Curious To See an Example Query Letter? How About 40?
by Mary Kole | Former literary agent, now a freelance editor, writing teacher, and IP/story developer for major publishers and creators.
Query letters are an essential element in the writing and publishing process. They are what sell your manuscript and grab the attention of literary agents. However, crafting a query letter that catches a literary agent's attention and getting published is no easy feat. That's where studying an example query letter can come in handy. Here, we’ll explore why seeing an example query letters collection is crucial in perfecting your book pitch and how it can help improve your writing process. We will also recommend a resource for writers to get their hands on real query letters and feedback from a literary agent.
Learn by Example Query Letter
One of the best ways to learn is by example. It's easier to understand how something is done when you see it in action, and the same goes for writing query letters. Reading real query letters also gives you an insight into what a literary agent or publisher is looking for in an elevator pitch or a submission in the slush pile. As you read any example query letter you can get your hands on, pay attention to what works and what doesn't. Use this knowledge to craft your unique, attention-grabbing logline or pitch.
Understanding the Slush Pile
The slush pile is a term used to describe the pile of unsolicited manuscripts that literary agents and publishers receive daily. As writers submitting work, we often have no idea what other authors are putting in their query letters. However, by reviewing an example query letter, you get to understand who is submitting what to the literary agents you intend to approach.
get literary agent feedback
There's nothing like getting writing feedback from a professional in the industry. However, getting feedback from a literary agent can be incredibly challenging. Agents are incredibly busy individuals and are unlikely to give feedback on a query letter unless it interests them. The good news is that with the right resources, you can get feedback from a literary agent on your query letter.
In fact, we’ve created a book that doesn't just give you one example query letter, but 40+! Successful Query Letters by Mary Kole is a comprehensive resource that provides writers with real query letters, along with a former literary agent’s feedback. You can learn by example, get a better understanding of what agents are looking for, and improve your query letter writing process. Beyond examples and feedback on query letters, the book also offers submission resources, strategy insights, overview feedback, helpful articles, and a submission tracker.
Perfecting your query letter is an essential part of the writing process, and one that writers often find challenging. However, by taking advantage of the resources available, such as Successful Query Letters, you can significantly improve your chances of pitching your work successfully. You must grab the attention of a literary agent while showcasing good writing skills, and this guide will show you how. To read an example query letter or 40, and get feedback from a professional, check out Successful Query Letters by Mary Kole. With persistence and patience, you can achieve your dream of getting that coveted book deal.
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