4. CONTACT AGENTS

Once you've got your list of 20 target agents, you can start to get the word out. The way to make contact with these people without an official introduction is to churn out a query letter. (Of course, if you have a contact of some sort in the publishing world, then by all means, use it.) A query is a 1-page attention grabber that gives busy agents enough information about you and your project to tickle their interest without boring them with details. These people are constantly shuffling hundreds of pages of manuscripts, letters, and faxes, and the last thing they have time for is some unsolicited bore. Keep it short and to the point, and use the following structure.

  1. The Teaser: In the first paragraph, toss out a teaser. Come up with a first sentence that really grabs the agent's attention. If you're a former astronaut or a Harvard lawyer, throw it at them. But you don't need to be incredible to survive this beauty pageant - what you really need is a nice fit between who you are and what the book you've written is about. For example, "I have been a school janitor for 30 years and I propose to write a book about all the incredible things I have found in kids' lockers." Now, there's nothing unbelievable about that combination, but there must be a compelling fit between who you are and what you intend to write.

  2. Expanding the Idea: Next, write 3 or 4 sentences about what you will write, and if you have a great example of an anecdote that exemplifies your idea, be sure to include it. Rather than lamenting the constraint of having only a paragraph to make your pitch, celebrate the fact that you can show off your best stuff.

  3. All About You: The third paragraph should contain more information about yourself. Provide another 3 or 4 sentences describing relevant facts that demonstrate the connection between you and your idea. If that means flexing your academic credentials, be sure to do so, but only if those accolades are relevant to your idea. Perhaps your idea requires you to demonstrate that you are a dirtbag. Fine - the cardinal rule is to show that you have a good idea for a book, and that you are the perfect person to write it.

  4. The Closer: In the final paragraph, mention that you will show your proposal to only one agent at a time - agents don't like having to worry that someone else is going to snatch their prize. Mention why you have decided to send it to them, perhaps alluding to having seen their credentials in the directory of agents. Finally, be sure to tell them how to get in touch with you with a phone number, address, and email information.

Remember, this query letter should be an appetite-whetting morsel. Do not exceed 1 page or you can kiss the agents' attention goodbye. Keep it short and make it a tease. Then sit back and wait. Check out this sample query letter.

One last important note: Don't forget to include a self-addressed stamped envelope, in case they want to contact you by mail.