We have taken classes on how to write the perfect query letter. We know the ins and outs of crafting that attention-grabbing letter that will snare an editor and/or agent’s question. Or do we?

Do you know how to keep your query letter from being filed in the circular file (the trashcan) or receiving a rejection?

In case you didn’t get the news, editors and agents are busy people. Like an employer going through a stack of resumes from job-hopefuls, they can give queries only the briefest attention. Don’t give them a chance to dismiss yours before they read the entire thing.

Many editors and agents believe that an author’s voice will show up in a query letter. Does that tell you anything? To me, it means that the letter better be the very best writing of which I’m capable.

This means not filling it with a bunch of extraneous material. It means forgetting the bragging like claiming that you’ve written the next Harry Potter, only better. It means being totally honest.

If you haven’t published, don’t say that you have. Lies like that come back to haunt you. Editors have long memories. The editor you queried today may show up two years down the road at another publishing house.

So what can you do to make your query letter shine and let it stand out above others in the slush pile?

• Build a platform. No, I’m not talking about hammering out a plywood box. You should be building a platform before you ever send out your first query or submission. What goes into fashioning a platform? Establish a web presence. Write articles for your blog or web site. “But I don’t want to give away my writing,” you may protest. You’re not giving away anything. You’re treating potential readers, including agents and editors, to a sample of your writing. You’re sharing parts of yourself. If you have connections with a job other than your writing, use them. Are you a member of the City Council or the PTA? Make that a plank in your platform.

• Be stylish. I don't mean dressing like Kate Middleton (though I would love to). I’m referring to knowing what’s going on in the world, including the recent royal wedding. Does your book have a princess in its cast of characters? Have you penned a young adult book about spies? Both of these subjects are current and will likely grab an editor’s attention.

• Make sure the shoe fits. Have you written a fabulous picture book? Great. Do you plan to send it out to every publisher of children’s books you can find? Bad idea. In fact, it’s downright foolish. Do your homework and find out which publishers accept picture books. Think your job is over? Wrong. It’s time to do some digging and find out what kind of picture books the editor is seeking. Does a publisher on your preferred list state they they are not interested in rhyming books? Pay attention and don’t send them a book in verse. Few, if any publishers, will look at illustrations. Don’t send your sister-in-law’s pictures, no matter how good they are, unless the author is also a professional artist. Show the editor and publisher that you took your time to find out what they are looking for. This is not only flattering; it’s just good business. Never forget: writing is a business and you are a small business owner.

• Let your voice shine through. Are you a master of short, tight sentences? Let that come through in your query. Does your voice tend to be more lyrical? Show that in your style. Of course you want to be professional in your query, but it doesn’t hurt to allow the editor to get a glimpse of your voice. Voice can’t be taught, but it can be refined and strengthened. This comes through writing.

• Pay attention to details. This goes back to professionalism. Get the editor’s name right. If you can, attend a conference where she is speaking. Listen to what she needs. Make your spelling and grammar perfect. These things won’t sell a bad idea, but they may prevent a good idea from receiving a second look. Does the publisher’s web site state that they will accept only a one page query? Then don’t send one that runs to three pages. These are seemingly small things, but they help an editor or agent weed out those writers who haven’t paid attention.

Crafting a query is the first step in making a sale. Make your letter so outstanding that an editor or agent will have to request a complete manuscript.

What goes into a winning query?

• A brief synopsis of the book, written in the same style as the manuscript.
• The book's word count, intended age range, and category (easy reader, young adult, etc.)
• A paragraph about the author's platform and other marketing ideas. If the book fills an under-served niche in the market, mention that here.
• A brief paragraph about the author's credentials, previous publications, memberships in writing organizations, or anything related to writing children's books. If the author has professional experience that shows expertise in the topic of the book, mention it.
• A final paragraph that mentions why you're submitting to this particular publisher, and asks permission to send the entire manuscript to the editor for review.

  Check the publisher's guidelines to see if the editor wants a query letter only, or if you can also include sample chapters from the work. Always mail with a self-addressed, stamped envelope, and be sure your phone number and email address are on the letter.  

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CBI Expert Guide Jane McBride Choate has written 32 novels, primarily historical fiction and romance.

Her work has also appeared in nine Chicken Soup for the Soul Collections (Stress and Messages from Above will be published in 2012), two anthologies by St. Martin's Press (The Spirit of Christmas and Christmas Miracles), and many magazines for children (Friend, Alive for Teens, Children's Digest, Starsong), adults (Better Homes & Gardens, Family Circle, Woman's Day), and writers (Writer, Writer's Market, Romance Writers Report).

  Click here to learn more about Jane!

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