Query Letters That Grab Attention

Author: Julie Ortolon

According to Harlequin Assistant Editor Brenda Chin, "editors hate reading query letters as much as authors hate writing them." Consequently, many editors toss unsolicited letters into a file folder. When the folder won't hold anymore, they sit down with a resigned groan and read all of the letters at once.

For a letter to get a positive response out of a stack that big, it must be more than well written. It must be outstanding.

At a West Houston Romance Writers Association (RWA) workshop on query letter writing, Brenda shared some tips on how to dazzle an editor into that all important yes. As an assistant editor for Harlequin Love and Laughter, and Harlequin Temptation, Brenda advises authors to create a stationary that says something about themselves and their manuscript. Big fonts and lots of "white" space win points at first glance.

For the opening line of a query, Brenda suggested using one of the following approaches:

Know who you're submitting to and state that up front in a manner that is confident but not cocky.
Example: "I have completed a 65,000 word romantic comedy I would like you to consider for your Love and Laughter line."
Tell her who you are.
"As a professional non-fiction writer, I have turned my knack for humor toward creating romantic romps with a Tracy/Hepburn flavor." (This approach only works if you have strong writing credentials.)
Drop names.
"Dear Tracy Farrell, I recently met Brenda Chin at a RWA workshop where she informed me Harlequin Historicals is actively acquiring. I have completed a 95,000-word western romance I would like you to consider for that line."

For the body of the letter, Brenda says to select your tone based on where you are submitting. If the publishing house or category line is stayed, be formal. If the line is light and comedic, as with Love and Laughter, be witty. If the line prints a high level of sensuality, as with Temptation, be sensual.

Most of all, Brenda says, show off your personal voice. That's what editors are looking for: writers with a voice.
Put the synopsis portion of your letter in your character's point of view.
Be careful with this, though. Brenda warns that editors don't want to see scenes. They want a complete picture of the whole book. When Brenda reads a query, she wants to learn what the book is about, where the story is going, and how the characters will get it there.

To get all this information across concisely, Brenda advises that you "use effective words, not flowery speech." She looks for why and how things happen, not just what happens. A dry list of events will not get her attention, while two compelling characters in a unique situation will. She also wants a sense that the conflict is both internal and external.

In closing your query, she suggests you give some personal information, but only if it's pertinent, as in writing awards, non-fiction or short story publication, or expertise in the subject matter of your book.

For Brenda, the attention getting query relays the flavor of the book, which line it's suited for, and the writer's commitment to category romance. Above all, when querying to her, she say, "Be concise, confident, and creative."

Query Letters That Grab Attention

Author: Julie Ortolon

Know who you're submitting to and state that up front in a manner that is confident but not cocky.

Tell her who you are.

Drop names.

Put the synopsis portion of your letter in your character's point of view.