Write Time Inc.

The Query Letter

The following style guide is specific to the writing and submission of a successful formal query letter. By way of definition, a query letter is:

“…a formal letter sent to magazine editors, literary agents and sometimes publishing houses or companies. Writers write query letters to propose writing ideas.”

--Wikipedia.com

If you are writing a query letter you have only two choices: Join the masses of unsolicited unread and unpublished submissions -or- write a formal query letter that commands and imparts attention, respect, and confidence.

A successful query letter is the essential step to launching a writing career. If those who publish even so much as actually read your letter, your foot is in the door. If you carry them, through your excitement and word control, to the title page of your manuscript whether by way of nagging curiosity, unbridled absorption, or even nonchalant duty-you have what I call ‘the Chance’. So, let’s don’t mess up what may be the difference between industry regard and the endless spinning of your wheels.

The letter is actually your own personal voice, and should be as warm and outgoing as you wish to be addressed. The easy style is to match the tone of the letter with that of the piece you are writing. Always with proper regard for the person who can make or break your career, bearing in mind that it is your first impression. It should be constructed with the same particular, critical taste that you have seared all of your writings…

Though there are standards and formats which must be adhered to, there is much freedom and personality in the character and content of you personal query letter. By following this style guide, you will simultaneously learn to write a solid formal query letter and familiarize yourself with the Write Time Inc. formula for submission success. The steps outlined below will generate a successful letter, but your personalization of the letter will ultimately be what wins you a chance at publication. Relax, read through the steps then write draft based on what stands out to you. Then, after proofreading the draft, compare it again with this style guide and you will find the shape and texture of a

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Write Time Inc.

The Query Letterstrong query letter are slowly becoming as personal to you as your writing—which you know is solid.

Consider the following as a formal writing assignment, do your research and begin to formulate the voice of persuasion that you have used all along in writing the pieces that have built you the confidence upon which you stand today—the of a writer who will not wait, but is determined to be heard, and published. There are a thousand ways to succeed, and but one way to fail—inaction.

I. Know your target

Study any publication before you submit a query letter. Get writer’s guidelines (style guide) for the publication if they are

available.

II. Professional Look

A query letter is a single page cover letter, introducing you and your book.

There should be no spelling or grammar errors. Be sure to include the date on your letter. This can be important

if you feel later on that your idea has been stolen. It should be addressed to the appropriate editor. Use their full

name and do not use Mr. Mrs. or otherwise. The exception to this rule is Dr. or other professional title.

The publication name and address should be correct. The salutation should be formal. If mailed, the paper and the letterhead should be clean and

professional. Standard 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper should be used. Single-space your paragraphs and double-space between

paragraphs. If mailed, the Query should include Self Addressed Stamped

Envelope (SASE) so that the editor can return your article or reply to you conveniently.

Include your name, postal address, email address and phone number in the letterhead or at the bottom of the letter.

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The Query Letter A decent letterhead. At the very least, your name and address

and other contact information should be printed at the top of your letter (not at the bottom or under your signature) in an attractive font. You can have an inexpensive letterhead designed and typeset at your local printing shop, or online through iPrint.com. Or, design your own on your computer.

A formal salutation. Don't address the editor by first name unless you know him/her personally.

Clean, proofread copy. Don't rely on your spellchecker; review your query yourself before mailing it out.

Quality paper. Use at least 20-lb. bond paper for queries. Some writers like to use fancier papers -- parchment, linen, etc. -- on the theory that a nicer paper with a professional tint will stand out amidst all the white paper on an editor's desk. Don't go to "colors" however -- pink paper and blue type scream for rejection.

III. Interesting

Your query should introduce a fresh idea/topic/angle. The idea should be set off in the type so it is easily viewed. Your idea should be presented at the very beginning of your

letter. Your lead-in should excite the editor.

IV. Specific

Keep your query letter to a single page in length. Lay out exactly what you intend to include and exclude from

your article. Give a proposed article length. Round to the nearest 100 for

under 2000 words and to nearest 500 for articles over that length. The length should be appropriate for that publication.

Identify which section of the publication you believe your article fits within.

V. Persuasive

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The Query Letter Include writing samples that are appropriate to the publication,

article topic, and writing style you believe the publication is looking for.

Present any credentials or awards you have that show you are qualified to write, especially about this subject.

Identify other similar publications that have published your work. Identify any sources you have that you feel would help persuade

the editor. Your article should show why you are the best and only person to

write this article for them. Close your letter with a phrase such as: “I look forward to

hearing from you. Please write or call if you have any questions.”

VI. Credentials Professional experience (some publications accept material only

from qualified experts) Academic degrees or training Teaching experience in the subject area Personal experience (especially if the article relates to personal

issues/problems) Writing experience

VII. Do Not (Troubleshooting Guide)

Do not mention who has rejected the piece before. Do not include other people’s statements about your article. Do not tell the editor how long and hard you have been working

on this article. Do not mention the assistance of others. Do not tell them that the piece still needs work. Do not request advice, comments, criticism or analysis. Do not talk about how thrilling it would be to be published. Do not include inappropriate or off-subject information about

yourself. Do not discuss the rights you wish to sell. Do not discuss price or payment. Do not give your social security number.

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The Query Letter Do not give or discuss copyright information. Do not wear out your welcome by writing too much or failing to

get to the point. Do not query without studying the publication enough to know

whether your idea is appropriate. Do not waste your time querying an unreceptive editor over and

over again. Do not present ideas for several different articles in the same

letter. This can be done once you have established a rapport with an editor, but should not be done in a blind query.

Do not use obscenities or inappropriate content. Do not send inappropriate, off-subject samples. Do NOT start off your query by saying, "I am querying you

because I found your name in 'such and such' writing guide or internet agent database" (like AQ!). Not only does this take up valuable query letter space, but it's also the sign of an amateur.

Do NOT refer to your novel as a fictional novel. That’s redundant. Just call it a novel.

Do NOT sing the praises of your book or compare it with other best selling books.

Do NOT send gifts or other bribes with your query. Do NOT print your query on perfumed or colored paper. Use plain

business stationery. Do NOT shrink your font down to 9 point so it all fits on one page.

12 point is standard. 11 point if you’re really desperate. Do NOT Fedex or mail your query in a lavish, signature-required

fashion in order to make your query stand out. It will stand out, but in a very "annoying, over-zealous, bad first impression" kind of way. Not to mention, it's a friggin' waste of money.

Do NOT apologize in your query for being a newbie writer with zero publishing credits and experience.

Do NOT include sample chapters of your novel with your query UNLESS an agent's submission guidelines specifically SAY to include sample pages with your snail mail query. Never send more than the first 5 pages with your query unless the guidelines say.

Do NOT forget to list your email address or contact phone number on your query.

Do NOT forget to enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE).

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