Anyone who's researched the marketplace knows: The path to publication begins with your query letter. If your query is weak, unfocused, or uninspired, an editor or agent won't even bother to request your article, novel manuscript, or nonfiction book proposal. But a well-crafted, compelling query sent to the right editor or agent is an essential sales tool for fiction writers and the most effective way for nonfiction writers to pre-sell your idea.
In this book, professional freelance writer and magazine editor Wendy Burt-Thomas shares practical advice on how to craft persuasive letters that connect with editors and agents and ultimately generate sales for you. You'll learn how to:
Conduct targeted research to find suitable editors and agents
Hook an editor with a tantalizing lead and shape a summary that compels editors to buy
Select the strongest slant for your book or article
Use research and interview shortcuts that keep your query prep profitable
Make your query rejection-proof by weeding out subtle mistakes that can sabotage your project
Communicate your author platform and sell yourself as the best writer for the subject
Complete with dozens of sample queries - some that landed article assignments, agents, or book deals, and others that never stood a chance - this book offers you a comprehensive strategy for presenting your writing ideas in a way that will increase your chances of publication. Though the title may lead some to believe it's strictly to be shelved as a reference manual, The Writer's Digest Guide to Query Letters is a smooth read from cover to cover.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
A must read for freelance writers:
This book is entertaining and informative. It is a how to book for anyone interested in making a living as a writer. Great detail in letting the writer know what works and what doesn't work when sending out query letters. I have followed her examples and feel the product I have created as a result of this book is professional and gets right to the point. If you plan on writing for a living this is a must have book, I read it a year ago and still use it often for the information contained in it. And, just... more info
Laughter and M&M's:
How often have you laughed while preparing to send a query letter to an editor? For me the process is typically full of nail biting and M&M bribes with myself. That is why Guide to Query Letters by Wendy Burt-Thomas is my new favorite friend.
She tells me jokes while I unravel the mystery of preparing to expose my naked self to everyone who might....reject me. I don't like rejection, but Wendy makes it normal, part of the process and, best of all, something to laugh about.
I giggled my... more info
Priceless Asset:
This book was so much more than I hoped it would be! It was not only empowering, enlightening and instructional but it was also inspiring! It has made the process of writing a query letter so much easier (and more exciting)than I thought it could be! If you are a writer, or want to be, you absolutely MUST get this book!
Great Book - Highly Recommended:
The Writer's Digest Guide to Query Letters is incredibly helpful. Many other books about getting published cover the proposal in depth and only touch on the query letter. But, in The Writer's Digest Guide to Query Letters, Wendy Burt-Thomas delves into the subject of query letters and what works and doesn't work. She also gives examples of excellent letters. This is the most comprehensive book I have seen on this topic. I used this book while writing my query letter and I'm so glad I did because the letter... more info
How to Write a Book Proposal by Michael Larsen (Paperback) - Temporarily out of stock. Order now and we'll deliver when available. We'll e-mail you with an estimated delivery date as soon as we have more information. Your credit card will not be charged until we ship the item.
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