Query Guidelines
for fiction queries
Manuscript
Submit a complete manuscript as an attached word document or pdf.
Cover Letter
Should not be longer than one page. This is an introductory letter of yourself and your book. Include your contact information and the book's word count.
Overview
One to two page synopsis of the full plot.
Author Biography
Explain your previous writing history and why you are uniquely qualified to write this book. What is your relationship to the subject that you are writing about? Have any of your works been published, and if so, who published them and how many copies have they sold? Do you have any short stories or articles that have been published in magazines, newspapers, and/or anthologies?
Competition
What books are in print that most resemble your book? How does your book differ from each of these books? What makes your book similar to one of those successful books and what makes it unique?
for non-fiction queries
Cover Letter
Should not be longer than one page. This is an introductory letter of yourself and your book. Include your contact information and the book's word count.
The following proposal requirements should all be included as an attached Word doc or PDF.
Overview
One to two page synopsis. Tell us the purpose of your book. What need does it fulfill? Provide statistics if available.
Author Biography
Explain your previous writing history and why you are uniquely qualified to write this book. Are you an acknowledged expert or do have any specialized training on this subject? Have any of your works been published, and if so, who published them and how many copies have they sold? Do you have any short stories or articles that have been published in magazines, newspapers, and/or anthologies?
Table of Contents/Outline
A one to three page table of contents with a brief description of each of the chapters.
Selling the Book
Explain how will you help sell the book once it is published. What contacts do you have with the media (e.g. a monthly column, a radio show, a web site, a social media following)? Are you a member of a relevant association that will help promote the book? Are you willing to organize workshops, lectures, readings, etc. to promote your book?
Competition
What books are in print that most resemble your book? How does you book differ from each of these books? What makes your book similar to those books and what makes it unique?
Specifications
An estimated word count of your final manuscript. Is the manuscript complete or how much time do you think you will need to complete? Has this manuscript or proposal been sent to other agents and/or publishers? Will the book include any illustrations, pictures, tables, etc.? Please note that authors are usually responsible for providing and purchasing the rights for any art or reprinted material.
Sample Chapter
A chapter that best represents the book’s basic premise as well as your writing ability.