I’ve received a ridiculous number of queries since November, when I first started taking them. It’s only been two and a half months and, put it this way, I’m almost up to 4 digits. Some more seasoned agents may not think that is such a big deal, but for me it’s like going from 0 to 100mph in about 30 seconds. Coupled with the fact that I’ve been reading queries and submissions for other agents for the past 3 years, I think I’ve learned a thing or two about what works and what doesn’t in a query letter. So here are two lists for you, to help you know what to do and what not to do when querying me (or anyone else):
Five things you should always include in your query letter…
- Your name and the name of your manuscript
- The word count of your manuscript and that it’s complete
- A very short description of the story, including its genre
- Your previous writing credits and/or if you have a relevant platform
- An appropriate salutation and sign-off, including a way you can be reached
Five things you should never include in your query letter:
- That you have an idea for a novel but you just wanted to run it by me to see what I think, before you spend all that time writing the whole damn thing
- That you’ve written a fictional novel
- That your fiction manuscript is almost complete and you’ll send it to me when you’re done
- To whom it may concern
- Whether you are currently on or off your psychotropic medication
Happy writing! Can’t wait to receive your query at:
linda (dot) p (dot) epstein (at) gmail (dot) com
