What do you put in a Query letter

[KickAssAngel]

I'm starting to think about sending to agents.

Some have very specific things they want. Others just want a query letter. So - what do I put in?

How long should it be?

I could just write "please read my book, please, please, please" but they hear that all the time.

I'm assuming they want a super short bio, what inspires me to write, and is that it?

Also - is there a standard length that summaries should be?

I'm going to post & run, but will check back in the morning.

I would open with the word count, genre and title of your novel. This sets you up as someone who understands the industry.

Then a two line synopsis that gets to the heart of your work.

Then a short outline of why you've written it.

Don't overthink it though

Thank you.

How long should a bio be?

And what style should all this be in? e.g. should it sound like the blurb at the back of a book, or be more like a factual summary?

I've googled but keep finding conflicting info.

kiss you should take your cues from the agency websites.

Most now set out what they want in a sub package. And they won't all be the same. You may find yourself having to draft a number of outlines and bios.

What I've set out above is what I think should go in a covering letter. The other documents will be attached.

So...

Dear Ms Super Agent

I attach the first three chapters and outline of an 80,000 word thriller entitled Best Seller.

Best Seller takes place in the aftermath of plane crash and follows the battle of a reporter from Doncaster as she tries to uncover the truth behind the disaster whilst coping with the tragic death of her family who were all passengers.

This is my debut novel on which I drew personal experience as a plane crash investigator.
You may also be interested to know that I won the Smart Arse Award for best short story in the Plenty To Say competition.

I look forward to hearing from you.

OK - thank you.

I'm in the US and the agents' websites I've looked at don't have anything to give me guidelines, beyond how many pages of the MS they want.

That's really helpful and I shall be writing my letters soon, thanks.

Ah I see.
Then I really don't know the drill kiss.

You may also be interested to know that I won the Smart Arse Award for best short story in the Plenty To Say competition

Carl your example letter is genius 😀

KickAss I am not sure how much help you will find on here as I think this is a mostly UK based forum. Goodluck though 😃

I would do exactly what GetAHaircutCarl says but if possible I'd try to personalise it with a reason why you're sending it to that person in particular. Make sure the agent is one that deals with your genre, obviously.

Thank you - it does sound like the right advice.

I've noticed several agencies offer to sell "how to market your MS" packs. They haven't missed a trick.

I can send you a copy of the one that got me an agent, if you like?

That would be great.

You can pm it to me if that's OK. Obviously I'm happy for you to take out any details you don't want to share.

Thank you.

Sent!

Thank you, Brilliant, that's brilliant.

Thank you to everyone who has been so helpful.