Tips for Writing a Query Letter for a Non-Fiction Book
Through the years, many people have asked me how to write a query letter for their non-fiction books. (I’m a ghostwriter.)
The query letter is the “pitch note” that you send to literary agents you hope will represent you and your manuscript.
Here’s a brief summary of things to consider when writing your letter. If you like, you can read more at "How To Write A Query Letter.”
#1 - Keep it short and sweet!
Keep your query letter to a page, a page and a half at the most. Any longer and you risk boring the agent, while proving that you cannot present your idea and its key selling points quickly and concisely.
#2 - Begin with the proper salutation
The query should always open with a salutation, as in “Dear Ms. Smith” or “Dear John Smith.” Address your query letter to a specific agent at a specific literary agency – and spell the name properly
#3 - Give the book’s hook
The hook, also known as the handle or elevator pitch, is an intriguing statement that answers three important questions: “Why?” “Who cares?” and “What will it do for me?”
#4 - State your purpose and give the basic details
Explain what you’re looking for, as in “I’m seeking representation...” Then, give the basic information: title, subtitle (if any), word count, genre, and the target readership (who will buy your book and why).
#5 - Tell the agent why you picked her or him
Mention why you sent your query letter to this particular agent. Perhaps she represents books similar to yours, or you saw that she requested books like yours on her WishList.
#6 - Identify the target audience
In other words, briefly explain who the book is written for.
#7 - Show them your platform
Mention some of the highlights of your author platform in your query letter. Learn more about the author platform by reading “How to Build Your Author Platform - 8 Key Steps.”
#8 - Explain how you will help sell the book
Briefly detail what you will do to promote and sell your book.
#9 - Tell the agent who you are
Briefly mention who you are and why you’re qualified to write this book.
#10 - Give them a taste of your writing style
Although you should write the letter in a professional manner, you can take the opportunity to demonstrate your writing style. But don’t go to extremes. Remember, the query is a business letter.
End your letter by thanking the agent for reading your query.
#12 – A Few Things to Avoid
Submit a query letter with typos, brag about or belittle yourself, disparage other authors, misrepresent anything about your book or yourself, say that everyone tells you that your book idea is fabulous, use imaginative fonts or layouts, or ramble on.
Good luck with your query letter!
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