What is Query Hack?
Query Hack is a query critique program launched by the iWriterly team where writers have the opportunity to submit their book queries for FREE feedback from an industry professional. As part of iWriterly’s mission to give back to the writing community and help writers achieve their publication goals, blogs and videos will be published periodically, critiquing individual queries and providing recommendations for areas of improvement.
For those who are new to the traditional publication journey, queries are one-page cover letters specific to the book publishing industry. Typically, queries are submitted to literary agents when a writer is seeking literary representation in order to have their novel traditionally published (along with any other specified materials, such as manuscript pages and a synopsis).
While there is no one “right” way to write a query, queries must consist of the following information:
- Plot summary: A 1-3 paragraph teaser of your manuscript (plot, characters, motives, ultimate stakes) that reads like a book jacket & does NOT give away the ending
- Metadata: Word count, genre, and age group
- Manuscript title
- Bio
- Personalization: Reason(s) why you are querying that particular agent
Popular Query Formats
Before you query a literary agent at an agency, check their submission guidelines AND the individual agent’s bio page to see if the agent specifies how s/he would like you to format your query. (And, of course, check out Meg’s blogs and iWriterly videos on the topic to avoid classic beginner mistakes.)
If the agent doesn’t specify a preference, here are two query formats that many writers who write excellent queries utilize:
Query Format #1
- Dear [name of agent],
- Paragraph 1: Plot summary
- Paragraph 2: Plot summary
- Paragraph 3: Plot summary
- Paragraph 4: Metadata, title, personalization
- Paragraph 5: Bio
Query Format #2
- Dear [name of agent],
- Paragraph 1: Metadata, title, personalization
- Paragraph 2: Plot summary
- Paragraph 3: Plot summary
- Paragraph 4: Plot summary
- Paragraph 5: Bio
How the Query Critique Works
One query will be critiqued per post. Meg will provide comments throughout the query in purple with suggestions for improvement.
To be respectful of writers’ privacy, names will not be included in the query critique.
Although Meg won’t be able to critique every query that’s submitted, writers are welcome to submit ONE query per manuscript to be considered for our iWriterly query critique. Duplicate queries will be deleted.
Writers will not be notified if their query is chosen for critique, so be sure to keep an eye on the query critique page to see if your query was chosen!
In addition, queries submitted for critique may also be featured on an iWriterly video episode.
Before You Submit
Prior to submitting your query for critique, make sure to do your homework. For more information about how to write queries, what should be included in your query, and when to begin querying, check out some of Meg’s iWriterly videos and feature articles:
- Deciding When to Query
- 10 Ways to Make Your Query Stand Out
- How to Write the Perfect Plot Summary for Your Query
- Querying Checklist
- The Dos and Don’t of Querying
Submit Query for Critique
In order for your query to be considered for the critique, please fill out THIS FORM.
iWriterly 
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