Example of a Query Letter

This is an actual query letter I wrote when I sent one of my manuscripts to Harlequin Desire.  This letter starts out "in the action" of the book's blurb, because you want to grab the editor right off the bat.  They read SO many query letters, that the ones that are unique are the ones they'll remember.  My manuscript eventually got rejected, however, I do believe this query letter to be a good example of how short and to the point you should be.  When I wrote this letter, I hadn't won any of my awards, so obviously if I were to write another query now, I'd list those.  If you've won awards for your writing, even local piddly ones, list them.  It looks better that way.  LOL  Also, my publishing houses have changed as well, so obviously I'd change those too. 

 (By the way, I DID eventually sell this book - to Champagne Books, and it's releasing December of 2007.  :P)

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Dear Ms. Jeglinski,

Emily Parker never thought she could find love again, but has she fallen for a man who will never love her children?

Promise Me Forever  is an intensely emotional book that will tug at your heartstrings, make you laugh and cry, while delivering a satisfying ending.  I’ve targeted this book to Silhouette’s ‘Desire’ line.

Emily Parker is a young widow with three kids who’s accepted her lot that no man in his right mind would look twice at her.  What single man wants to be saddled with an instant family?  She doesn’t want a fling.  Stability and permanence is what she’s looking for, as well as a man who is willing to be a father figure. When she meets David Callahan, he steals her heart almost from the first. But there’s a catch.

David has a strict ‘no kids’ policy with regards to women, yet Emily Parker has definitely caught his eye.  Despite her children, he’s vowed to get to know her better, and gives her a shoulder to cry on.

When their relationship evolves to the next level, Emily tells David that she wants a man who will take care of both her and her kids.  It doesn’t help matters any that he is an aspiring musician with a chance to make it big.  But when she finds out she’s pregnant with his baby, which will he choose—fame or family?

            I am currently contracted at four electronic publishing houses, with sixteen books to my name, both published and yet to be published, including two series.  My publishing houses are By Grace Publishing, Triskelion Publishing, New Age Dimensions Publishing, and Champagne Books.  I also have a website at: http://www.rebeccagoings.com.  I am a member of EPIC, the Electronically Published Internet Connection, and have received multiple five star reviews for my books.

            I have included a detailed synopsis for your perusal and can send you either the partial or full manuscript if you are interested. Thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule to consider my query. I look forward to your response.    

Warmest regards,

Rebecca Goings

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