Lit Match

How to Write a Query Letter (Part 1): Paragraph One, the Hook

Listen Later

In the first episode of a three-part series of episodes on how to write a query letter, Abigail teaches writers how to write the first paragraph of their query letter. To do this, she covers important elements like:

  • What a query letter is and why a writer who wants to traditionally publish needs one
  • 4 essential details in every first paragraph 
  • 4-5 factors that determine a strong comp (comparable title)
  • More!

    • Plus! Abigail offers a free critique of the first paragraph to the first 10 writers only. Details on how to submit to Abigail and other examples and resources in this episode below:

     

    I WANT A CHANCE AT ABIGAIL’S FREE CRITIQUE! Here’s what to do:

    • Email Abigail at: [email protected] 
    • Subject Title: Quick Query Tips Paragraph One
    • Embed the first paragraph ONLY in the email
    • Not required, but if you want to follow Abigail or share the show, go for it! 

      • ***If you are not one of the first ten writers to email Abigail in the requested format, you may not get a response.*** 

       

      FIRST PARAGRAPH EXAMPLE

      Dear AGENT’S NAME,

      I saw on Twitter that you love [SOMETHING THEY’VE SHARED PUBLICLY] and think you’d enjoy my book [YOUR BOOK IN ALL CAPS]. It is a [WORD COUNT and GENRE] that [SHORT LOGLINE] [OR] would entertain readers of [TWO COMPS THAT SHOW YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR GENRE AND ARE SOMETHING THE AGENT WOULD REPRESENT + BE ABLE TO SELL]. 

       

      Additional Resources:

      • Carly Watters: Ways to start your query letter
        • ...more
        View all episodesView all episodes
        Download on the App Store
        Lit MatchBy Abigail K. Perry
        • 4.9
        • 4.9
        • 4.9
        • 4.9
        • 4.9

        4.9

        58 ratings