So — you’ve written that great novel or memoir and now you want to connect with an agent. Below, find some free sample query letters. Feel free to show them to your writing friends — though please remember to share each document as-is.

The two sample query letters below are best read together, no matter if you’re writing a memoir or a novel. You’ll see examples in each that could inspire your letters. May these support you in your journey.

Also, some tips about querying:

• Know the novels and/or memoirs that inspire you, so you have inspiration for your work’s structure, word count, and intended age level.
• For novels and memoirs, have your book finished before you query any agent. Don’t get an agent excited about an unfinished book. (Other types of books vary for this “rule.” For example, for a specialty nonfiction book, an agent and/or a publisher may want to be part of shaping the outline of the book, so you may end up “pitching” a book — and then compiling appropriate magazine articles you’ve previously published and/or writing the bulk of the book after you have a contract.)
• Reputable agents never charge you for submitting to them. Reputable agents never charge you to represent your work.
• Agents are different than editors. If you hire an independent editor, say, then you’ll most likely be paying that person for their services. Also, if you submit to contests, you might face submission fees. And at conferences, you may end up paying a premium fee for an add-on 1-1 agent consult.
• You’ll find yourself re-writing at least a small part of your query letter for each agent.

Sample Memoir Query Letter

Sample Novel Query Letter

If you write a successful letter inspired by the above samples, please share your story here.