To find the first part of this series, Click HERE. To listen to the full discussion on the Write. Publish. Repeat. Podcast, click HERE.
Parts of a Query Letter:
Paragraph One – The Hook
Personalization/Introduction
Book details
Hook
Paragraph Two
Mini-Synopsis
Think: back cover
Paragraph Three
Bio
Publishing credits/awards
Thank you/closing
Where do you start? Personalization
PARAGRAPH ONE – INTRODUCTION
Why are you querying this agent?
Did you meet them somewhere?
Invitation/Request?
Researched their agency/house?
Referred?
Personalize
Make sure the agent or publisher knows why you chose their agency
NEVER open with DEAR AGENT/PUB
Find a connection – Research
Be professional
Paragraph One: Book Details
What are you selling?
Keep it simple
Title
Word count
Genre
Age group
This should all be in one sentence
Paragraph One: The Hook
The 3 elements
Character + conflict
Choices/stakes
Sizzle
Possible 4th element: setting/time period
Hook vs. Heart
Hook: What makes your book unique and interesting?
Heart: Why you’re story will affect readers.
Hook should be ONE SENTENCE.
What is sizzle?
Why your story is different from a million others
DON’T TELL THE ENDING
Hook Examples
Bridges of Madison County
When Robert Kincaid drives through the heat and dust of an Iowa summer and turns into Francesca Johnson’s farm lane looking for directions, the world-class photographer and the Iowa farm wife are joined in an experience that will haunt them forever.
The Kite Runner
An epic tale of fathers and sons, of friendship and betrayal, that takes us from Afghanistan in the final days of the monarchy to the atrocities of the present.
Wicked Hunger
Will the Roth siblings insatiable hunger for pain and suffering turn them into villains, or can they somehow find a way to become the heroes of their own dark story?
Join me next week for a discussion on Paragraph Two of the query.
Listen to the full discussion now on my new podcast!
USA Today Bestselling Author DelSheree Gladden 