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Fundamentals of Writing a Fiction Query Letter!

The fundamentals of writing a fiction query letter are pretty straight forward and simple. There are only a few elements to a query letter, but you must ensure that you use powerful words that "sell" your story to whomever is reading it.

Each query letter that you draft should be personalized to a particular source that you are writing it to. Do some research on the company before writing your query letter so you know whether they mind you sending a query or your manuscript to other publishers at the same time.

In your query letter, never ever be negative in any way. Never use negative words or statements like, "I think I could" - "Maybe" - "If you aren't interested" as these types of words show a lack of confidence and could show a publisher that you aren't sure of your abilities as a writer. You should always be upbeat and positive in your letter. Have faith in your story or others will not!

You want your fiction query letter to be as powerful and to the point as possible. It should be no more than one page in length and should be written to immediately grab the reader's attention.

Your query letter should be written in standard block letter format, dated, with to and from addresses, and a formal opening (Dear Mr. Smith). The very first paragraph of your query letter should be the first or interest gathering paragraph of your manuscript - something that is powerful enough to grab the reader's attention.

The second paragraph of your query letter should contain some background on your fiction book or story you are submitting to them. Make this paragraph two or three sentences - all you need is a few elements to make your point. This is a good place where you can add in why you believe your piece will be popular among your target market readers. If you are submitting to a magazine or publication, it's good to know some of the past submissions to that publication so you can comment on their past reader's interest as well.

The final paragraph of your query letter should include something about you, such as your author biography. This can include other credentials such as education, background, family, job, or interests.

You should close your fiction query letter by mentioning to the agent or publisher that you hope they enjoy your story, or let them know you have enclosed an SASE (self addressed, stamped envelope) so they can correspond back with your regarding your query and/or manuscript. If a publisher doesn't mind if you submit your manuscript to other publications, then say that you will be submitting this particular story elsewhere.

After sending your fiction query out, give them time to respond to your query. Don't make them feel like your are rushing them in any way. Sometimes you might have to wait up to eight months for a reply. In the mean time, be constructive with other projects or building future marketing pieces instead of worrying about the publisher's decision on your work.

If you're not sure who to send your fiction query letter to, find a fiction book publisher.