If you're like most writers the dreaded query letter has your head spinning - and for good reason.
It's the first step in proposing a writing project to an agent or editor of a publishing house. This one page missive is sometimes all that stands between you and publication. It's imperative to put your best foot forward and make a good first impression.
Here's the basics of a good query.
1. Provide the title, length and genre of your manuscript.
2. Describe what your story or book is about beginning with an intriguing one sentence blurb meant to hook the reader. Following this there should be a paragraph or two that expands on the plot but doesn't give away the end. I told you this was not easy.
3. Next is a short biography. This is where you list any writing awards, published works and writing associations you belong to.
4. Always include a sign off thanking the recipient for taking the time to read the letter.
5. End with your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address.
Believe me this is harder than writing the book. How do you describe a 75,000 word novel in one sentence? And make it so intriguing and irresistible that anyone who reads it will request your manuscript. Well, there's plenty of help available online and I went looking for it.
A search on Amazon.com brought up an Amazon Short by Noah Lukeman. HOW TO WRITE A GREAT QUERY LETTER is a seventy-six page book by a man who is an agent and a former editor. Who better to look to for advice? It gets better. The book is free.
There are many how-to books online but this is one of the best. It begins with preparation and formatting and then takes you through each segment of the query. Besides telling you what you should do, you're given advice on what not to do. And the author deals with fiction and non-fiction.
Some of the best advice on writing a query letter is only a quick download away.
I found the book so helpful I purchased one of the author's other titles - “The First Five Pages: A Writer's Guide to Staying Out of the Rejection Pile."
Noah Lukeman says, “I have written this book, and made it free, as a way of giving back to the writing community."
Mr. Lukeman has done a great service in offering this practical and informative book to future authors.
Format: HTML, PDF and plain text e-mail
Printable: Yes
ASIN: B00122GU86
Length: 21,649 words, 76 pages
Price: $0.00
Gail Pruszkowski reviews for “Romantic Times BOOKreviews" magazine and her work has been published in the “Cup of Comfort" Anthologies.
http://mysite.verizon.net/bookworm.gp/
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http://write-juncture.blogspot.com/
