How to Write a Query Letter That Gets Attention
You’ve written a novel. Now you’re standing at the threshold of a whole new part of the publishing journey: querying literary agents.
This is where many writers become both elevated and discourage. Not because their story isn’t worth sharing, but because reducing an entire book into a single page can feel intimidating.
But a query letter isn’t about squeezing your creativity into a tight container. It’s about creating a compelling invitation. A well-crafted query helps agents see the spark of your story—and why they should want more.
Here’s how to write a query letter that stands out and gets attention.
Open With a Strong Hook
Start with one sentence that immediately signals what your story is about—and why we should care. Think of it like the headline of a great article or the logline of a movie.
This line might include:
The premise and conflict
A compelling emotional or thematic question
A comparison to familiar titles with a twist of your unique angle
The goal here isn’t to explain the whole book—it’s to entice.
Here is an example:
When a grieving painter accepts a residency on a remote island, she doesn’t expect to uncover her dead sister’s secret life—or fall for the woman who might be at the center of it.
This line creates stakes, introduces genre and tone, and invites curiosity without giving away the ending.
Follow With the Book Summary
Once you have hooked your reader, now it is time to write 1–2 paragraphs giving a brief summary of the book—think back cover copy, not full synopsis. This section should cover:
Who the protagonist is
What they want
What stands in their way
What’s at stake
Focus on clarity and energy over complex detail. You want the agent to understand the heartbeat of the story and get a feel for your narrative voice.
Keep in mind: this section should reflect the tone of your book. If your novel is darkly funny, let some of that humor come through. If it’s lyrical and emotional, lean into that voice.
Provide the Details
After the summary pitch, clearly state the book’s title (in all caps), genre, word count, and whether it’s a standalone or part of a series.
Here is an example:
THE THINGS WE NEVER SAID is a 78,000-word contemporary novel with romantic and literary elements. It is a standalone with series potential.
This gives the agent quick insight into how the book might fit into the market.
Personalize Your Query (When Possible)
If you’re querying a specific agent be sure to include a line to personalize the letter. After all, no one likes cold emails and pitches. The more we can connect with the human on the other side of the screen, the better. This isn’t required—but it can show that you’ve done your research.
Here are a few examples:
“I saw in an interview that you’re looking for emotionally complex stories about sibling relationships.”
“You represent [Book Title], which I loved, and I believe my work shares similar themes.”
Best to keep it brief and genuine.
Add a Short Author Bio
Your author bio is a powerful way to introduce yourself. You don’t need a long list of credentials—focus on what’s relevant and real. The goal is to give agents a sense of who you are and why your writing matters to you.
You might include:
Writing-related experience or education
Published work, if applicable
Anything personal that connects you to the story
Here is an example:
”I’m an architect living in New York. My work explores themes of identity, longing, and transformation. This is my debut novel.”
Close With Clarity and Confidence
The end of your query letter is just as important as the beginning. End with a simple thank you and a statement that your manuscript is complete and available upon request.
Here is an example:
”Thank you for your time and consideration. The full manuscript is available at your request.”
Writing a query letter is a skill—and like most writing, it gets easier with practice. At its core, a query isn’t just about selling your story. It’s about owning the value of what you’ve created and extending a clear, thoughtful invitation to read more. Lastly, be sure to follow the agent’s submission guidelines. This not an opportunity to provide more than what they ask for. Always follow the instructions on their website—each agent may have different preferences.
You’ve already done the hard work of writing the book. Now it’s time to help it reach the hands of someone who believes in it as much as you do.
If you need support in writing your query letter, book an Office Hour.
