How to Write a Query Letter That Gets Agent Requests (2026 Guide)

Query letters make even experienced writers panic—and for good reason. A single page has to represent years of work, convince a literary agent to keep reading, and stand out in an inbox crowded with hundreds of submissions.

In this Ask Beth & Lisa episode of Writers With Wrinkles, we’re joined by author and educator Deborah Crossland for a practical, no-nonsense breakdown of how to write a strong query letter as we head into the 2026 querying season. Deborah explains what query letters are actually for, what agents want to see (and what they don’t), and how writers can avoid the most common—and most damaging—mistakes.

If you’re wondering how to write a query letter that actually works, this episode—and this guide—are for you.

What Is a Query Letter? (And What It Is Not)

One of the biggest mistakes writers make is misunderstanding the purpose of a query letter.

A query letter’s only goal is to get an agent to request pages.

It is not meant to:

• Sell the entire book

• Explain the full plot

• Prove you deserve to be published

• Show how hard you worked

Think of your query letter as an invitation, not an explanation. You’re asking an agent to take the next step—not to commit.

The Anatomy of a Strong Query Letter

While formats vary slightly by genre, effective query letters usually include the same core elements:

1. A Compelling Hook

This is often one or two sentences that introduce the protagonist, the central conflict, and what’s at stake.

2. A Focused Story Pitch

Your pitch should highlight:

• Who the story is about

• What they want

• What stands in their way

Avoid subplots, backstory, and side characters unless they are absolutely essential.

3. Clear External Stakes

Agents need to see what happens in the story—not just how the character feels.

4. Book Details

Include:

• Genre

• Word count

• Comparable titles

5. A Short Author Bio

Keep it professional and relevant. This can be very brief.

Why External Stakes Matter in a Query Letter

One of the most common query letter problems Deborah sees is an overemphasis on internal stakes—emotions, fears, and personal growth—without enough external conflict.

Agents need to be able to visualize your story.

If an agent can’t picture:

• The action on the page

• The obstacles the character faces

• The consequences of failure

…the query isn’t doing its job.

Internal stakes add depth, but external stakes are what differentiate your book in a competitive market.

Query Pitch vs. Synopsis: Know the Difference

This is a frequent—and costly—mistake for querying writers.

• Query letter pitch: No spoilers. No ending. No full explanation.

• Synopsis: A complete summary of the story, including how it ends.

If your query letter explains the resolution of the plot, you’ve removed the agent’s reason to request pages.

How to Personalize a Query Letter (Without Sounding Awkward)

Personalization matters—but only when it’s done correctly.

Best practices:

• Reference an agent’s Manuscript Wish List

• Mention a genre, theme, or type of book they represent

• Keep it brief and professional

Avoid:

• Commenting on personal details

• Flattery

• Casual or social-media-style language

A query letter is a business introduction, not a DM.

Query Letter Etiquette: What Not to Do

Deborah is very clear about common red flags:

• Do not email around Query Manager

• Do not DM agents

• Do not announce querying rounds publicly

• Do not pitch unpublished books on social media

Always follow submission guidelines exactly. Ignoring them can result in an automatic pass—no matter how strong your writing is.

Writing an Author Bio as a Debut Writer

Many writers worry about what to say in their bio if they’re unpublished. The truth?

Publishing loves debuts.

It is perfectly acceptable to say:

“This is my first novel.”

Credentials are optional. Agents care far more about the pages than about a long list of accomplishments.

How to Talk About Series in a Query Letter

If you’re querying a debut novel, keep series talk minimal.

Do:

• Use “standalone with series potential”

Don’t:

• Pitch a multi-book series

• Outline future installments

This phrasing signals flexibility and professionalism.

Query Letter Length, Clarity, and the Logline Test

Query letters should be concise and tightly written. Every sentence must earn its place.

Deborah encourages writers to think in terms of:

• Loglines

• Streaming-style descriptions (the “Netflix test”)

If you can’t describe your book clearly in one sharp sentence, it may be a sign you need more story clarity before querying.

Final Advice for the 2026 Querying Season

Querying isn’t about perfection—it’s about clarity, professionalism, and intrigue.

This episode of Writers With Wrinkles offers practical guidance, mindset shifts, and real-world perspective for writers who want to approach querying with confidence instead of fear.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of Ask Beth & Lisa to hear Deborah Crossland break down how to write a query letter that gets agent requests—without the panic.

About Our Guest

Deborah Crossland teaches English and mythology at a community college and writes myth-based contemporary YA novels with a feminist lens. Her novel The Quiet Part Out Loud was published in 2023, with the paperback released in 2024. She lives in Northern California and is passionate about making education accessible to all.

📍 Find Deborah on Instagram: @DebCrossland