Query Letters

Okay, so the manuscript is ready to be submitted. Now you need a query letter, and those are just too hard to do. Not! The following format is so simple, you'll be submitting in no time.
Query letters are the bane of many writers' existences, and they really don't need to be. The idea of a query letter (which is completely different than a cover letter, btw), is to make the editor or agent want to know more about your manuscript. Gimicky works fine--for those who're good at that--but most editors prefer a straightforward approach. All you need are three little paragraphs.
First, make sure you've got the proper formatting for a business letter: 1 inch margins all the way around, your return address info either top center or top right, and the editor or agent's address info on the left, below yours.
Always know the correct spelling of the editor/agent's name. How would you like to get mail with your name misspelled, and then have the letter-writer expect you're going to purchase their product. Don't think so.
Then comes the body of the letter....
First paragraph: this is the grabber, the hook that should make the editor/agent want to read your book, or at least take a look at a partial. You don't need to spill every detail about the story--save it for the synopsis. This is just a teaser, kind of like a back cover blurb.
Second paragraph: this is where you mention how you learned about the editor/agent, or if you'd met them at a conference, etc, and why you're submitting to them. If you just read a book by an author they edited, this would be the place to mention that.
Third paragraph: bio information. Keep this writing related, or if you're an expert in something related to your story, that info can be included here. They don't want to know about your hobbies or anything else, unless it relates to the book.
Always thank them for their time, and then close with something formal like a "Sincerely."
Piece of cake! Here's a quick example of a query letter:

Dear Ms. High-powered Editor,

Psychiatrist Emily Grayson has seen too much and now must hide out from a client gone berserk. Too bad her hiding spot already has another fugitive--sexy undercover FBI agent Lyle Stevens. Lyle's latest assignment has him ferreting out a local drug lord, and Emily's appearance puts a serious crimp in his plans--until he finds out her client is the drug lord he's trying to catch. Now they've got to work together to stop this creep before he can do away with Emily, because Lyle has other plans for the lovely doctor.

We met two months ago at the XYZ writer's conference, and spoke then about the new line you're overseeing. Based on our conversation, I think this manuscript would be perfect for your line.

I've been a member of XYZ writer's group for five years, and am currently writing a weekly newsletter for my local chapter. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely, Susie Writer
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