Table of Contents
How to Tailor Your Query to Each Agent: A Step-by-Step Guide
When you’re trying to land a literary agent, one of the most crucial steps is writing a query letter. But here’s the thing: not all query letters are the same. To stand out in a crowded inbox, you need to tailor your query to each individual agent. This means doing more than just filling in a template and hitting send. Customization shows the agent that you’ve done your research and understand what they’re looking for.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to personalize your query, increase your chances of success, and get closer to landing your dream agent.
Why Tailoring Your Query Matters
Sending a generic query letter is a rookie mistake. Literary agents receive dozens—sometimes hundreds—of queries every week. If your letter feels like a mass email, it’s likely to be ignored. Agents want to know that you’ve taken the time to understand what they represent and that your book aligns with their interests.
Tailoring your query shows professionalism and respect for the agent’s time. It makes your submission stand out, and it shows that you are serious about working with them specifically. Plus, it helps build a foundation for a relationship if the agent does request your manuscript.
Step 1: Research the Agent
Before you write a word of your query, you need to do some homework. Research each agent thoroughly to understand what they’re looking for in potential clients.
How to Research Agents
- Visit their website: Most agents have personal websites or profiles on agency websites. Here you’ll find their submission guidelines, the genres they represent, and other useful details.
- Check their recent sales: See what books they’ve recently sold. This gives you a sense of their tastes and the type of book they’re likely to be interested in.
- Look for interviews or articles: Agents sometimes share insights into their preferences through interviews or articles. This gives you an idea of what they value in a manuscript or writer.
- Follow them on social media: Many agents use Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram to share updates on what they’re looking for. They may also post about books they’ve enjoyed, which could give you clues about their preferences.
Key Information to Look For
- Genres: Make sure the agent represents the genre your book falls under.
- Voice and tone: Some agents prefer literary fiction, while others are more into fast-paced thrillers or memoirs. Tailoring your query based on their taste will make a big difference.
- Submission guidelines: Each agent will have different preferences for how they want you to submit your query. Make sure you follow them exactly, or your email might be rejected right away.
Step 2: Customize Your Query Letter
Once you’ve gathered enough information, it’s time to write your query. Your goal is to make a personal connection with the agent and show why you’re the perfect fit for their list of clients.
1. The Greeting
The greeting is your first chance to make a good impression. Skip the generic “Dear Agent” or “To Whom It May Concern.” Instead, address the agent by name. Personalizing your greeting shows that you’ve taken the time to research.
Example:
Dear Ms. Smith,
If you’re unsure about the agent’s preferred title (e.g., “Ms.” or “Dr.”), “Dear [Agent’s Full Name]” works well as a neutral option.
2. The Hook: Why This Agent?
In the opening paragraph, tell the agent why you’ve chosen to query them specifically. You should mention something from your research that connects your book to the agent’s interests.
Example:
I was drawn to your profile after reading about your love for psychological thrillers with complex characters. My novel, Mind Games, is a twisty, character-driven story about a woman who manipulates her way into her husband’s life, only to realize she might have underestimated her own psychology.
By mentioning a specific detail you’ve learned about the agent, you show you’ve put effort into your submission and are serious about the partnership.
3. The Pitch: What’s Your Book About?
Next, you’ll need to provide a brief, compelling pitch for your book. This is where you explain what your book is about in one to two paragraphs. Be clear, concise, and exciting. Think of it as your “elevator pitch” but in writing. Focus on the hook—what makes your story stand out.
Example:
Mind Games follows Catherine, a charming but deeply disturbed woman who, after years of playing the role of a dutiful wife, starts to unravel when she becomes obsessed with a dark secret about her husband’s past. As Catherine’s grip on reality loosens, she finds herself trapped in a web of lies she can’t escape. With sharp twists and an unreliable narrator, Mind Games is a fast-paced psychological thriller for fans of Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train.
4. Why This Book Is a Good Fit
Use this section to tie your book to the agent’s interests. Don’t just mention that it fits their genre—explain why it matches their taste based on their previous clients or sales.
Example:
Given your track record of representing twisty psychological thrillers like The Silent Patient and Sharp Objects, I believe Mind Games would be a strong addition to your list.
This shows the agent that you understand their catalog and are presenting a book that would fit well within it.
5. The Bio: Who Are You?
Agents want to know about you—especially if you have relevant writing experience or qualifications. Keep it brief and only include what’s relevant to the book you’re pitching.
Example:
I have a background in psychology, and much of my writing explores the complexities of the human mind. My short stories have been published in [Magazine Name] and [Another Magazine Name], and Mind Games is my debut novel.
If you don’t have a formal writing background, focus on why your story matters to you and why you’re the best person to tell it.
6. The Closing
Finish your query letter with a simple, professional closing. Thank the agent for their time, and be polite.
Example:
Thank you for considering my query. I would be thrilled to send you the full manuscript upon request.
Best regards,
Your Name
Step 3: Double-Check the Submission Guidelines
This part is crucial: always follow the agent’s submission guidelines to the letter. Agents may have different preferences for things like:
- How to format your query
- How many pages to include
- Whether they accept email queries or require snail mail
- Whether you should include a synopsis or sample chapters with your initial submission
If the agent asks for a one-page query letter, don’t send three pages. If they want your first 50 pages, send exactly that. Failing to follow these guidelines may result in your query being rejected automatically.
Step 4: Send Your Query and Be Patient
Once your query letter is polished and ready to go, send it to the agent. Be patient. It can take several weeks—or even months—before you hear back. Some agents may even take longer, especially if they’re busy or overwhelmed with submissions.
If you receive a rejection, don’t take it personally. Use it as a learning opportunity and continue submitting to other agents. And if you get a request for your manuscript, that’s a great sign! Celebrate it, but keep working hard until you land an offer.
Tailoring Your Query Shows Effort and Professionalism
Tailoring your query letter to each agent is a critical step in the process of landing a literary agent. By taking the time to research each agent, customize your pitch, and follow submission guidelines, you show that you’re not just looking for any agent—you’re looking for the right agent for your book.
While it may seem like a lot of work, the effort will pay off in the long run. A well-crafted, tailored query gives you the best chance of getting noticed and moving to the next step in your writing career.