Successful Query Letter Examples That Attracted Top Agents

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There is a ton of advice out there about how to craft the perfect query letter. But knowing what goes into a successful query letter is one thing; seeing actual examples of successful query letters in action is another. Today, I’m sharing two examples of real query letters that landed authors top literary agents — and discussing what makes each one so successful.
 
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SUCCESSFUL QUERY LETTER EXAMPLES:
01:11 – Stephanie Wrobel
03:46 – Victoria Wlosok   
07:21 – Takeaways  
 
ABOUT ME: 
My name is Alyssa Matesic, and I’m a professional book editor with nearly a decade of book publishing and editorial experience. Throughout my career, I’ve held editorial roles across both sides of the publishing industry: Big Five publishing houses and literary agencies. The goal of this channel is to help writers throughout the book writing journey—whether you're working on your manuscript or you're looking for publishing advice.
 
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[InvestigatingDavidCrowley]

It would be helpful to have a series on query letters. Yes, it is helpful to see examples of query letters which shows what works and what doesn't.

[paulafox]

It would be helpful to see sci-fi and fantasy examples... You mentioned a few times about being "short and snappy" and that might be challenging if you need to establish a little bit of wb / setting as well as you main story pitch. (and yes, the wb is required as context in my case to understand the story ).

All in all, would be a good series 👍

[freedomthroughspirit]

Aside: The first query book's subject turns me off immediately - why would I want to read about a main character who *chooses* to live with the mother who already went to jail for harming her, thereby potentially endangering herself (again) as well as her own child? I immediately distrust the protagonist to make reasonable decisions. Just my reaction, but perhaps I'm missing something. Love this topic, thank you Alyssa.

[joevaldez]

I'm up to 11 rejections with 44 literary agents queried (on 4/1/2024). Two personalized rejections and nine form rejections. The most recent was a tailored rejection from the agent, not her assistant, so I feel like I'm making progress.

One of the agents you mentioned are among those I'm waiting on a response from, Alyssa, so thank you for this topic and terrific video. I think it's all about the pitch. If I were an agent, I'd have requested a full manuscript from the first author and dispatched the second a form rejection, showing how absurdly subjective this process is.

[firestorm-ckos]

I actually listen to you while I'm at work so I can feel like I'm making progress with my querying even though my job has nothing to do with it

[jimgilbert]

I've always ended my queries with:
Thank you for your time and consideration.

I thought that the blurb was supposed to be just one paragraph, yet both of these ladies broke up their blurbs.
???

Yes, please do a series on successful query letters!!!

[jksd]

Yeah, I'd like to see more query examples. I'm at my third query and still trying to figure out the magic formula.

[Badhorsereader]

I would love a series like this. This was an excellent breakdown!

[jameshansen]

Yes please to more examples of successful query letters. From those two, I actually think that their structure is better. Admittedly, I like the first query letter in this more, even though it is so short.

[davidzeleny]

Id love more examples in different genres. Maybe some sff.

[edsimnett]

Interesting- I have never heard anyone suggest doing what both of these do, which is to discuss the pov and structure/timelines. Also WAY more plot than most advice tells you to put in, and no "one line blurbs" nor intro statement with the genre. And, assuming these are the complete letters, no personalization...

[samp]

Alyssa your hair looks stunning and bouncy. Thanks for these examples as I'm currently querying my historical romance novel, while also writing my second sci Fi novel. ❤

[rowan]

I have recently begun to start my letters with the pitch/blurb, after few stated this should get the agent's attention. Keeping things to the point and listing that I have self-published few books. Sadly still got a few generic rejections but this means nothing as I have queried several more who may like my work. Still waiting for responses as of writing this.
So good to hear that this may be the right direction to go with as previously, I have used the so called housekeeping and then the blurb.

[rosemartillano]

I loved this video, my favorite so far. Yes, I would like to see, hear more query letter examples. Thanks.

[gman]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! So many YouTube videos I've watched have only explained, and not shown, what a query letter should look like. I would like to see a query letter for a memoir in one of your next videos.

[Rusthate]

I really love the addition of the beatboxing at 9:40 during your outro music. :D

[lorettaknoelk]

Definitely could do more videos like this. Because I dunno if those fit the QueryTracker Template without being repetitive.
What do you do when in QueryTracker it asks for 1. The Query 2. The Synopsis 3. The Blurb 4. Comp titles. this letter all of those things have been established?

[copascribe]

This is great (and so is your hair!). Another good query resource is Query Shark's site (priceless, really). Side note...I personally don't like fiction mysteries based on true crime cases, and I've seen an uptick in debut mysteries taking inspiration from real-life murder cases (Rose Gold/Gypsy Rose case). 😳 Do these authors need to tell their agents what inspired the story?

[clxuddymusic]

I am interested if this is going to be a series then I'll watch it

[MrDanroche]

This video solidified that I am on the right track, however more query letter examples please. And when mine lands an agent, I’ll submit it to your channel 😊