Querulous Query - a little help on selling your novel

So, I'm not really certain the title of this blog post is accurate or not, but it sounded cool. :-) A little help on selling your novel.

You've written a book. Now what?

Isn't that the question all writers ask at one point?

First - Writing and completing the novel is only the beginning. Before you even consider submitting anything to an editor or agent the novel not only has to be written, but it better be edited, revised, polished and as perfect as you can possibly get it.

Next - You need to identify who you think would be the best fit to publish your work. Once you've identified the editor, agent, publishing house, then you have to see if they want to read your work.

Great! All that sounds easy. How do I do that?

ALWAYS - check the submission guidelines before you do anything. Most often, the instruction is to send a query letter.

What is a query letter?

As defined by dictionary.com, a query is: an inquiry from a writer to an editor of a magazine, newspaper, etc., regarding the acceptability of or interest in an idea for an article, news story, or the like: usually presented in the form of a letter that outlines or describes the projected piece.

Beyond that, I equate writing a query letter to giving birth or pushing something the size of a watermelon out of a hole the size of a lemon. HA! Got that visual??

What I mean to say is, now that you have written a novel of 60K to 100K words you need to summarize the story into about 250 words.

Go ahead, say it.

Are you stoned?

Nope. Not. Shaking head.

In about 2 paragraphs, you need to summarize the high points of your novel, capture the editor/agent's attention, and make them salivate and want to read more. I equate this to really great foreplay! If you haven't turned me on, why would I want to go any further?


Address the letter: Dear Editor Name, (NEVER use the generic, impersonal name of Editor/Agent, use a name)

Next, sell your story. This is where you hook your reader and give them a mini-synopsis of your story.

Think back of the book blurb. No more than two paragraphs, under 250 words, sell your story. (A good query should be no more than one page long.)

First sentence should hook the reader. Example: CIA Human Intelligence Operator, Charley Duston gets the shock of her life when she opens her freezer to find the picture of her murdered ex-lover. Worse is the implied message: She is next.

Come on, admit it. You would read on. :-)

Then you finish that hook sentence with a mini-synopsis of your story.

Example: CIA Human Intelligence Operator, Charley Duston gets the shock of her life when she opens her freezer to find the picture of her murdered ex-lover. Worse is the implied message: She is next. Not one to give into intimidation tactics, Charley is determined to uncover the truth behind her ex’s death and bring the culprits to justice. Not knowing whom she can trust, she moves to an undisclosed location where she can covertly investigate the death threats. Here she meets her new neighbor Jake Frisbie at gunpoint when she mistakes him for a carjacker. Attracted to the handsome, easy-going hunk, Charley knows her relationship with Jake would only put him in danger. She tries to fight off her feelings but finally gives in just before her world crashes and she is kidnapped.

The beautiful, new neighbor entrances Jake but he can make no sense of her secretive nocturnal disappearances. As a Special Agent, he investigates her and is shocked to learn she is at the center of an international crisis. Despite common sense, he becomes involved with the young woman and when she disappears, he vows to find her. Risking his life, Jake ventures into the world of black sites and international intrigue to save the woman he loves and expose the responsible criminals. No matter how high up in the government they sit.


2 paragraphs down, 3 to go.

Paragraph 3 - Give the title of your novel, length, and type/genre.

Example: CONNECT THE DOTS is a completed 88,000 word romantic suspense detailing Charley Duston’s efforts to connect the dots between her ex-boyfriend’s murder, black sites, and the attempts on her own life before she ends up dead herself.

Paragraph 4 - Sell yourself. Tell the editor why you are qualified to write this story and what credentials you have in the writing/publishing undustry.

Example: My writing credits include two fiction novels, IT HAPPENS IN THREES and KILLER BUNNY HILL. Just as important, my experience with computer technology, and a longtime friendship with an undercover operative make me qualified to write this suspenseful and edgy story.

Finally and very important - Thank the editor/agent for their time and go for the close. Remember, this person is taking the time to read your work without getting paid for it (yet). Their time is just as precious as your novel. Let them know you appreciate their effort. While you're at it, remember you are also selling your work. Think of yourself as a car salesperson - Go for the close!

Example: I hope you enjoy the brief outline and I look forward to sending you the full manuscript for your reading. Thank you for your time.


See a full sample query letter below.


Editor/Agent Name
Editor/Agent Agency Name
Street Address
City, State Zip


Dear Editor Name,

CIA Human Intelligence Operator, Charley Duston gets the shock of her life when she opens her freezer to find the picture of her murdered ex-lover. Worse is the implied message: She is next. Not one to give into intimidation tactics, Charley is determined to uncover the truth behind her ex’s death and bring the culprits to justice. Not knowing whom she can trust, she moves to an undisclosed location where she can covertly investigate the death threats. Here she meets her new neighbor Jake Frisbie at gunpoint when she mistakes him for a carjacker. Attracted to the handsome, easy-going hunk, Charley knows her relationship with Jake would only put him in danger. She tries to fight off her feelings but finally gives in just before her world crashes and she is kidnapped.

The beautiful, new neighbor entrances Jake but he can make no sense of her secretive nocturnal disappearances. As a Special Agent, he investigates her and is shocked to learn she is at the center of an international crisis. Despite common sense, he becomes involved with the young woman and when she disappears, he vows to find her. Risking his life, Jake ventures into the world of black sites and international intrigue to save the woman he loves and expose the responsible criminals. No matter how high up in the government they sit.

CONNECT THE DOTS is a completed 88,000 word romantic suspense detailing Charley Duston’s efforts to connect the dots between her ex-boyfriend’s murder, black sites, and the attempts on her own life before she ends up dead herself.

My writing credits include two fiction novels, IT HAPPENS IN THREES and KILLER BUNNY HILL. Just as important, my experience with computer technology, and a longtime friendship with an undercover operative make me qualified to write this suspenseful and edgy story.

I hope you enjoy the brief outline and I look forward to sending you the full manuscript for your reading. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Denise Robbins