Query Letter Writing Workshop
Two sessions online
Learn how to write a query letter, then draft your query and receive hands-on, personalized feedback from an editor.
The spring 2025 session will be offered on a one-on-one and small-group basis only. E-mail Caitlin to discuss your manuscript and goals or if you'd like to be notified when future workshop registrations open.
If you’re serious about getting published, you’ll need an irresistible query letter to land the literary agent and publisher of your dreams. In this in-depth workshop, a book editor will guide you through how to write an effective query letter, including:
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© The all-important “hook”
© What comp titles are and how to select the right ones
© How to describe your book in a succinct, attention-grabbing paragraph
© What to include (and what not to include) in your author bio
After the first session, you’ll draft your query, and during the second session, we’ll workshop your query. Time permitting, you’ll revise your query during the workshop and receive further feedback. We’ll also cover:
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© What literary agents and publishers are really looking for
© The best methods for querying literary agents
© How to tailor your query letter to other pitch opportunities
WHAT PARTICIPANTS SAY:
“I had become discouraged with the process of writing query letters to agents, and this workshop dispelled those dark clouds!” “A plethora of information and examples about terms like hook, synopsis, platform, and also about what agents and editors look for in a query letter...Questions were welcomed and answered...Most helpful was the ability to have my query and those of others individually analyzed. A very good workshop.” “Offered a lot of terrific ‘insider’ information.” “Very informative, interesting, and organized information made it easy to follow. I would definitely recommend this workshop to others.” “Definitely a must recommendation to a first-timer.”Contact Caitlin with questions or to be notified when future registrations are available.
Individual Query Letter Review
Literary agents receive dozens to hundreds of queries from writers every week. Because it would be impossible to read every manuscript, agents rely on your query letter to form an impression of your story and your writing, and to identify whether your manuscript fits their sphere of interest and has the potential to sell to a publisher amid current market trends. A standout query letter may entice an agent to take a chance on your work even if your manuscript needs revision before it can be submitted to publishers. Without a persuasive query letter, your manuscript may not be read by agents even if it's terrific.
When you work with me on your query letter, we'll collaborate to level up your entire submission package, including your query letter, a synopsis of your manuscript, and sample chapters. We'll identify the agents and/or publishers that are likely to be the best fit for your work and establish smart strategies to follow as you seek publication.