My Query Letter

Hello to whoever is reading this! It’s been a long time since I’ve posted anything to this blog but after a crazy couple of years, I’m back…ish!

Below is the updated query letter I wrote that gained me 24 full requests, 4 partial requests, and 3 offers of representation.

Just to clarify a few things, this letter is bit more detail heavy and different from the standard QL as I was previously agented and had went out on submission with the previous version of this book.

Dear [AGENT],

I hope you are doing well!

Following an amicable split from my previous agents, I’m currently seeking representation for my YA Paranormal book VAMPIRES ARE THE WORST, complete at 75,000 words. This book was previously on submission with seven editors, where it received one R&R but was also withdrawn from three editors once I severed my contract with my agents. I wanted to mention that I have completely revamped this book after receiving feedback and editing guidance from _______ with _______, and I am also allowed to submit this book to her once I am agented.

After moving to Barnum’s Grove for her senior year, all seventeen-year-old Delila wants is to be allowed out of the house after the sun goes down. She spent her childhood training with her grandfather to ward off supernatural creatures that don’t exist. Now, finally away from his influence, maybe she can find enough time to make new friends, binge-watch shows with her mom, and maybe, snag a hot boyfriend before prom.

However, after multiple run-ins with the super-hot but super-sus Kross Saint John, her reading of an old vampire book from a local bookstore, and discovering the gaps between her grandfather’s lies, Delila learns those supernatural creatures may not be so imaginary. Vampires are coming to the Grove, and they’re not exactly visiting for the small-town charm.

To save the town she’s come to love, Delila will have to return to the combat training she’s tried so hard to get away from, teach her newfound friends how to fight, reconcile with her deceitful grandfather, and try to keep her mom as far away from the danger as possible without having her suspect anything. If her plan fails, she’ll stand to lose more than just a lot of blood. Delila’s ready to fight, but she’s not exactly ready to discover the connection that truly lies between herself and the vampires.

VAMPIRES ARE THE WORST has series potential. It encompasses the strong mother-daughter bond and small-town charm of Gilmore Girls with the sarcastic light-hearted tone of The Lost Girls by Sonia Hartl.

I am a Latinx writer with a bachelor’s degree and Distinction in Professional Writing from Western Connecticut State University. During my time there, I had a few short stories published in their literary journal. I also previously interned with ArtHouse Literary as a literary assistant. When I’m not writing, I can be found cuddling with my two dogs and watching hours of reality TV.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration. I truly appreciate it.

Amanda Badillo

My Query Letter Breakdown

Intro paragraph:

Being that I was previously represented by agents from the same agency and had also went out on submission with this book, I wanted to make known a few different details.

One: that I represented previously.

Two: I was out on submission to seven editors

Three: this book is completely different from the version I went out on submission with originally

Four: I reached out for help and feedback from a well-known editor who helped me to realize what my book was missing!

I also made sure to include the needed details of the book; the age category, genre, word count, and title.

Second-to-fourth paragraph:

A detailed blurb about my story that gives just enough info the be enticing but doesn’t spoil anything within the story itself. Remember, your story blurb should read like a book’s jacket cover – it tells you the premise of the book, not everything that happens. Your blurb should leave the agents/readers wanting more.

Fifth paragraph:

This placement doesn’t really matter; some people put the comp titles (comparative titles) in the first paragraph but I chose to put it here as I felt it flowed a little smoother.

Last paragraph:

My author bio detailing a little bit about my writing credentials and myself. If you don’t have writing credentials that’s perfectly okay! You can just tell the agent a quick little blurb about yourself, nothing too long.

Pitch Events in Query Letter’s

After PitDark this past May, I received a few likes from other publishers/acquiring editors, and I added that list to my query also making mention to another list of editors that I had from past events who have shown interest in the project.

Summary

Every query letter is different and every journey is different. I’m incredibly lucky and blessed for the interest I’ve received in my book and I cannot wait for what the future holds for it.

If you need more information on how exactly to write a query letter, I have an old blog post that goes into a bit more detail here: https://amandabadillo.com/2021/01/03/how-to-write-a-query-letter/. Please note this post is from 2021 and needs to be updated a bit, but the same processes still apply for creating your letter. It’s the shell/model, if you will!