How to Write a Query Letter That Makes a Literary Agent Want to Read More

Last updated: October 18, 2026

To write a query letter, introduce your book's genre and word count, pitch the story in a short paragraph that shows the main character, conflict and stakes, add comparable titles and a brief bio, and follow each agent's submission guidelines exactly. A query letter is a one-page sales pitch. Its only job is to make an agent want to read your manuscript.

Key takeaways

  • Keep it short. Jane Friedman suggests most queries fall between about 200 and 400 words.
  • The pitch paragraph is the heart: character, conflict, stakes and voice.
  • Include genre, word count and two or three recent comparable titles.
  • Always follow each agent's own guidelines. There is no single format every agent wants.

What belongs in a query letter?

Most query letters for fiction include:

  1. A greeting addressed to the agent by name.
  2. A short opening with the title, genre, word count and, if relevant, why you are querying this agent.
  3. The pitch: one to three short paragraphs about the story.
  4. Comparable titles, often called comps: recent books similar in audience or feel.
  5. A brief bio, focused on anything relevant to the book or your writing.
  6. A thank-you and sign-off.

Jane Friedman describes the core elements as the story's premise, a few comparable titles and a short bio, all delivered concisely (Friedman, 2024).

How long should it be?

Short. Jane Friedman recommends roughly 200 to 400 words, or about one page (Friedman, 2024). Agents read many queries, and a tight letter shows you can tell your story with focus. If your query runs long, the pitch is usually the place to cut.

How do you pitch the story?

The pitch reads like the back cover copy of a book. It should answer:

  • Who is the main character, and what makes them interesting?
  • What do they want, and what is in the way?
  • What is at stake if they fail?
  • What choice do they face?

Focus on the first act and the central conflict. You do not need to explain the ending, all the subplots or every character. Let your voice come through, especially if voice is a strength of the book.

Here is an original, illustrative pitch:

Twenty-nine-year-old pastry chef Nadia Okafor has one goal: win the regional baking competition that could save her grandmother's failing bakery. Her biggest obstacle is the new judge, food critic Ellis Grant, whose review closed her last restaurant. When a mix-up forces them to share a booth for the competition's three-week run, Nadia must decide whether to sabotage the man who ruined her or trust him with the recipe that could save everything.

How should you choose comparable titles?

Comps show agents where your book fits in the market. Choose books that:

  • Were published in roughly the last few years.
  • Share your audience, tone or premise.
  • Were successful but not so famous that the comparison seems unrealistic.

A common format: "[Title] will appeal to readers of [Comp A] and [Comp B]."

How should you personalize a query?

Personalization is a short, genuine line about why you chose this agent. It might reference a book they represent, something they said in an interview or a wish list item that matches your book. Keep it brief and specific. A generic compliment does not help. If you have no real connection, it is fine to skip it. A strong pitch matters more.

What common mistakes should you avoid?

  • Ignoring the agent's submission guidelines.
  • Querying before the manuscript is finished and revised.
  • Leaving out word count or genre.
  • Opening with a rhetorical question.
  • Calling your book the next bestseller or comparing it to a classic.
  • Summarizing the whole plot instead of pitching the conflict.

What do agents usually want with the query?

Many agents ask for the first few pages or chapters, and some ask for a synopsis. Requirements vary from agent to agent, so check each one's website or submission platform. Your first pages need to be strong. See how to write a strong first chapter.

Writing nonfiction? You will likely need a proposal instead. See how to write a book proposal.

Want feedback on your query before you send it? Our Editorial Advice Session covers queries and first pages, and manuscript editing can get the book itself ready. Or book a free consultation.

References

Friedman, J. (2024). How to write a query letter for your novel or memoir. Jane Friedman. https://janefriedman.com/compelling-query-letters-for-novel-memoir/

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