A query letter is a combination of written sales pitch and summary of your book idea with a twist—it opens the door to the publishing world and introduces your unwritten nonfiction to editors. Think of it as a good resume. It sells the editor on you and your ability to write. A query letter is the editor’s first and lasting impression of you.
There are many ways to organize a query letter. My own design has six paragraphs:

1. The Hook (also called the lead): Why your book idea is different.
The first paragraph is the attention grabber. Mention the title and type of book early. The punch line goes here, never save it for last. Simply stated, what is your book about and why does it stand out from the crowd?

2. The premise and summary: Why you want to write it.
This is the basic idea and a brief summary of your book. Be precise and organized. No rambling.

3. The audience/market: Why it will sell.
What does your book offer and to whom? Why will it sell? Use statistics if you have them.

4. The particulars: Length, permission to quote, artwork, and readiness to send.
This paragraph provides technical information about the book and the time needed to complete it. As a rule of thumb, it takes eight months to a year to write a book. Allow time for the unexpected. One double-spaced typed page is about 250 words. An average book is 65,000 words. If you don’t know how long your book will be, use 65,000 words. Editors know you’re estimating. Because publishers vary on artwork and permission to quote another author, always read their specific manuscript guidelines.

5. Background and credentials: Why you are the person to write it.
This is your bio in brief and tells of your pertinent experience. Sell yourself without bragging. If you have no writing experience, don’t mention it. As an adult, you have life experience: how does it relate to your book? This is where you state your education and work experience if it pertains to your book. Resist all temptation to make comments like “This is the best book ever written about (blank),” or “I’ve always dreamed of seeing my name in print.” Such remarks scream amateur.

6. Simple closing: Is this a multiple or exclusive submission?
State the name of the book one more time and mention that you have enclosed a SASE. Underneath your name, type ‘multiple submission’ (sending to many publishers at once) or ‘exclusive submission’ (sending to only one). This information is expected but you can be subtle.

Go to a library or buy the current copy of Writer’s Market and study the section called Query Clinic. In no time, you’ll have an invitation to submit your wonderful manuscript to a publisher.
A word about E-mail query letters: All rules of business etiquette and grammar apply. It is still the first and lasting impression of you and your writing. Make it a good one.



Christine Jette, RN, BA in psychology, is a Therapeutic Touch practitioner and professional tarot consultant and author of Tarot Shadow Work, Tarot for the Healing Heart and Tarot for All Seasons. (Llewellyn Publications, 2000 / 2001)
Forthcoming books: Writing for the New Age Market (Crossquarter Pub. Group, early 2003) and Professional Tarot: The Business of Reading, Consulting and Teaching (Llewellyn July 2003) www.findingthemuse.com