Querying Agents & Publishers

This section is for the traditional-publishing path. If you're self-publishing, you can skip it, there's no agent or publisher to query.

What a query letter is

A one-page pitch email sent to a literary agent (or, less commonly, directly to a publisher that accepts unsolicited submissions). It typically has three parts: a hook that sums up your book in a few sentences, a short paragraph with your title, word count, genre, and a couple of comparable published titles ("comp titles"), and a brief bio (a sentence or two is normal, especially for a first book).

A template to adapt

There's no single required format, but this covers what most agents expect. Adjust the tone to fit your genre and always follow the specific agent's stated preferences over this.

Before you send anything

• Research agents who specifically represent your genre. Querying broadly without checking fit wastes both your time and theirs.
• Manuscript Wish List (#MSWL) and Publishers Marketplace are common places to find out what agents are actively looking for.
• QueryTracker is a widely used tool for organizing who you’ve queried and tracking responses.
• Follow each agent’s submission guidelines exactly; they vary (some want the first 10 pages pasted in, some want none), and not following them is one of the most common reasons a query gets an automatic pass.

Expect rejection, it's normal

Most queries, even good ones, get passed on; agents are judging fit with their own list and market conditions as much as quality. Querying widely (dozens of agents, sent in batches so you can adjust your letter based on early responses) is standard practice, not a sign something is wrong with your book.