Isn’t that the question? Well, for those who want to write fiction, it eventually becomes the question. In fact, authors/freelance writers usually ask that question in a pleading manner—“I don’t have to write a query letter for fiction, do I????? Please say it isn’t so.â€
I love to do my own little research studies and yesterday I did such a study related to the number of magazine editors and book publishers who require query letters for fiction. Of the 100 or so magazines I researched, about one-quarter require a query letter for fiction. The magazines were in the Literary, Women’s, General Interest, Religious and Young Adult categories.
Almost all of the agents I researched want to see a query letter first—even for fiction.
As for book publishers—I studied the guidelines for 45 of those who publish fiction. Twenty of them require a query letter first for fiction. One of them even wanted a query letter for poetry. Ten of the publishers I studied want to see the completed manuscript, 7 ask for a proposal—yes, for fiction—and 8 publishers said you can send either a query, a proposal or the complete manuscript.
It looks like you fiction writers/authors are going to have to overcome your query letter jitters. Writing a query letter really isn’t difficult. It’s just a matter of understanding the basic format for a query letter and knowing your project inside and out. (More on how to pitch your wonderful project in tomorrow’s blog.)
Maybe this will help:
For a hardcopy letter to be sent via the post office:
• Use your letterhead.
• Type the date at the top left of the page.
• Type the editor’s/publisher’s name, company/magazine name and complete address in block form under the date.
For either hardcopy or an email letter:
• Address editor/publisher by name.
• Single space.
• Use Times New Roman 12-point type.
• Try to keep your query to one page.
In the body of your letter or email:
• Make it clear that this is a query letter for a short story/fiction book project.
• Use a hook to capture the editor’s/publisher’s interest.
• Briefly describe your story and why you feel it is of value to the readers or would fit into this publisher’s line.
• Give your qualifications for writing this story (your connection to the theme and/or your publishing credits).
• End it. Ask the editor to request the complete manuscript or thank the editor for his/her consideration.
If this is your first query letter or you just want the opinion of someone else, show it to a fellow writer/author. Better yet, hire an appropriate professional to review it before you send it.
If you’d like a couple of sample query letters for fiction, contact me at: PLFry620@yahoo.com. I’ll send them via email.
For additional assistance with the query letter, book proposal or any other aspect of writing and publishing, contact me at PLFry620@yahoo.com. And be sure to spend time at my site learning from the many articles posted there. Purchase some of my extremely useful books. Sign up for my online courses. http://www.matilijapress.com
Query Letter DON’Ts
• Do NOT use a general salutation, “Gentlemen,†“Dear Editor†or “Whomever This Concerns.†Do whatever it takes to get the name of the acquisitions or managing editor.
• Do NOT tell the publisher or editor his/her business. Don’t say, for example, “This is the best story you’ve seen all year,†or “If you don’t publish this story, you’re missing out on millions of dollars.â€
• Do NOT try to play coy with the publisher and conceal important aspects of your story. This will only result in his rejection.
• Do NOT say that all of your friends love your story and so does your mother.
If you want to publish your fiction, use the 3 “Ps†Be well-Prepared, Persistent and Patient. And there’s a 4th P word that’s also important. Always use your Professional persona when approaching an editor or publisher, follow the rules of etiquette and protocol and you’ll have a much greater chance of becoming a published author or a freelance writer with publishing credits.