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Dianne Jacob, Will Write For Food

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contacting a literary agent

3 Keys to a Killer Query Letter

September 11, 2012 by diannejacob 21 Comments

Want to interest a literary agent in your book idea?

Often, agents want a query letter first. The query sells them on the book idea and introduces you. It’s your chance to make an indelible impression.

Queries have to be short. Here’s the formula for this three-paragraph letter:

Paragraph 1: You need an evocative opening that intrigues the agent enough to keep reading. It includes the book’s hook: a concise sentence meant to pique interest about why the book is needed now and how it’s different. Include the book’s working title and subtitle.

To create a connection, the paragraph should also include why you chose this agent, based on the agent’s website, books represented, or a [Read more…] about 3 Keys to a Killer Query Letter

Filed Under: Literary Agents, Proposals Tagged With: contacting a literary agent, cookbook query letter to agents, food writing, writing an agent query

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