How to Write a Query Letter (Part 1): Paragraph One, the Hook

In the first episode of a three-part series of episodes on how to write a query letter, Abigail teaches writers how to write the first paragraph of their query letter. To do this, she covers important elements like:

• What a query letter is and why a writer who wants to traditionally publish needs one
• 4 essential details in every first paragraph
• 4-5 factors that determine a strong comp (comparable title)
• More!

Plus! Abigail offers a free critique of the first paragraph to the first 10 writers only. Details on how to submit to Abigail and other examples and resources in this episode below:

I WANT A CHANCE AT ABIGAIL’S FREE CRITIQUE! Here’s what to do:

• Email Abigail at: [email protected]
• Subject Title: Quick Query Tips Paragraph One
• Embed the first paragraph ONLY in the email
• Not required, but if you want to follow Abigail or share the show, go for it!

***If you are not one of the first ten writers to email Abigail in the requested format, you may not get a response.***

FIRST PARAGRAPH EXAMPLE

Dear AGENT’S NAME,

I saw on Twitter that you love [SOMETHING THEY’VE SHARED PUBLICLY] and think you’d enjoy my book [YOUR BOOK IN ALL CAPS]. It is a [WORD COUNT and GENRE] that [SHORT LOGLINE] [OR] would entertain readers of [TWO COMPS THAT SHOW YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR GENRE AND ARE SOMETHING THE AGENT WOULD REPRESENT + BE ABLE TO SELL].

Additional Resources:

• Carly Watters: Ways to start your query letter