Query letters and Synopsis, what gives?

[Christi]

What insight does anyone have to share on writing a good Query Letter that sells and a alluring synopsis that makes the editor want to read more? This is a subject that you hear so many different views about.

Double space, single space, one page, two pages...What gives? What works?

[Brent Mason]

Keep it short (maybe a page), concise and professional. Make sure all the spelling is correct. The letter should be about the story and detailed. The other part should be about your own credentials and why you are qualified to write about that particular subject. Include at least 2 to 3 chapters of your book along with it. Give it some time (a couple of weeks). If they have not responded, which could be a good thing or a bad thing however you wish to look at it, send an encouraging inquiry and see their response.

-B

[Teisha Bourne]

I have a copy of one of my query letters I sent out on my now published book. I did get responses. Would you like to see it for reference? Also with a synopsis, try to make it as jam packed with your story high points, in the shortest amount of words. I found that most agents'/editors did not like wordy submissions. There are many writer sites with succinct instructions on how to submit and construct you submissions. Just Google them. The library also has info on just about anything you need. When I found a book I just kept renewing it until I no longer needed it. But you need more than one library card to do this. This is a very interesting site where you can actually talk live to a librarian 24/7.
http://www.library.nashville.org/ask/ask_chat.asp

[Christi]

I'd love to see it for reference. I've written my synopsis, but wrestling with what to add what to keep. I'm praying about my query letter, I've been doing a lot of research, I've bought books and so forth, but it's just that with this subject, everyone has a different opinion.

[Teisha Bourne]

Here it is. Also did I invite you as a friend on this site. I am also inviting to my myspace site too. I just recently started working on it. http://www.myspace.com/teisha_bourne

[Christi]

Thanks Teisha,
That was very good. It made things clearer for me also. Thanks for sharing.
Christi

I'll check out your myspace, I'm on there too.

[Teisha Bourne]

Christi I'll check out your MySpace site. What's the name or your web address?

[Viqi French]

I think the best way to query is the follow the format that's stated on their website. Some publishers seem to be real sticklers for any variations from what they tell you.

Beyond that, in terms of content, they seem to want to know how "hot" others feel your work is. Drop names (your contacts, who has endorsed you, etc.) and numbers where possible. If you haven't yet sold a certain number of your self-published title, cite the number of page views you've had at various sites across the web, for example.

Quantifying the interest in your work impresses people and helps keep them reading your query further.