What is a query letter?

The purpose of a query letter

Think of a query letter as the "blurb" on the back of a book, but written for a business professional rather than a browser in a shop. It needs to prove three things:

• The story is compelling and has a clear market.
• The author is professional and understands their genre.
• The writing is of a high enough standard to warrant further reading.

Query vs Synopsis vs Cover Letter

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they serve different purposes.

• Query Letter: The pitch. It focuses on the hook and the conflict. It does *not* give away the ending.
• Synopsis: The map. A 500–1,000 word summary of the whole story, including all major plot points and the resolution.
• Cover Letter: Usually the same as a query letter, though sometimes used for non-fiction where the "proposal" is the main document.

The "Hook, Book, Cook" structure

Most successful queries follow this reliable three-part structure:

1. The Hook (The "Personalisation & Metadata")

State why you are writing to them and provide the vital statistics: Title, Genre, Word Count. *Example: "I am querying you because of your interest in dark thrillers with a supernatural edge. MYSTERY AT BLYTHE HOUSE is a 85,000-word gothic thriller."*

2. The Book (The "Pitch")

This is 1–2 paragraphs that describe the protagonist, the inciting incident, and the stakes. Avoid a list of names; focus on the core emotional journey. *Example: "When Sarah returns to her childhood home, she discovers a letter that suggests her sister didn’t run away—she was taken. But as Sarah digs deeper, she realises the town is hiding a secret that is better left buried. She must choose between the truth and her own survival."*

3. The Cook (The "Author Bio")

A brief paragraph about you. Include relevant writing credits, awards, or personal experience that qualifies you to write this specific book. If you have no credits, keep it brief and professional. *Example: "I am a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in The Guardian. This is my debut novel."*

Using comparable titles (Comps)

Agents love comps because they show you know your market. Use books published in the last 3–5 years that are successful but not "megahits." Avoid saying "It’s the next Harry Potter" or "It’s like Stephen King." Instead, try: "It will appeal to readers of [Author A]’s atmospheric prose and the twisty plotting of [Author B]."

What NOT to include in a query letter

• Hyperbole: "This is the best book you will ever read" or "This is a guaranteed bestseller."
• Life History: Your childhood hobbies or non-writing related jobs (unless they are relevant to the book’s subject).
• Physical Descriptions: Don't talk about your hair colour or what you look like.
• Rhetorical Questions: "Have you ever wondered what it’s like to die?" (Agents generally find these clichés annoying).
• Clutter: Keep fonts standard and black. No images or emojis.

Fiction vs Non-fiction queries

For fiction, the story is everything. For non-fiction, the *author* is everything. A non-fiction query should lead with your "platform"—your social media following, professional credentials, or unique access to a story. The pitch focuses on the problem the book solves for the reader.

Common mistakes

• Being too vague. Saying "It’s a story about love and loss" tells an agent nothing. Be specific: "It’s a story about a widower who discovers his wife was a secret agent."
• Spoiling the ending. The query should leave the agent wanting to know what happens. Save the resolution for the synopsis.
• Ignoring the agent’s name. Starting with "Dear Agent" or "To Whom It May Concern" suggests you haven’t done your research.
• Forgetting the word count. Agents use word count to judge if you know your genre’s standards. A 200,000-word debut thriller is an automatic rejection for most.

Frequently asked questions