How to Query Literary Agents Effectively
From our professional and personal experiences, we’ve learned that querying literary agents is both an art and a science. After interviewing countless agents and experiencing the querying process firsthand, we are sharing our most valuable insights to help you on your publishing journey.
The Querying Process
Querying a literary agent can feel like navigating uncharted waters, especially in the kidlit world where competition is fierce, and the market is ever-evolving. Before crafting the perfect query letter, it’s crucial to understand the agent’s perspective and the journey your submission will take once it lands in their inbox.
The Volume of Queries Agents Receive
From my podcast interviews with seasoned agents, one fact stands out: agents receive hundreds of query letters every single week. That means your submission is one among many vying for their attention. With such high volume, agents typically spend just a few minutes (or even seconds) reading each query before deciding whether to delve deeper or move on.
What Happens When You Hit ‘Send’?
- Initial Receipt: After you send your query, it lands in the agent’s query inbox—a digital slush pile. Some agents use query management platforms like QueryTracker or Submittable, while others prefer email submissions.
- Sorting and Prioritization: Agents often skim through their inbox to prioritize queries based on the subject line or opening lines. Queries that follow submission guidelines and hook them right away are more likely to move forward.
- The Reading Process: If your query and sample pages intrigue them, agents may read further. This is where they evaluate the writing quality, originality of the concept, market viability, and how well the story aligns with their personal and agency interests.
- Decision Time:
- Request for More Material: If the agent is interested, they’ll ask for a partial or full manuscript.
- Rejection: Most queries, unfortunately, receive form rejections or no response due to the sheer volume of submissions. This is not necessarily a reflection of the quality of your work but rather the specific preferences and priorities of the agent.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Waiting can be one of the most challenging parts of querying.
- Query Response Time: Most agents specify response times in their submission guidelines, typically ranging from a few weeks to a few months.
- Full Manuscript Review: If they request your manuscript, it could take anywhere from a month to several months for them to decide.
The Rejection/Acceptance Process
- Rejection: Rejections are a normal part of the querying process. They can come in the form of a polite form letter, a more personalized note, or no response at all. It’s important not to take them personally; agents may reject for reasons beyond your control, such as market saturation or a mismatch with their taste.
- Acceptance: If an agent loves your work, they’ll typically reach out to schedule a call to discuss representation. This is known as “The Call,” where you’ll learn about their vision for your book and discuss next steps.
Remember, rejections are part of the journey, not the end. Each one brings you closer to finding the right agent for your work. Research agents thoroughly and tailor your queries to their specific interests. Be patient and stay organized by keeping track of submissions and responses. With that in mind, let’s dig in!
Crafting Your Query Letter
A great query letter is your golden ticket to catching an agent’s attention. Think of it as a combination of a sales pitch and a first impression—both need to be compelling, concise, and professional. While every query should be tailored to the specific agent you’re querying, there’s a general template that can guide you toward success.
Here’s what I’ve learned works best:
The Essential Elements of a Strong Query
Paragraph 1: Hook and Personalization
The intent of this paragraph is to grab the agent’s attention immediately.
- Start with a strong hook: an intriguing detail about your story or main character to pique their interest.
- State that you’re seeking representation and include the genre and word count of your manuscript.
- Personalize the query by showing you’ve done your research on the agent. Mention a specific reason why you’re querying them (e.g., referencing their MSWL, interest in similar stories, or clients they’ve worked with).
This personalization demonstrates professionalism and indicates that you’re serious about finding the right fit for your book.
Paragraph 2: Story Overview
This is where you succinctly summarize the heart of your story.
- Introduce the main character, their unique traits, and their inciting incident.
- Briefly outline the central conflict and stakes, making it clear why this story will resonate with the audience.
- Use buzzwords and language that highlight the story’s appeal to the kidlit audience (e.g., friendship, empowerment, self-discovery).
This paragraph is flexible in structure, so feel free to adjust the flow as long as it remains concise, clear, and compelling.
Paragraph 3: Series Information (Optional)
This optional paragraph is for authors pitching a series.
- Mention if the book is a standalone with series potential or the first in a planned series.
- Briefly describe the series concept if relevant.
Important Note: Some agents may require an outline or synopsis of subsequent books for series pitches. Be sure to check their submission guidelines and prepare accordingly.
Paragraph 4: Market Placement and Comparables
Here, you demonstrate that you understand the market and where your book fits.
- Highlight recent comp titles (published within the last two years) that align with your book. Avoid overused bestsellers.
- Show how your story is unique while appealing to a specific consumer audience.
This step reassures the agent that there’s a viable market for your manuscript.
Paragraph 5: Author Bio and Credentials
This paragraph is about you.
- Share relevant credentials or experience that make you qualified to write this book. For example: membership in SCBWI, past publications, or professional expertise in the story’s subject matter.
- Mention any connections or platforms you bring to the table (e.g., social media reach, community involvement, or plans for school visits).
This shows agents you’re serious, credible, and willing to collaborate to promote your book.
Paragraph 6: Gratitude and Closing
The final paragraph is all about gratitude and professionalism.
- Thank the agent for their time and consideration.
- Show you value the hard work they do as literary agents.
End with a polite invitation to request additional materials, leaving a positive impression.
Query Letter Template
The Storyteller’s Shelf team has developed this template based on successful queries and agent feedback:
Dear [Agent’s Name],
[Hook: Start with an intriguing detail about your book or main character, such as a unique aspect of the story, world, or protagonist.] I am seeking representation for [Title], a [genre] complete at [word count] words. I was drawn to query you because [specific reason, e.g., mentioning their MSWL, interest in similar stories, or work with comparable authors].
[Main character] is a [brief description—age, unique trait, or role] who [inciting incident]. But when [conflict happens], they must [stakes and choice]. If they fail [consequences].
[Optional: If applicable, mention that this is a standalone with series potential or the first in a planned series. Include a brief description of the series concept. For example: ‘This is the first book in a planned series that highlights [specific theme or concept].’]
The book will appeal to readers who enjoyed [recent comp title] and [recent comp title] while offering a fresh perspective with [unique element or twist].
I am a [relevant background or occupation, e.g., member of SCBWI, published author, or other experience connected to the book]. My work has been featured in [optional—if you have prior publications or relevant credits].[Optional: Mention a marketing plan or unique promotional angles if applicable, such as a social media following, expertise in relevant fields, or plans for school visits.]
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Full Contact Information]
Important Points for a Strong Query Letter:
- Comps:
- Choose titles published within the last two years.
- Avoid referencing massive bestsellers (e.g., Harry Potter or anything by Stephen King). Opt for works in your genre and tone that are successful but not ubiquitous.
- Author History:
- Highlight memberships (e.g., SCBWI), past publications, or relevant experience.
- If you’re unpublished, emphasize your passion or connection to the story’s themes. You can make a note that this will be your debut title.
- Marketing Plan:
- If you have a marketing plan, consider attaching it as a separate document or mentioning key elements (e.g., school visits, social media reach). You can mention any personal contacts you have that you could approach for valuable endorsements. This sometimes is more in line with what a publisher will want to see than an agent. However, keeping a running list of these details shows you are committed.
- Series Details (if applicable):
- Briefly outline the series concept in the query letter.
- Include a series overview or synopsis for additional books in your submission package if requested.
- Your Manuscript:
- Read the agent’s submission instructions. If emailing, some may want you to put the manuscript on the body of the email. Others permit attachments. If filling out a form, such as on QueryTracker, ensure that your formatting transfers properly. Don’t forget to send your manuscript! Some people put all the work into the letter only to forget to add an attachment.
Professional Tips from Industry Experts
Through my podcast interviews with literary agents, I’ve gathered these invaluable insights:
- Research is Non-Negotiable: Every agent I’ve interviewed emphasizes the importance of thorough research before querying. If you aren’t knowledgable about your market niche, you need to give yourself time to grow your toolkit. It can be tempting to send off a manuscript as soon as you finish it, but we recommend waiting 2 weeks. Then coming back to it, revising it as needed, and taking at least a month to understand where your manuscript sits in the market.
- Personalization Matters: Generic queries rarely succeed. Make each submission unique to that specific agent. Never skip on relating your manuscript to a title they’ve had success with. You are showing that your title is a good fit for them and that you both will make sales. Remember that being an agent is a job and income matters as much as advocacy.
- Follow Guidelines Precisely: No freestyling. Save the creative license for another time. Each agency has different requirements. Following them shows professionalism and presents you favorably.
Mistakes to Avoid
My podcast guests have highlighted these frequent pitfalls:
- Querying too early (before the manuscript is polished)
- Sending mass queries without personalization
- Querying the same agent more than once
- Forgetting to attach your manuscript
- Including inappropriate comp titles
- Writing overly long queries
- Missing key genre elements
- Lacking knowledge on your intended audience
Additional Resources
Want to learn more about the writing and publishing process?
- Meet us live and “in person” in the WriteNow a Thon 2024 on December 28! We will be leading an interactive workshop during this remote event called, Turbocharged Characters: Crafting Unforgettable Characters for Children’s Books. Take a look at the outline and FREEBIES below:
Also, save the date for these episodes coming soon…
- May 2025: The Query & In-Person Pitch Formula
- October 2025: Transforming Your Manuscript with The Editorial Process
- August 2025: Selling SEL: Tying Social Emotional Learning into Writing & Marketing
Remember, querying is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time to craft each query carefully, and don’t let rejections discourage you. Every published author started exactly where you are now.
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