THE BOOK QUERY THAT OPENS DOORS …The Most Important 1-2 Page Letter You’ll Ever Write
1. SET THE STAGE: What are you offering? Why are you offering it to this agent or editor? Make sure you have a connection point with the person to whom you are addressing the letterthis will help it rise above the slush pile. Get your oneparagraph concept statement (50-word summary) up frontplus that essential, immediate sales handle. Make sure your slant for this book is clear, essential, and forceful. Then offer the zingeryour book’s greatest benefit! 2. GRAB THEIR INTEREST: State your unique selling points. Why is there a need for this book in the marketplace? How and why is this book better than any competition that is already out there? In a nutshell, you must hook the editor on your subject, your book’s approach, and the size of the book buyer market. If your query is for a novel: Make sure you have an intriguing short synopsis/plot summary. Your letter must be doubly interestingreaders will assume that if your query is dull, your novel will also be a dull read. 3. COMPEL THEM TO ASK FOR THE COMPLETE PROPOSAL: Sell them on youthe author (as uniquely qualified with a speaking platform). Mention all relevant experience with the book’s topic, speaking and talk shows, etc. Do you have other book publishing credits? What unique marketing methods do you bring to the table to give it the “plus factor?” Show that you’re familiar with the publisherlink your book to the appropriate imprint/line of books, in-print successful titles, trends. Mention any “big name” endorsements you are confident you can get. Then finally, ask if you can send your detailed proposal or manuscript. Don’t forget the extras: You may include your book’s table of contents, if the book is nonfiction. Pertinent news clippings related to the book, your author’s brochure, business card, and an SASE are also considered essential. Make sure your complete proposal package is available to put in the mail the moment an editor or agent asks for it. “Agents and editors prefer to work with proposals, even if there is a completed manuscript, as they are easier to pitch at the editorial meetings.” 4. Sit back and be patient: A query letter is still considered slush. It is an essential step in the protocol of knocking on the door, but you have not yet been invited insideso under no circumstances give in to your temptation to phone and ask “What’s happening?” “If you call and are annoying, your project may be rejected simply because of the annoyance factor. The perceived advantage is outweighed by the perceived aggravation.” (Jeff Herman)
© 2000 by Elaine Wright Colvin, Writers Information Network