how I wrote my query letter | step-by-step example & querying tips.

here's a breakdown of my query letter for my upmarket sci-fi novel, LOCAL HEAVENS, a cyberpunk Gatsby reimagining. i also discuss the mistakes i made and how the pitch continued to evolve while working with my agent. ↡↡ frequently asked questions below ↡↡ 🌱 see also: ⟡ signing with my agent: https://youtu.be/hy5J5XkcMrc ⟡ my stats are at the end of this post: https://kmfajardo.substack.com/p/signing-with-my-literary-agent ⟡ ShaelinWrites query (literary fiction): https://youtu.be/OLLVJFxqKHo?si=DleHkboThrAGc-Q1 ⟡ Lindsay Puckett’s query (middle grade): https://youtu.be/DvVcOGc6Z_w?si=pKp7lRmuE98-IAkk ⟡ Zoe Hana Mikuta's query (YA sci-fi - she shows 3 drafts of her letter!): https://zoehanamikuta.com/2019/07/12/the-query-letter-that-got-me-my-agent/ ⟡ other successful letters: https://www.laurenkaywrites.com/query-letter-examples ⟡ what to ask an agent on an offer call (by Lynn D. Jung): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA1XSwYiNj4 ⟡ about LOCAL HEAVENS: https://kmfajardo.substack.com/p/introducing-local-heavens ⟡ LOCAL HEAVENS publication announcement video: https://youtu.be/cyzJDoCHCXs?si=aZjyDAwcWNA36mHQ ☕️ support the channel by leaving a tip or get access to beta reading slots + extra/early content by joining my monthly memberships: https://ko-fi.com/krismf/tiers ~ FAQs ~ What is a literary agent and do I need one? ➵ Literary representation is only necessary if you want to pitch your book to publishers who don't accept unsolicited manuscripts. An agent helps negotiate your contracts with publishers in your interest. They might also help you revise your manuscript prior to pitching. How do I know if an agent will like my book? ➵ Agents have something called a manuscript wishlist or an “MSWL” for short. Always check an agent’s MSWL before you query them so you know if they are the right fit for you. Should I pay for a professional query critique? ➵ I'll never endorse charging writers high fees for query critiques because it won't guarantee anything. My own query letter critique fee starts at $5. Even then, I always recommend writers seeking out a beta reader or a critique partner first. Otherwise, a good framework for your letter is to ask yourself if these questions are addressed in your pitch: *who is your protagonist, what do they want/need, what is standing in the way of their goal, what will happen if they succeed or fail.* How does a literary agent get paid? ➵ They receive a % commission from the books they sell. A “literary agent” that asks you directly for money at any point, or for "reading fees", is a scam. An agent gets paid when the writer gets paid. How long should a query letter be? ➵ No more than one page, single-spaced. Usually ~300 words, maybe 400 words for SFF. Does my book need to be done before I can start querying? ➵ For fiction, yes. If you get a full request, it needs to be ready to send asap. Do I need to have a social media following, writing credits etc. in order to traditionally publish? ➵ For fiction, no. Where do I find agents to submit to? ➵ QueryTracker is a good starting point. Also manuscriptwishlist.com, literary agency websites, or the Acknowledgements section of books that are similar to yours. You can look up who the author’s agent is. How do I submit to agents? ➵ Through their QueryManager form (if they have one) or through email. You can read an agent’s submission guidelines and process on their agency website. Every agent has different preferences. ₊˚⊹⋆₊˚⊹⋆₊˚⊹⋆₊˚⊹⋆ 0:00 intro, context, important disclaimers 2:36 variables that affect an agent's interest 4:33 my experience and mistakes 6:23 intro - MSWL personalization and metadata 9:28 establishing tone, setting, character motivation 12:29 inciting incident and conflict 15:31 reinforcing stakes 17:03 themes, comps, author bio 19:48 good luck !! ₊˚⊹⋆₊˚⊹⋆₊˚⊹⋆₊˚⊹⋆ 📬 business enquiries: [email protected] / about / i'm kris (she/her), a speculative fiction writer documenting my writing process, ongoing projects and chatting about craft ☀️ / published work / LOCAL HEAVENS (Fall 2025, Bindery Books/Inky Phoenix Press) **stay tuned for preorder info** SWAY WITH ME UNTIL WE BLEED (Augur 6.1): https://augursociety.org/sway-with-me-until-we-bleed/ / where to find me / 💌 free newsletter: https://kmfajardo.substack.com/ ☕️ support my work through ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/krismf website: https://kmfajardo.com/ socials: https://twitter.com/km_fajardo https://www.instagram.com/krismfajardo https://www.tiktok.com/@krismfajardo https://www.goodreads.com/krismfajardo 🎧 music by Kissmykas - Lockdown - https://thmatc.co/?l=9E93C3D2 tags: query letter, successful query, query letter example, literary agent, how to write a query letter, how to get a literary agent, traditional publishing, the query that got me an agent, writing tips, sci-fi query letter example, science fiction query letter example, cyberpunk