Insights Gained from Examining One Hundred Query Letters

==============================================================

In the world of publishing, crafting a compelling query letter is essential to getting your manuscript noticed by editors. Here are some tips and insights to help you write a successful query letter, based on research and advice from industry experts.

First and foremost, it's important to understand that pitching a story to an editor who has explicitly stated they are not interested gives a low success rate. However, this should not deter you from trying. Instead, focus on finding the right editor for your work.

One way to do this is by including Comparable Titles (COMPS) in your query letter. COMPS are books that are similar to your manuscript in terms of genre, tone, and audience. This can help editors understand the market for your book and why it will be successful.

When it comes to writing the query letter itself, it's crucial to remember that it is a pitch, not a synopsis. A strong hook line can attract a reader, but a satisfying twist at the end of the query can sell the manuscript. Including genre and audience in the letter is essential to avoid confusion.

Another important aspect to consider is the voice of the writer. Voice provides insight into the writer's style and can help editors determine if they will connect with the manuscript. On the other hand, reader confusion in a query letter can lead to assumptions about the writing being confusing as well.

Researching title options and choosing something new, easy to remember, and capturing the vibe of the story or hitting the audience market is recommended. One-word titles can be challenging, so it's worth spending some time brainstorming and testing out different options. A strong book title can enhance the appeal of a manuscript, while a poor choice can be misleading.

Knowing the appropriate word count for the genre is important when pitching a manuscript. Rounding up the word count to the nearest thousand is recommended. Personal preference can result in the best writing not being what a particular editor is looking for at a given time.

It's also important to note that rejection does not mean giving up on the writing or publishing process. Reviewing successful query letter samples on sites like AgentQuery and QueryShark can help identify patterns and give you a better idea of what works.

Lastly, a good query letter opens the door for further consideration, but strong opening pages are crucial for being invited in. A good hook line can attract a reader, but a satisfying twist at the end of the query can sell the manuscript. But ultimately, it's the opening pages that will make or break the deal.

In conclusion, writing a successful query letter takes time, effort, and research. But with these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to getting your manuscript noticed by editors and taking the first step towards publication.