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I will tell you a terrible secret: I have never written a query letter.

I know, it’s really unfair. They seem awful, though, so I refuse to be sorry about it.

There are a couple of pieces of advice that seem really useful though, but take that with a grain of salt, since, like I said, this is an area in which I have no practical experience. I have read query letters, though, so that’s something…

The first bit of advice (which you’ve probably heard already) is to write the book description part of the query as though it was the flap copy on a published book. You want to convey the mood of the book along with the plot, so summarize the book in the style of the book. However, unlike in flap copy, please do give away surprise twists.

In the “about you” part, say something pertinent or interesting about yourself. If you took a prestigious writing class or studied writing at a prestigious university, mention it. If you held a weird job that makes you sound like a more interesting person, mention it. But above all, keep it brief.

Other than that, remember the obvious stuff: double check that all the information is accurate, that the agent’s name is spelled correctly, that your name is spelled correctly, that everything is spelled correctly/grammatically accurate, and that you’re aware of at least one person they represent or something about them that makes the letter personal to that agent. Do not slag off or favorably compare yourself to that agent’s clients. In fact, don’t compare yourself to anyone. Don’t claim you’re the next anything. You’re you and you’re awesome.