From the Usual to the
Unconventional: Query Letters that Get Results
By Marlene Caroselli
It's
not just the world of sports that has its legends. The world of writing has
similar stories, myths, mysteries, and dream-embedded anecdotes. Legend has it,
for example, that a major mystery writer submitted his first novel with a
two-sentence query letter: "Here's my manuscript. Want to publish it?"
Put yourself behind the desk of an agent or acquisition editor reading that
letter. Would your interest have been piqued? Probably, at least long enough to
have you turn to the first page of the manuscript. And, if it passes this
inspection, you just might find yourself with a contract on your hands.
Does this mean you should immediately throw out all the lessons you've learned
about a professional and businesslike tone in your query letters? No. Definitely
not. But we share the legendary query above in the hope that you will broaden
your delivery. That you will
consider, at least occasionally, an approach that is not the traditional or
typical stuff of which most query letters are made.
WHEN?
You're a writer. You do a lot of
writing. When submitting an article or short piece, especially if it's for a
publication that pays minimally or not at all, that's the time to try the unique
or atypical letter. When proposing under these circumstances, you can flex your
manuscript-promoting muscles without risking your major work. If you receive
several acceptances from this more-casual style, you'll begin to acquire the
confidence that comes from knowing you can take appropriate risks in special
situations and not suffer dire consequences.
Another when-tip: When you already have a relationship with the person you're
writing to, it's fairly safe to take a less-traditional approach.
WHAT
Avoid
the formulas, the standard four-paragraph letters that move from the
introduction, to the story plot, to your background, and then conclude with a
hopeful ending. Avoid as well having too many sentences that start with the word
"I." Try re-writing such sentences with an emphasis on "you" instead, keeping
the agency or the publishing house in mind. How will it benefit them to
publish your book?
Consider fashioning a teaser. Find examples on the backs of books that are like
your own. Understand why these powerful sentences captivate the reader. Then
style your own teaser on the statements that most attract you as a reader.
Or, try creating the one-line Hollywood pitch, in which well-known characters
symbolize the protagonist or plot: "Julia Child partners with Shaquille to solve
crimes."
Cite, but don't overdo, your background and relevant experience. I usually
assert myself this way, in a simple half-sentence: "As the author of several
dozen books
" Of course, I realize many readers of this column are not senior
citizens like myself and so cannot mention "dozens of books" yet. But
you can still condense and brag at the same time: "Having had numerous articles
published in various regional and trade publications
"
If you don't have an extensive list of published articles or books, consider
including the names of editors or project managers with whom you've enjoyed a
good working relationship. Agents and editors value a pleasant, deadline-meeting
author as much as they value his or her talent.
WHY
Agents
and editors are flooded with query letters, that's why it takes so long for them
to get back to you. To be sure, an atypical query letter will stand out. Just be
sure it doesn't stand out too much. Avoid the polka-dot stationery or the query glued to a
rock and mailed to the editor of a scientific publication.
Assuming your letter contains all it should and nothing it shouldn't, the quirky
or enticingly self-confident proposal may indeed catch the editor's eye and keep
it glued to the manuscript enclosed.
WHO
If the
agent/editor is known to have a sense of humor, he or she would probably
appreciate a less formal, but always appropriate, tone. Don't do anything
extreme, childish, or foolish. But, if you're submitting a humorous piece or you
know the reader will appreciate incisive or satirical verbiage, you might "hook"
him or her more easily with a quirky query than with a traditional one.
Traditional or atypical, though, another who-consideration would be the names
you can drop. If you have a mentor, a friend with whom the agent or publisher is
familiar, a big-name interview for your book, a famous-person endorsement or any
other relevant individual who might impress your reader, now's the time to add
some luster to your letter.
HOW
The process remains the same, whether
you write the usual or the unique query letter. First, do your homework. Visit
the agency's or the publisher's website. Read, more than once, the authors'
guidelines. Follow them to the letter.
Be specific in describing your work. Use short words and short sentences. If
you've written a fictional piece, don't contact an agent or publisher until you
have completed the novel. Make certain to include the word count.
Follow these suggestions and you can make your letter sing-- on key! Let it be
music for your soon-to-be agent's or publisher's ears.
Dr. Marlene Caroselli is the author of 57 books, most of which have been
published by a dozen different, established publishers. She has never worked
with an agent.
