What is Query to an agent?

by Isoje David
10th November 2012

I have just met some agents and they are asking for queries. But i do not understand what does this mean? Does a query goes along with the some chapters of the book? Or is it to tell them about your book and what you need them to do for you as a writer?

Replies

If you have been talking to US agents, they mean their equivalent of the UK's cover letter. However, they are not the same thing.

A US style query letter is a *bit* like the blurb on the back of the book, except it should explain who the Main Character is, what they want (their goal in the novel - in Lord of The Rings Frodo's goal is to destroy the One Ring), what's stopping them (Frodo can only destroy the ring in the fires of Mount Doom), and what will happen if they fail (Sauron will return to power). It should be written in 3rd present tense from the POV of ONE main character - it doesn't matter how the novel is written.

Check out the QueryShark blog for examples (and feedback) of what Queries should look like.

Profile picture for user hmalings_9925
Dor
Armitage
270 points
Ready to publish
Short stories
Fiction
Dor Armitage
12/11/2012

Isoje just concentrate on your writing, write a healthy manuscript than think about agents, you will understand easily than

u are now not ready to submit i guess not now, so first write than choose the the next step

all the best :)

Profile picture for user Zohaib Ahmed
Zohaib
Ahmed
1280 points
Practical publishing
Fiction
Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Gothic and Horror
Middle Grade (Children's)
Picture Books (Children's)
Romance
Adventure
Speculative Fiction
Self-Publishing
Autobiography, Biography and Memoir
Creative Writing and Publishing
Zohaib Ahmed
11/11/2012

A 'query' is an enquiry, from you, asking them if they're interested in representing your work.

In practice that usually means you send them an introductory letter together with a book synopsis and sample chapters. Agents usually indicate what exactly they need on their websites, or in the Writers and Artists Yearbook.They'll also often say what types of book they're interested in which can save you applying to the wrong agent if your book fits a particular genre.

Best of luck with your queries!

Profile picture for user oldchesn_4270
Jonathan
Hopkins
6735 points
Practical publishing
Fiction
Historical
Adventure
The writing process
The publishing process
Self-Publishing
Jonathan Hopkins
10/11/2012