 The querying process can be one of the most stressful things in the author’s journey. It’s easy to get lost in the weeds and some give up altogether. Many get overwhelmed with the thought of boiling their novels down and hooking an agent. For others, they don’t even know where to start. Instead of getting swamped with emotions, I want you to think about this: a query letter is simply a one-page letter of sales copy, and there are three things to consider.
The paragraphs in your query letter don't necessarily need to be in that order, although that's mostly how agents see them. If there's something really stunning in your bio (let's say you have a personal contact with an editor or a movie producer) then start with that. Maybe you're an astrophysicist and you've included that research in your novel. Perhaps you live full time in a vintage RV and so does your character. Be sure to mention those things. Your job is to make this an easy “yes” for an agent, and it all comes down to saleability. An agent will also be scanning your query letter for phrases and information that they can use when they put together a proposal for an editor, so keep that in mind. Especially if you're a debut author, an agent has to think of ways to make you stand out. The Three Points
What makes this agent the perfect champion for your book? Have you found something on their Manuscript Wish List that is an exact description of what you've written? Mentioned that. Maybe they've written an article that resonated with you, or perhaps you enjoyed their guest appearance on a podcast. Perhaps you met them at a conference; that's one of the best things you can say. Do a little research about the agent or the agency and find something to highlight. Tip: The agent author relationship should be fun, both for the author and the agent. Agents don't get paid unless they sell your book so for them to invest all the time it's going to take to get you and your manuscript out the door, the experience should be a good one. Be kind!
Don't make the description of your book too long. This section is simply a place to think about back cover sales copy. What text would be on the back cover of your book? You can keep this section to one or two paragraphs. Here are some questions that will help you boil this down: What is the setting? Who is the main character? What is the conflict and how will the conflict potentially be resolved? The agent does not need to know every detail about your book here (or even subplots). This is only the place to make the agent want to read more. Tip: Think about a streaming movie blurb. Would the description of your book make you want to hit play?
Ultimately you want to let the agent know that you are a qualified writer, so if you have any writing accolades, include those. If you don't have any, you can mention that you’re a member of a writer’s group. Unpaid publishing credits can count too, so don’t be afraid to mention them. Tip: If you don't have anything to write, just say fun facts about yourself, or include something to make the agent smile. Agents want to know you as a person and this is a great place to show your sense of humor, or your unique flair. By focusing on these three querying tips, I hope you can remove the stress from this part of your journey. The most important thing is to not get bogged down by fear. Remember: Your story can’t connect with the perfect agent unless you hit send. Happy querying!  Brandy Vallance is a literary agent with Barbara Bova Literary Agency, and an award-winning author. She is the winner of two national writing awards, one of which included a $20,000 prize. Her novel, THE COVERED DEEP, has been featured in USA Today and Writer’s Digest. Romantic Times called WITHIN THE VEIL “passionate and riveting” and Publisher’s Weekly encourages those who like sweeping Scottish sagas to dive in because “the journey is wonderful.” Brandy loves helping writers break the chains of fear and self-doubt. You can find out more at brandyvallance.com.  Attend a Writers Conference in 2026:
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