Dawn Husted
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How to Write a Query

3/22/2017

5 Comments

 
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Writing a query letter can be tough. After all, there’s a ton of advice on the web. Below is an example of the query that I used for my book, Scythe of Darkness. When I was querying last summer, I had been using a different title: The Art of Kissing Death. So don’t be confused.

In the fall, I sent that query to a professional editor who revised it for me. This polished version is on the bottom. I didn’t query with this one until last January, but a couple of weeks later, I had decided that I wanted to indie publish my book instead. Of the 10 queries that I sent out in January, there was a small press interested, but they ultimately decided that my book was too dark for their taste. No problem. Because I do write dark and twisty things, so I understood. Either way, my book will be available in May/June. And I’m excited!

3 Steps for Writing a Query

When I wrote this query, I followed the Three C's method.
  1. First Paragraph: manuscript's word count, comps, category and genre
  2. Body of the query, Three C's
    1. Character (a paragraph) - main character description
    2. Conflict (a paragraph) 
    3. Consequence (a paragraph)
  3. Last Paragraph - short bio

Query Examples

The older query is the first one, and the edited version is the second. Hope these help you!
​
**SPOILER ALERT** If you plan on reading my book, don't read the queries below! ​
For tips and tricks on indie publishing, find me on YouTube, iTunes, or Stitcher!
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5 Comments
Leigh Swan
5/19/2017 09:10:19 pm

Great read- I am in need of a professional editor if you have a referral!

Reply
Dawn Husted link
5/19/2017 10:14:40 pm

Hi Leigh!

The last editor that I used (for my newest book coming out) was fabulous and I HIGHLY recommend her: Kelly Hopkins (https://khopkinswriter.wordpress.com/editing-services/) . My book is YA Urban Fantasy. I'm not sure of all the genres she edits, but she did edit mine. And if you drop her an email, she'll give you all the information you need.

You can find out more details about the edit that I received here: https://youtu.be/OfS6hATjELg

Best of luck with your book :-) Keep me posted.

Reply
Bentley H link
12/1/2020 09:26:54 am

I enjoyedd reading this

Reply
Dawn
12/1/2020 12:28:25 pm

I'm glad! If you need more help with your query, here's a great one that Erica Waters posted: https://ericawaters.com/2018/07/24/query-for-ghost-wood-song/

Reply
Boise Home Staging link
10/3/2022 10:59:27 am

Great blog, thanks for posting

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  • Home
  • About Me
  • Blog
  • Books
    • Book Bundle
    • Radiant Origin
    • Girl Gone Ghost
    • Scythe of Darkness
    • SAFE
    • A Wordy Woman's Guide