If you’ve never written a query letter before, you probably don’t know where to start. Not many published authors will share the query letter that got them agent representation. While there are lots of templates out there, having a query letter sample can really help you figure out how to write about your novel.
I’ve written a query letter template of my own that uses all the query letter tips I’ve heard about and used myself. Then I’ve created two fake samples of letters, making up details about novels and their fake writers.
No query letter is perfect, and every agent is after something different. I hope these will help you when drafting your own!
Query letter template
Dear [NAME],
I am seeking representation for my novel, [TITLE], and saw that you are interested in [GENRE/TROPE]. I believe that my novel would be a great fit for you, especially because [REASONS].
[TITLE] is a [WORD COUNT]-word romance novel about [ONE LINE SUMMING UP THE STORY].
The main characters are [CHARACTER NAME], a [BRIEF DESCRIPTION], and [CHARACTER NAME], a [BRIEF DESCRIPTION]. The novel takes them through [BRIEF PLOT DESCRIPTION].
My previous work has been published in [MAGAZINE OR ANTHOLOGY NAMES]. My experience in [ANECDOTE] is showcased in my story through the eyes of [CHARACTER NAME].
Thank you for your time and consideration.
I look forward to hearing from you.
[YOUR NAME]
How to use the template
In this template, I’ve capitalised all the parts you need to swap out, though you may find not everything is relevant to you. Here’s a rundown of what you can replace the placeholders with:
Name. The literary agent’s name shown on their website.
Title. The working title of your novel.
Genre/trope. A keyword you’ve found on the agent’s website, social media, or in an interview.
Reasons. Personalise why your novel suits this agent. Have they mentioned they’re looking for particular settings, characters, or storylines?
Word count. Include the word count of your novel here, rounded to the nearest thousand.
One line summing up the story. Give an interesting one-line description for your novel. This should be as intriguing and interesting as possible. Make the agent want to read more about it.
Character names and descriptions. In romance novels, the characters are what will really get your readers flipping through the story. Make sure to showcase them in the best way here.
Brief plot description. Give a little more information about the journey your novel goes on. What drives the story, where is it going?
Magazine or anthology names. Showcase where else you’ve been published, if you have been. Swap this out if you’ve previously been published, or if you’ve self-published.
Anecdote. Tell them why you’re the best writer for this story. Do you share an experience with one of the main characters? Did something like this happen to you?
Next, let’s see what this template could help you write.
Query letter sample 1
All examples below are fake, from names to the novel idea.
Dear Jacqueline,
I am seeking representation for my novel, Polka Dots, and saw that meet-cutes are on your manuscript wish list. I believe that my novel would be a great fit for you, especially because you’ve also expressed interest in romcoms.
Polka Dots is a 56,000-word romance novel about an interior designer’s chaotic life and the woman who helps her find herself again.
The main characters are Matilda, an interior designer who starts the story in a new town, and Jessie, a barista searching for something more exciting in life. The novel takes them through the journey of falling in love, finding what they want from the future, and all the hiccups a new relationship can suffer from.
My previous work has been published in Romance Storizine and Blossoming: an Anthology for New Love. My experiences as a barista are showcased in my story through the eyes of Jessie, and for much of the comedy of my novel.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Belle
In this letter, Belle follows the template closely with minor tweaks. They’ve included where they’ve been published, as well as where some of the inspiration for the novel comes from in their own life.
Belle could improve here is by adding a bit more focus to the romcom element, but this can be shown even more in the synopsis.
Query letter sample 2
All examples below are fake, from names to the novel idea.
Dear Jacqueline,
I am seeking representation for my novel, Satisfaction, and saw on your agency website that you’re encouraging writers to send you more slow-burn romance. I believe my novel would be a great fit for you, especially because you also represent [AUTHOR NAME].
Satisfaction is a 57,000-word romance novel with spice. It follows two women searching for satisfaction in their lives and finding it in each other. Readers of [AUTHOR NAME] and [SERIES NAME] would love its down-to-earth romantic tones coupled with steamy scenes.
Lyric and Paisley start the story in very different places: Lyric is a struggling artist while Paisley is living the high life in London. After Lyric is offered the chance of the lifetime to work in an up-and-coming art gallery in the city, she makes the impulsive choice to take the plunge. Over time, they fall in love, but not without some failed romances along the way.
My experience as an art curator play heavily throughout the novel. I’ve previously written about art in major art magazines like Statuesque, The Portrait, and In The Eye. I’m now turning my attention to writing romance novels.
Thank you for your consideration.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Zara
This letter shows that Zara hasn’t had any previous fiction published, but their experience in the art industry is very relevant to their novel. Zara also offers comparisons to an author the agent represents and another series, which can help an agent know how to market the manuscript to publishers.
More resources for querying romance fiction
Other resources you might find useful for querying romance fiction:
- Agent query letter tips for aspiring authors
- How to find a literary agent in the UK
- Agent query letter resources for romance fiction – free downloadable Word document with the above template and samples, as well as an additional query letter sample.
Pingback: Agent query letter tips for aspiring authors | H Noss Proofreads
Comments are closed.