hemingwaywantabes

Perhaps you may enlighten me, but I doubt that Ernest Hemingway ever wrote a query letter in the form that we know of today. He may have jotted down a few thoughts and sent them off to a publisher about a forthcoming book, but once he was a bestselling author he could write a novel about a lampost and probably get it published.

In the current era, query letters are a must. Literary agents and publishers want to know about your book, but they don’t have much time to consider whether it is worthy for publication or not. Like Jack Webb used to say on the old television program, “Dragnet,” “just give me the facts, ma’am” is true as well of query letters. In one page, and no more, a writer must explain the many aspects of his or her book by utilizing a strong, catchy, short, first paragraph to gain attention, a paragraph or two summarizing what the book is about, facts about why the writer is the one person in the world to write the book, the intended book audience, similar successful books, and why this one is unique, and how the book will be promoted. Other information may be added but this is the crux of the message.

It may help you to think of a query letter as a situation where you are sitting across the desk from a literary agent or publisher and you have about three minutes to tell them about your book. You mention your strong points first, then add spice in the time you have left. If you do your job hemingwaywantabes, then the agent or editor will stand up, start cheering, and offer you a contract on the spot. It can happen, just keep the faith, and never, ever give up.