Queries and Synopses
Query Letter
Congratulations on writing your novel! The bad news is your journey has only just begun—that’s if you wish to make an income from the writing game. If a writer is serious about getting published, understanding the querying process is vital. Adlibrio can help to make the initial proposal to a literary agent professional and intriguing.
The query letter and synopsis are crucial components for authors to master seeking representation from a literary agent. They serve as an agent’s first impression of the manuscript and can determine whether the agent will request additional material or offer representation. Both documents play distinct roles but are equally important in presenting a manuscript’s potential..
The Importance of a Query Letter
A query letter is a brief, professional introduction to an agent, typically no longer than one page. Its primary purpose is to pitch the manuscript in a way that captures the agent’s interest and compels them to read further.
- Grabbing Attention: Agents receive hundreds of queries, so a well-crafted letter that succinctly conveys the book’s essence stands out. An engaging hook or unique premise will help the query capture an agent’s attention in a crowded inbox.
- Presenting the Story: The query letter summarizes the plot and main conflict, giving a taste of the story without overwhelming detail. It highlights the protagonist, core conflict, and stakes, giving agents a sense of the book’s appeal and genre fit.
- Showcasing the Author’s Voice: Since agents are drawn to distinctive voices, the query should reflect the author’s unique writing style. A confident, authentic voice in the query can often indicate the quality of writing in the manuscript itself.
- Demonstrating Professionalism: Agents seek authors who are serious about publishing, so a well-written, respectful, and concise query letter demonstrates professionalism and a clear understanding of the industry’s standards.
- Customizing for Specific Agents: By tailoring each query to the agent’s interests (often found on their agency website or social media), authors show they’ve researched the agent’s taste and are thoughtful in their approach, increasing the likelihood of a positive response.
Query Package
Send your query letter and synopsis along with the MSS to submissions@adlibrio.com for feedback. £95.
The Importance of a Synopsis
A synopsis is a longer summary (usually one to two pages) that outlines the entire plot, including the ending. Its purpose is to provide agents with a complete picture of the manuscript’s structure, pacing, and resolution.
- Revealing the Plot and Character Arcs: The synopsis shows the story’s main events, key turning points, and character development. This allows the agent to assess the story’s depth and how well it meets genre and market expectations.
- Highlighting Structure and Pacing: Agents often look at the synopsis to gauge if the story has a coherent structure and well-balanced pacing. This overview reveals whether the plot sustains interest and unfolds logically, helping agents decide if the manuscript is worth exploring further.
- Showing the Ending and Resolution: Unlike a teaser, the synopsis includes the ending, giving agents a complete view of the story’s resolution. Knowing the ending is essential for agents to evaluate the story’s satisfaction level, cohesiveness, and marketability.
- Conveying Themes and Stakes: A synopsis should capture the themes and stakes driving the story. This allows agents to see the emotional and thematic depth of the work, helping them decide if it aligns with their preferences or trends in the publishing market.
- Demonstrating Writing Skill and Clarity: The synopsis gives agents insight into the author’s ability to communicate complex ideas succinctly and clearly. It reflects the writer’s ability to distill a story down to its core, a skill valuable in both storytelling and future marketing.
Together, the Query Letter and Synopsis Are Essential Because:
- They allow agents to quickly assess the manuscript’s potential.
- They reveal the story’s concept, quality, and readiness for the market.
- They reflect the author’s professionalism, voice, and commitment.
For these reasons, an effective query letter and synopsis are vital to capturing an agent’s interest and opening the door to traditional publishing.