Submissions Masterclass ~ Week Four

Before we get to the query, make sure your manuscript is the best it can be and ready to go so that the minute you get a request, you can send it out. Also, as mentioned in our previous lesson, keep track of what version of the manuscript you’re sending the publisher or agent.

Now, on to the query letter!

A good query letter should do four things:

1. It should tell who you are—what makes you the right person to tell this story?

2. It should demonstrate your voice and personality as a writer

3. It should give a sense of the conflict within the novel

4. It should tell the reader what the story is about. 

To get an idea for how to write an attention-grabbing submission for your book, try using retail descriptions for your favorite novels that you find on retailers. Notice the language they use and apply those concepts to your own story. See if you can write a succinct description for your book, honing in on what makes your story uniquely yours. Then add a few more details to explain the story and add the ending. 

I start by writing 5 sentences about the story:

1.   Who is the main character?

2.   What are her motivations?

3.   What is impeding those motivations? (This is your conflict.)

4.   And how does the main character ultimately achieve happiness?

Now that you’re armed with the tools and understanding you need to submit, begin researching your favorite publishers and agents and stretch those typing fingers! Best of luck!