How to Write a Query Letter That Gets Noticed

How to Write a Query Letter That Gets Noticed

You’ve written “The End,” and now comes the nerve-wracking moment: preparing to share your work with the world. But before you can dive into the excitement of book deals, there’s one task that often causes the most anxiety for writers—writing a query letter.

A query letter is your ticket to getting an agent’s or publisher’s attention. It’s your opportunity to pitch your manuscript in a concise, engaging way, convincing the reader that your book is one they need to see. But the pressure to get it just right can be overwhelming.

So, how do you stand out from the sea of submissions and craft a query letter that catches the eye of the right agent or editor?

Here’s how to write a query letter that gets noticed—without the stress. I’ll also share how Koratech WriterPro can streamline the process, so you can focus more on your writing and less on the anxiety of crafting the perfect letter.

1. Start with a Personal Connection—Do Your Research

A query letter isn’t just about what’s in your manuscript; it’s also about who you’re sending it to. Start by addressing the letter to a specific agent or editor. Never use “To Whom It May Concern.” Agents and editors receive hundreds of queries, so personalization is key.

Do a little research to find the best fit for your work. Look for agents who represent the genre you’re writing in, and mention why you’re reaching out to them specifically. If you know they’ve worked with authors you admire or are interested in a theme you explore, mention it. This shows that you’ve taken the time to learn about them and aren’t just sending a generic letter.

At Koratech WriterPro, you can easily track your submissions, saving you time and ensuring that you’re following up with the right people—keeping your query process organized and efficient.

2. Make Your Book’s Pitch Short and Sweet

A query letter is your chance to show off your story, but brevity is your friend. Think of it as an elevator pitch for your manuscript—one that’ll grab the reader’s attention in seconds. Focus on the essence of your book: Who is the main character? What do they want? What stands in their way?

Keep your description under six sentences, highlighting the conflict and stakes. What sets your story apart? The goal is to intrigue the reader and make them want to read more.

If you’re stuck on how to summarize, the Koratech WriterPro Story Springboard can help. Use this AI-powered tool to generate fresh scene ideas, character interactions, and plot twists that can inspire you to craft that perfect, punchy pitch.

3. Highlight What Makes Your Book Stand Out (Without Being Arrogant)

Now that you’ve hooked them, it’s time to show why your book will stand out in the market. But this doesn’t mean bragging about how it’s going to be the next bestseller. Instead, focus on why you believe your story is timely, relevant, or unique.

Mention any trends in the market that your book fits into, but do so humbly. Avoid overconfidence. Instead of saying, “This book is destined for greatness,” talk about the strengths of your work, like its originality or how it fills a niche.

Also, don’t forget to mention your credentials if you have any. Have you won awards? Are you a member of writers’ groups? Any relevant experience or publishing history can help establish your credibility.

The Koratech WriterPro Query Letter Writer Tool can help you fine-tune your pitch and ensure it sounds confident but not boastful. The tool offers helpful templates, so you can focus on personalizing it rather than starting from scratch.

4. Offer a Sample (Don’t Just Tease)

You’ve sold your story—now it’s time to back it up. Include a sample of your work, typically the first 3-5 chapters or whatever the agent/publisher requests. This is your chance to showcase your writing style and give them a taste of your book’s voice.

If you’re not able to include a sample, be sure to offer a concise synopsis and mention that the full manuscript is available upon request.

Be clear and professional, but also ensure that your sample is polished. You want to leave a lasting impression. Koratech WriterPro’s Goal Setting Studio can help you set writing goals to finish or revise your sample so that it’s ready to go when the time comes.

5. Close with Gratitude and Professionalism

Once you’ve done all the work, it’s time to wrap things up. Thank the agent or editor for their time and consideration, and express your interest in hearing back. Keep it polite, professional, and confident.

You don’t need to overdo it with flattery. Just express genuine gratitude and offer to provide more information if needed.

Crafting the perfect query letter is a step toward getting your manuscript into the hands of agents and editors who will love it.

Latest Blog Posts

Write Smarter, Publish Faster, Earn Sooner!

The All-in-One Writing Platform That Transforms Your Writing Career.