I posted a query letter before and I'd like to post one again, for use by anyone who wants to see it.
Last year, I sent out the query for Sayan Soul, five times. I got two no-replies, two standard rejections, and a partial request. I botched the submission with a poorly-edited manuscript and vowed never to submit again until I was ready. So now that I'm about finished again with a better book, I sent out a query for it five days ago. This evening, I got back a partial request. I can't say whether I'm any good at writing books, but it appears my query letters are doing something right. Here it is:
Dear Agent's name,
I would like to first thank you for sending me a partial request over a year ago for my novel Sayan Soul. While I've set that work aside for now, your interest gave me a huge boost of confidence and now that I have another story to pitch, I'm back and knocking at your door, hoping this might be a story more appealing and marketable.
Upon first glance, it might appear Kanassa’s citizens were spared the bloodshed of the civil war that raged for a decade in the northern states, but internal strife threatens to tear the republic apart. For those who seek equality and freedom, the battle is far from over.
Daniela’s world is turned upside down when she is rebuffed by her lover and marries the black sheep of a patrician family, a man who speaks of secrets rather than love and keeps his world hidden away behind locked doors.
Playing the dutiful wife only goes so far, and after one glimpse of her husband's associates, Daniela realizes she has made a terrible mistake. Pulled into a world of political intrigue and shady dealings, she must learn to swim in shark-infested water or drown.
Complete at 135k words, Written in Red is set in a world where factions vie for power and corruption runs rampant within the church and government. With morally-challenged characters, deep secrets, romance and bloodshed; this novel is sure to entertain readers who like a little grit in their romance.
Thank you for your time and considering this project.
Sincerely,
Anita Howitt
I hope along with my article on writing query letters, this helps you all on your journey. Wish me luck as I send them 30 pages with which to make a good impression.
Last year, I sent out the query for Sayan Soul, five times. I got two no-replies, two standard rejections, and a partial request. I botched the submission with a poorly-edited manuscript and vowed never to submit again until I was ready. So now that I'm about finished again with a better book, I sent out a query for it five days ago. This evening, I got back a partial request. I can't say whether I'm any good at writing books, but it appears my query letters are doing something right. Here it is:
Dear Agent's name,
I would like to first thank you for sending me a partial request over a year ago for my novel Sayan Soul. While I've set that work aside for now, your interest gave me a huge boost of confidence and now that I have another story to pitch, I'm back and knocking at your door, hoping this might be a story more appealing and marketable.
Upon first glance, it might appear Kanassa’s citizens were spared the bloodshed of the civil war that raged for a decade in the northern states, but internal strife threatens to tear the republic apart. For those who seek equality and freedom, the battle is far from over.
Daniela’s world is turned upside down when she is rebuffed by her lover and marries the black sheep of a patrician family, a man who speaks of secrets rather than love and keeps his world hidden away behind locked doors.
Playing the dutiful wife only goes so far, and after one glimpse of her husband's associates, Daniela realizes she has made a terrible mistake. Pulled into a world of political intrigue and shady dealings, she must learn to swim in shark-infested water or drown.
Complete at 135k words, Written in Red is set in a world where factions vie for power and corruption runs rampant within the church and government. With morally-challenged characters, deep secrets, romance and bloodshed; this novel is sure to entertain readers who like a little grit in their romance.
Thank you for your time and considering this project.
Sincerely,
Anita Howitt
I hope along with my article on writing query letters, this helps you all on your journey. Wish me luck as I send them 30 pages with which to make a good impression.
Auror
Troubadour
