ALCG Books
January 17, 2024
There was a time in the not-so-distant past when publishers accepted unsolicited manuscripts from writers, albeit, with varying amounts of enthusiasm. Writers could send completed manuscripts to publishers in the mail, or track them down at dinner parties with a bundle of type-written pages in their hands, and the writers would have a fighting chance of getting their work considered for publication.
While this practice of sending unsolicited material is not entirely obsolete -- some smaller publishers still accept unsolicited manuscripts -- these days, as of the 2020s, it's rarely done. Writers who want to publish start by seeking literary representation, preferably with an agent who understands and hopefully loves your work; this person will then take you on as a client while using their industry expertise to manage your career and secure a favorable publishing deal for you. For more detailed information about literary agents and how they work, read "A Brief Guide to Finding the Right Literary Agent."
Writers find reputable literary agents by vetting and researching their options, then querying their top choices with a letter that's known as the "query letter." Query letters are just that -- letters, so they shouldn't include your manuscript; rather, they should entice the agent to invite you to submit your manuscript for consideration.
Since reputable literary agents receive an average of hundreds if not thousands of query letters each month, it's important to get the details right so your letter doesn't languish in a slush pile.
Here's how to write a query letter that stands out and increases your chances of gaining representation.
First, finish your book.
If you're a published writer, you're already at least a few steps ahead. Literary agents often subscribe to literary journals and magazines for the sole purpose of finding new talent to represent, and they'll often use your previously published work (short stories, articles, essays and the like) to gauge your future promise.
Nevertheless, most queries are from writers who have never been published, and many talented writers have been discovered that way. If you're not yet published, make sure to complete at least three-quarters of your proposed book project to give agents a reasonable sense of your story's arc, your writing style, and the plot. You'll need these pages when the agent responds to your query with a request to read your manuscript.
Write a short, clear, compelling pitch for your novel.
In your query letter, capture the agent's attention with an intriguing "hook" as an opening line.
Good hook: Imagine waking up one morning to find that every choice you make could retrospectively alter the course of history. For Nomvula Khumalo, a seemingly ordinary college student in Johannesburg, this becomes a reality when she discovers she has the power to travel through time.
Bad hook: Nomvula Khumalo is a college student from Johannesburg who discovers she can time travel. Follow her as she learns to control her newfound abilities and faces challenges along the way.
2. Write a brief synopsis of your book that focuses on the central conflict, main characters, and key plot points. Highlight what makes your story unique and why readers will be compelled to engage with it.
3. Identify your target audience. Keep in mind that readers and books themselves are segmented into audiences and genres, so learn what these are and consider how factors such as genre, themes, and market trends can help you tailor your work in market-friendly ways.
4. Describe the commercial viability of your book by highlighting its market potential and positioning it within the current literary landscape. These days, that's done by listing a few "comp titles," books typically published within the past five years that are comparable to your work. These give agents and publishers a better idea of how your novel might sell.
5. Showcase your credentials. Briefly mention any relevant writing credentials, awards, or previous publications that lend credibility to your work. Highlighting your expertise and track record as a writer can help build confidence in your book's potential success.
6. Keep it concise and polished. Aim for brevity and focus on the most compelling aspects of your book while avoiding unnecessary details. Proofread your pitch carefully to ensure it's error-free.
These days, the temptation to consult ChatGPT for answers is strong, but be aware that you aren't the only writer with that idea. In the end, the authentic, thoughtful, sentient voice of an enthusiastic writer pitching their own novel can never compete with the canned formulaic response of a bot. Moreover, publishing professionals can often tell the difference.
Research your options for representation.
The most common methods for finding reputable literary agents include searching through sources like the latest edition of The Writer's Market or through the database on Poets & Writers.
By now, you've written your query letter and you've considered your target audience; use this information to find a literary agent that matches your author profile.
Visit the personal website of each agent and take note of the type of literary talent they represent. Are some their clients publishing work that's thematically similar to yours, and do some of their clients remind you of yourself? If the answer is "yes," and the agent is currently open to queries, send them a letter. If it's "no," then keep it moving.
The recommended number of query letters to send out at once is five to ten. At this rate, you'll be able to gauge the effectiveness of your letters and make necessary adjustments before sending out an additional batch.
Wait for a response and keep writing.
The average response time for agents is several weeks, but a few months is not uncommon. As a general rule, it's acceptable to follow up after 6- 8 weeks if you haven't heard back. Avoid inundating agents with multiple inquiries, as this can be perceived as overly pushy.
If your query is rejected, don't hesitate to request feedback, and keep trying with other agents.
The key is to never give up.
As editing and publishing experts, the staff at ALCG Books assists writers with crafting strong query letters and identifying literary agents who could be a good match. If you're writing a query letter and you need help tightening the details, reach out to us by completing the contact form below.