Query Letter Checklist

Written By Jessica Froberg

There are dozens of methods and ways to construct a query letter, but there are a few basics you can ensure you have before submitting.

  • My entire query letter is less than 400 words

  • I start with Dear (insert Agent Name here) with no Mr/Miss/Mrs attached to it

  • I have a paragraph with all my book’s information

    • Book Title (in all caps)

    • Category and Genre listed

    • The book’s word count (rounded to the nearest thousand)

    • 2-3 comparison titles that are

      • Recent/within 5 years

      • Specific on why they match my book in some way

      • Italizied

  • Introductory paragraph that states

    • my character’s name

    • age if relevant

    • Currant life

    • Goal/desire

    • Sets up circumstances of the novel that are needed to understand the rest of the query letter

  • Paragraph where the inciting incident (what changes your main character’s life) is explained

  • Ending paragraph where the we are told the stakes (what happens to your character if they don’t succeed in their goal)

  • Bio paragraph all about me, the writer! Includes any relevant writing background and some information about who you are.

  • Ends with: Thank you for your time and consideration

  • Name at the bottom with email and socials under it if desired

  • Description text goes here

  • Description text goes here

  • Description text goes here



Jessica Froberg
Previous

Query, Hook, Line, and Sinker