A. Introduce yourself in 20 words or less, and state your business --- "I'm seeking representation for my book: [title]…"
B. Blurb.
C. Your credentials.
D. Identify the market for the book.
"Don'ts" for your query letter:
1. Don't make unsupported claims for yourself or your book
Please don't say that you're successful or that you've written a bestseller. Only beginning writers make claims like this. The agent or editor will immediately classify you as a novice, and an irritating one at that. (On the other hand, if a well-known much-published writer has praised you or your book, say so, and give his/ her contact details so that the editor can call him/ her.)
2. Don't mention that you're unpublished
The literary agent will figure it out when you don't mention writing credits. Please note: THIS IS NOT A BAD THING. Everyone has to start somewhere. Editors and literary agents know this, and they won't hold it against you. They will judge your book proposal query on its merits. If a literary agent feels that your material is something that she can sell, she will contact you. As will an editor, if she feels that the writing in your query letter is to the point and professional, and she thinks that your book idea is a good one.
3. Don't mention that your partner, your best friend, or the milkman think that you're a good writer or that you've got a brilliant idea for a book
Unless these people have publishing credits, no one cares. Mentioning them marks you not only as an amateur, but also as someone who may be difficult to work with.
What do I mean by "difficult to work with"? Before you sign a contract, your agent and editor will judge your behavior, looking for tell-tale signs that you might be a problem writer.
Problem writers:
• Argue when asked to rewrite. Almost everything you write will need to be rewritten. Your agent will ask you to add, delete or revise material in your book proposal. Your editor will ask for rewrites on your book, and perhaps more than one rewrite. Therefore, if you show any sign that you may drag your feet over these chores, or do them without a song on your lips, they will dump you. Life's too short, and publishing is too competitive to indulge anyone's temperament;
• Procrastinate. Publishing is always on a tight deadline. From the day of your first contact, you must show that you can work to deadline.
• Can't follow instructions. Never be afraid to ask if there is something you don't understand. For example, if you're asked for a "bio" and you don't know how to write one, ask. No one will think less of you for asking, but they will take several steps backward if you don't follow instructions, or if you decide that you will do things your way.
• Turn in a messy or less-than-pristine typescript. Or fail to send an electronic file when asked.
4. Don't be specific.
Many writers are never asked for a book proposal because they don't nail the query letter. If you tell a literary agent your book is about "growing up in the fifties," the agent will simply ignore you. This is not specific enough. You must be very specific, so that the person you're writing to can visualize the book, and can also visualize where it will fit into the marketplace.
Writers do this sort of thing because they're insecure. They imagine that if they're vague, the agent will ask to see their book because they want to know exactly what it's about. This is a HUGE mistake. Literary agents and book editors receive hundreds of letters and proposals each week. If you're not specific, you give the impression that you haven't thought out your book proposal.
Let