. Here is what most literary agents want to see in a query letter.
Finish the Novel Before Querying
This is one of the worst (and most frequent) mistakes aspiring novelists make when querying. Unless the author is published, literary agents will not want to see a query letter until the book is completely finished.
Finished means revised and edited until the novel is as good as the writer can possibly make it. Almost no one manages to publish a first draft. Many writers new to publishing are under the misguided notion that it's the job of the agent and editor to edit. While this is part of what they do, the novelist's job is to write the strongest novel possible first.
Many agents reject manuscripts despite liking the premise of the story because the writing needed improvement. The best thing a new novelist can do is finish the first draft, put the novel away for a few weeks, then come back and revise until it's the best story he can tell.
Spend Time on Crafting a Hook
A "hook" is the sentence or sentences that give a reader the main gist of the story in a way that compels him to read the entire book. Most agents prefer the query letter to read like the blurb on the back of a published novel; a summary that tells the reader who the main characters are and what they do, but that doesn't give away the ending.
The blurb should be exciting and entice the agent to request more material about the book. The best way to learn how to write a blurb is to read as many as possible on published novels.
Avoid Gimmicks in Query Letters
A query letter should be business-like in tone, much like a cover letter. Literary agents are professionals, and they expect writers to be professionals as well.
Follow the agent's instructions exactly and avoid including unwanted information or materials. For email queries, avoid colorful text, unusual fonts, and (in most cases) attachments, unless the agent specifically asks for sample writing to be attached.
For query letters sent via regular mail, use a normal, black font on white paper. Unless the agent specifically asks for the entire manuscript, do not send it! This is a waste of time and paper. Agents need to know that their clients can follow instructions.
Many hopeful authors are tempted to send gifts with their queries. Before doing this, take the time to think about how this will look. Agents sign clients based on compelling writing and a fascinating story, not because of chocolates or jewelry.
More on Writing a Query Letter
Writing a strong query letter takes time, and should be treated as carefully as writing the novel itself. By following the guidelines the desired agency has set up and maintaining a professional manner, an aspiring author can really stand out in the slushpile.
For more help on queries, check out How to Query a Literary Agent.
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