A Word to Aspiring Writers

I am often asked for help by people who have written a book or who wish to write a book, but don't know how to reach a traditional publisher. Often these books I'm asked about are memoirs or historical novels or perhaps nonfiction books on a self-help topic.

Unfortunately, I know nothing about anything except the mystery novel market and even then, there are gaps in my knowledge, even after years at this game. I have referred several mystery novelists to my agent, but that's really the best I can do for them, all I have time to do. It really is a fulltime job just keeping to my own deadlines.

It's very hard to make anyone understand there are no magic shortcuts to success in this business. If I knew what they were, I would use them myself.

But here is some advice for those who don't know how to get started. Just know a good query letter is your key to success, and there are a ton of resources out there to help you.

Crafting Your Query Letter: The Gateway to a Literary Agent
Breaking into traditional publishing isn’t easy, and securing a literary agent is the biggest hurdle. The query letter is your first—and often only—chance to make an impression. It’s your introduction, your pitch, and your opportunity to convince an agent your book is worth their time. My agent, Mark Gottlieb of Trident Media Group, offers an online course in how to craft the query letter.

Agents receive many hundreds of queries every month, and they’re searching for the one that sparks excitement. Your letter has to stand out. It needs to be concise, polished, and specific to the agent you’re querying. Think of it as a snapshot of your story and your ability to write it. Hook them with your premise, show them the stakes, and demonstrate why you’re reaching out to them in particular. Let them know about your writing awards or special expertise. Don't be shy ... but don't boast, either.

Here’s the truth: you’ll usually only get one shot with an agent. If your letter doesn’t resonate, they’ll move on. That’s why your query letter and sample chapters must be as strong as possible. If you've written a nonfiction book, you'll need a chapter-by-chapter summary. Revise and seek feedback, then revise again.

Resources like QueryTracker and AgentQuery can help. These sites allow you to search for agents based on genre, track your submissions, and connect with fellow writers.

Nearly every NYT-bestselling author started with a query letter and the hope that someone would say yes. Write yours with care, passion, and confidence—it might just be the beginning of your publishing journey.