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You’ve decided to start querying agents.

Maybe you’ve already scrolled through Query Tracker or a few agency websites and come up with a short (or long) list of agents that you would like to query. That’s awesome! Time to make your query packet.

A note before you begin: Not all agents have the exact same submission requirements, and some may have things that are outside the realm of this packet. However, if you compile the materials listed below, it will make your querying journey much easier.

The essentials:

1. A query letter
   • Your query letter is undoubtably the most crucial part of your submission packet. It is important that your query letter is as perfect as you can make it, and if possible, tailored to the agent that you are querying. (An article talking about writing query letters is coming soon and will be linked once it is written!)
     
2. A biography
   • This should be a short (4-5 sentence maximum) biography of yourself that emphasizes your previous writing experience. (How-to article coming soon.)
     
3. Title, word count, and genre of your manuscript
   
4. Copies of your manuscript in the following formats:
   • The first five pages (two copies: one adjusted to Query Manager format with no indentations for paragraphs and one in double-spaced, 12pt Times New Roman)
   • The first ten pages (two copies: one adjusted to Query Manager format with no indentations for paragraphs and one in double-spaced, 12pt Times New Roman)
   • The first fifty pages
   • The first 10,000 words
     
5. Comparable titles
   • A list of books that are similar to yours (usually with a 500-character limit)
   • Referred to by writers as “comp titles”
   • Agents like to use the phrases “books that may be found on the shelf next to your book”
   • Try to list newer, in-genre comp titles
     
6. A one-sentence pitch
   • A one-sentence pitch for your novel
     
7. Your twitter handle, blog, and web domain
   • These are optional, but majority of Query Manager forms will ask for these. If you would like to know more about the importance of social media for writers, don’t worry—I have an article in the making for it that will be linked here when it’s completed.
     
8. Synopsis
   • A ~500-word, cut-and-dry synopsis of your manuscript

The lesser seen, but still good to have on hand:

1. Why you were the person to write this book
   • I have seen this question quite a few times, although I still wouldn’t call it “standard.” Keep this to 1-3 sentences.
     
2. Why you wrote this book
   • I have seen this less than the previous question but have still come across it a few times. Keep this to 1-3 sentences.
     
3. A playlist or moodboard for your book
   • By no means required, some agents do like to see if you have these available.