Writing The Query Letter

A strong query letter is important for both novelists and nonfiction book writers. Learn to write queries with slant, clarity and impact. You will acquire greater understanding of the importance of queries and cover letters, as well as learn how to showcase your novel’s or nonfiction book’s assets and qualities.

Course level: Intermediate / Advanced

Required Book: None required

Workshop Length: 4 weeks

Tuition: $150.00 ($135 for VIP)

Start Date: View Writing The Query Letter Course Schedule

Course Structure
This workshop will consist of four one-week sessions. Each session will include online lectures (text based) and associated textbook reading assignments, along with writing assignments specifically related to your novel or nonfiction book idea. You will submit these assignments to the instructor for private review at the end of each week of the session. In addition, work will be posted each session for group review and feedback. Throughout the workshop you will be able to participate in asynchronous lecture discussions and encouraged to take advantage of ongoing informal discussions and posted self-directed writing and creativity exercises. (0.8 CEUs)

You will learn:

  • How to find the right market for your book
  • How to adjust your query for different venues
  • How to polish your query letter to get the best response

Who should take this course:

  • Designed for both Fiction and Nonfiction writers
  • Writers who are ready to acquire the understanding and skills needed to craft successful queries
  • Those who want to work with a Published Author whose excellent query letters have contributed greatly to their success

Register for Writing The Query Letter Workshop

Course Outline

Session One: You’re an Advertising Copywriter

  • You’re Query is an Advertisement
  • Agent or Publisher?
  • Finding Agents & Publishers

Writing Assignment: Submit a brief (up to 250 words) description of your novel or book, a brief bio describing why you are the right author for this project (up to 100 words), and a list of up to three agents, publishers, or editors you feel are appropriate to submit the project to.

Session Two:  Slant for Success

  • Getting Attention, Your Theme, and the Close
  • Finding the right market for your book
  • Slanting your queries for different venues

Writing Assignment: Create up to three different “pitches” for it in 100 words or fewer each.

Session Three:  Bullet-Proofing Your Query Letters

  • Cooking Your Query
  • Credentials – Who Are You?
  • A Never-Fail Query Pattern

Writing Assignment: Write the draft of a query letter (up to 250 words)

Session Four:  The Professional Touch

  • Words that Work
  • Knowing Your Reader
  • Avoiding Pitfalls
  • Ready, Set, GO!

Writing Assignment: Revise and polish your query letter (up to 250 words). Optional: Submit a second query letter (for the same project or a different one) for review.