How to Write a Query Letter | The Secret Sauce that Landed Me 8 Offers from Literary Agents

I’m going to teach you exactly how to write a query letter - and I’ll break down the format of the query letter that landed me a 6-figure 2-book deal with a Big 5 publisher.
We’ll go over the entire structure - from subject line down to sign-off - and the secret sauce I used in my hook to land 8 offers from literary agents.
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HOW TO LAND AN AGENT
Want to learn the exact strategies I used to land 8 agent offers and a 6-figure 2-book deal? Join the waiting list for the second cohort of Query Bootcamp, launching in February 2024!
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[@d.r.mathias9648]

I don't even want to mention how many years I've been pitching. This is good advice, but it still comes down to querying the right agent on the right day with the right material.

[@laurenkaywrites]

Totally! But having a really good query letter makes a huge difference on that right agent and right day.

[@xxmaej26xx]

I'm actually surprised by how vague this query is. All the advice I've read says don't be vague 🤷‍♀️

[@eternal_napalm6442]

Thankfully, self-publishing is growing and more viable than ever. Traditional publishing is dying.

[@MrRosebeing]

Writing a professional query letter is, indeed, important, but it is largely down to luck, and what they're looking for. If you wish to be published then you have to keep writing query letters ad nauseum, one day someone will respond, though, hopefully, if you make your sacrifices to the Muses, and, by that, I mean write, write, and write again.

[@annworthington7253]

Great advice. Rather than dreading writing my query, I plan to embrace it!

[@laurenkaywrites]

Thank you! Reframing it as a moment to get excited about your piece and the fun puzzle of figuring out where it'll fit in the current market actually can be a process that GIVES you confidence about your work!

[@zero15388]

Writing a query letter is such a headache. I'm going to try and implement your advice, though. Thank you!

[@laurenkaywrites]

You can do it! I also teach an entire course on the query letter :) Our next cohort starts in May. More info here: laurenkaywrites.com/query-bootcamp

[@HigumaYT]

Hi, Im a teenage author that hopes to get traditionally published one day, and I've been binge watching your videos, they are so so helpfull! Honestly, what Im really scared about is writing a manuscript that I love and having it rejected. Sometimes it discourages me when I try to finish my book, but Im really hoping I get an agent one day :). Thanks for this!

[@laurenkaywrites]

I'm so glad you're here! And you've got lots of time to write a manuscript that you really love and feel good about

[@ColorsofHopeCraftsASMR]

Does this work for a children’s book series? I was born with Hydrocephalus, and when I was growing up, there were no resources for me. My co-author and I are writing a children’s book series about a child growing up with Hydrocephalus. We are trying to answer parents questions through the eyes of this child. The most common question I see is “Should I terminate my pregnancy?” This is almost always after the 20 or 24 week scan, and some doctor or ultrasound tech has given this the worst case scenario and recommended termination of pregnancy. I want parents to know it is possible for a child to have a good quality of life, and give children something I never had-the ability to see myself in children’s literature.

[@CurstSaden]

I first clicked on this video because I was looking for tips on choosing book comps for my query letter, but after hearing your breakdown I realized I could shift my letter to pull on the heartstrings a little. Thank you so much!

[@laurenkaywrites]

I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@samp4050]

Good advice, thanks. I had to smile when you mention the name 'Sebastian,' because one of my character's name is also Sebastian. 😊

[@laurenkaywrites]

Love that! :)

[@BetterBookPublishing-op3cr]

The best query letter advice on KZbin, the best I've ever heard. Thank you.

[@laurenkaywrites]

So glad to hear that! Thank you

[@KEVINFERRELL-x2g]

Thank you very much, Lauren. Your video was exceptionally helpful. I have one question: Did you have a large following either here or on social media or your authors website, before landing that six-figure contract? Thanks again, Lauren.

[@laurenkaywrites]

It came after! I had a moderate twitter following before I got the book deal, but most of my following came after the book came out.

[@marziehsafaee9686]

Hi Lauren, Thank you so much for your video. Does this structure of querying work for children picture books?

[@laurenkaywrites]

It does! But always make sure to carefully read individual agents' requirements for querying as they may have specific things they want for your particular genre.

[@wendymoore6150]

I know this may sound like I know nothing about the process. I don't buy I am trying to learn. If you have a literary agent but you do not get an offer for that book, but you write a second novel do you have to query again? Or does the agent you are working with gets the 1st read?

[@laurenkaywrites]

This is a conversation you'd have with your agent and may also be something included in any contract you sign when you sign with them.

[@MiaowMcDonald]

Thanks for sharing. I just happened to stumble across your channel and I'm glad I did. Talk about synchronicity! I will be approaching agents this summer, so thank you. This video is gold!

[@laurenkaywrites]

Stay in touch! I hope it goes well!!!

[@RoxanaLine]

This is a very helpful video! I’m so glad I found your channel, Lauren! :)

[@laurenkaywrites]

Aw thanks Roxana! So happy to connect with you :)

[@irishorigins]

Is snail mail used now or is it better through e--mail?

[@laurenkaywrites]

email :)

[@bluehydrangea5506]

Binge watching your videos! While ive got some really great feedback from agented beta readers and a former agent, im still having a tough time getting up the nerve to take the plunge and query (i think its a combination of worrying about the actual query letter + worrying that my 95k lgbtq+ YA urban fantasy novel isnt 'trendy' enough). Slowly bolstering my confidence w/ these vids!

[@laurenkaywrites]

That is awesome! Keep going :) Also I teach an entire master course about querying. If you want to learn more about that: laurenkaywrites.com/query-bootcamp

[@joyterry3018]

Your advice and break down pinpointing each section of the query letter is genius! My brain is spit with ideas now! I thought my query letter was ok but you showed me how to make it even better!!! Thank you so so much for this! I hope to come back to this video to let you know my success in getting an agent ❤❤ and multiple offers too🎉🎉🎉

[@laurenkaywrites]

YAY!!!! So sorry I didn't see this sooner! I'm so glad I could help and that you've had so much success

[@donnaandrus2352]

You do such a great job blending honesty (ie. how hard it is in the traditional publishing world) with optimism and excellent practical advice. I have no doubt your query letter course is profoundly helpful and I will check it out.

[@laurenkaywrites]

Thank you so much!

[@everythinginteresting2426]

This is great advice.

[@laurenkaywrites]

Thank you so much!

[@VibingDino]

Do you have any advice for a younger writer trying to get published? I’m in my late teens and my friend and I just finished editing our final draft of our book after working on it for four years.

[@laurenkaywrites]

That's really cool that you've been working on it together for four years! Have you let others read it? I always advise writers to share their work with friends, family, and beta readers (other writers/readers who you might not know, but who are open to reading it) to get lots of feedback :)

[@MarilynKay]

Thank you for sharing your successful query letter and your Masterclass and Query Letter toolkit!

[@laurenkaywrites]

You're very welcome!

[@doomy_doomy2225]

So if I but a man named Sebastian in my book I am golden? Why is it always a Sebastian 😂

[@laurenkaywrites]

LOL :)

[@splitskullmedia8423]

How do you write a query for a fiction anthology/short stories?

[@laurenkaywrites]

Great question! Identify the themes, and then give a sampling of the content within. You're pitching the collection as a whole, which ideally has some overarching thematic interests.

[@Walking_In_The_Spirit.]

AWESOME INFORMATION. Thanks

[@laurenkaywrites]

Glad it was helpful!

[@52North-po1oj]

thank you!

[@WldOfDK]

Thank you very much for breaking this down Lauren! After attending your Q&A, I was thinking self-publishing is the way for me to go, but then I started thinking, if 150-200 words is all it can take to get an agent, it is definitely worth pursuing and I have you to thank for that! Thanks again and have a lovely day! Dennis

[@laurenkaywrites]

So glad the Q&A was helpful, Dennis! And absolutely. It's worth giving it a real shot.

[@WldOfDK]

@@laurenkaywrites Thanks! I meant to mention in my last reply that in the Q&A how it was discussed that social media numbers are not as important when writing the book, but I just created an Instagram account for the main character of my book that includes photos that are mentioned in my book, a sort of companion to my book. Hopefully it will also help bring some more attention to the book once it is published. I really do appreciate all the time you invest to help people; you're amazing Lauren! Thanks again and have a great day!

[@akashajoti6456]

Wow!! I loved this presentation!!

[@laurenkaywrites]

Thank you so much!

[@Reelunique]

Best advice I’ve seen on the internet and you got straight to the point. Thank you.

[@laurenkaywrites]

Aw, thank you so much! I'm so glad it was helpful.

[@Reelunique]

@@laurenkaywrites Keep making wonderful content. Best wishes.

[@jakjak30]

Thank you!

[@laurenkaywrites]

You're so welcome!

[@kanavsahgal]

That's an addictive hook for sure! I'd want to read more :)

[@laurenkaywrites]

Ha -- thank you!

[@teacherninina]

I have tried everything. I had people read and re-read the book. Some people love and said it has a lot of possibilities. But I can't pass the query process. Very discouraging.

[@laurenkaywrites]

[@mrsmax3071]

Hang in there. Don't give up