Template Query Letter

Disclaimer: Writing a query letter can often be a cause of stress to authors, so we have created a template you can follow here. This may be useful if you have never written a query letter before, but you do not have to use it to submit to us. This format may not work for more literary novels.

Email subject: Query – [AGE] [GENRE]/[TITLE]/[NAME]

(for example: Query – YA romance/Love in Winter Wonderland/Abiola Bello)

Dear [agent’s name],

I am seeking representation for my [age, i.e. MG/YA etc.] [genre] manuscript, [title], complete at [word count rounded to nearest 1000 words]. It’s X [book or movie comp] meets Y [book or movie comp].

[Insert your pitch – 1 or 2 paragraphs explaining your plot. Introduce your main character. What do they want? What’s preventing them from achieving those goals? And what are the stakes if they don’t achieve them?]

According to your submission guidelines, I have [consult the specific guidelines for the agency, posted on its website. For the GLC, you’d say, ‘pasted the first ten pages of the manuscript below’].

I am a member of [any writing organisations] and have won [any relevant writing prizes, mentorships, etc.]. [Add anything relevant to your role as the best person to write this book and your reasons for writing it.] [Add any links to websites or socials if you use them.] Thank you for your time.

All best,

[your name]