Today we’re going to talk about how to write the end of a query letter. The ending is crucial because it’s the last thing the agent or editor will read before they make their decision.
Here’s how to end a query letter:
End a query letter by thanking the agent, highlighting your strengths, and being confident. Keep it brief, professional, and error-free. Personalize your closing if possible. Mention anything included with the letter, such as sample chapters. Query letters sent by email follow the same rules.
In this guide, we’ll dive in and take a look at what makes a great query letter ending.
What Is the Ending of a Query Letter?
The ending of a query letter is the last paragraph where you wrap up your pitch and thank the agent or editor for their time and consideration.
Some people call it the closure or conclusion to the query letter.
It’s your final chance to make a good impression and leave a lasting impact. A good ending should leave the reader feeling excited about your project and eager to request more material.
As someone who has studied query letters for a long time, I’ve identified a few different types of endings.
Types of Query Letter Endings
There are at least four different types of query letter endings you can use depending on your personal style and the tone of your letter.
These common types include:
- Straightforward. This is the most common type of ending, where you simply thank the agent or editor for their time and consideration and sign off with a polite closing.
- Cliffhanger. If your book has a particularly compelling hook or twist, you might consider ending your query letter with a cliffhanger that leaves the reader wanting more. This would be my last option.
- Call to Action. If you’re particularly confident in your pitch, you might consider ending with a soft call to action that encourages the reader to request your full manuscript.
- Enclosed Materials. Let the agent know what you have included or attached to your query letter. This can be a story synopsis, sample chapter, or book outline.
If I were to suggest one query letter ending to use for the rest of your life, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend a straightforward ending.
The other types are very much a case-by-case application. That is to say: when in doubt, go direct.
How To End a Query Letter (7 Good Tips)
Here are seven tips to help you craft a strong query letter ending.
1) Keep It Brief
Your query letter’s ending should be brief, ideally no more than a few sentences.
This is your final chance to make an impression, so make sure each word counts. Avoid rambling or repeating yourself, and focus on getting your point across in a clear and concise manner.
2) Show Gratitude
Thank the agent or editor for their time and consideration.
This shows that you appreciate their busy schedule and respect the effort they put into reviewing your work. A simple “thank you” can go a long way toward leaving a positive impression.
3) Be Confident
End your query letter on a strong, confident note that leaves the reader excited about your project.
You want to convey the message that you believe in your work and its potential. Avoid sounding arrogant, but make sure you come across as someone who knows their stuff.
4) Stay Professional
Your query letter is business communication, so it’s important to maintain a professional tone throughout.
Avoid using slang, overly familiar language, or anything that could be seen as disrespectful or unprofessional. Err on the side of manners and professionalism.
5) Highlight Your Strengths
If you have any particularly strong credentials or accomplishments that relate to your writing, consider mentioning them in your query letter’s ending.
This could include relevant publications, awards, or writing-related degrees.
By doing so, you help demonstrate your credibility as a writer and make your work stand out.
6) Avoid Mistakes
Make sure to double-check your query letter for spelling and grammar errors before sending it out.
Submitting a letter that’s filled with mistakes can leave a negative impression, so it’s important to double-check your work before submitting it. Consider having a friend or colleague review your letter as well to catch any errors you may have missed.
7) Personalize Your Closing
If you’ve had any previous interactions with the agent or editor, consider personalizing your closing to reference that interaction.
For example, if you met the agent at a conference or workshop, you might say something like, “It was great meeting you at the Writer’s Conference last month.”
This can help you stand out from the crowd and demonstrate that you’ve done your research.
Check out this video I made about how to end a query letter:
Examples of How to End a Query Letter (10 Examples)
Let’s look at ten different examples of how to end a query letter for different genres and experience levels:
- Straightforward Ending. “Thank you for taking the time to consider my work. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely, [Your Name].”
- Cliffhanger Ending. “I can’t wait for you to find out what happens next. I appreciate your time and consideration. Regards, [Your Name].”
- Call to Action Ending. “I’m confident that my manuscript will surprise you. I look forward to sending it to you. Thank you for your consideration. Best regards, [Your Name].”
- Young Adult Ending. “I believe my book would appeal to young adults who love stories about finding their place in the world. Your time and attention are greatly appreciated. Best wishes, [Your Name].”
- Memoir Ending. “I hope that my story will inspire readers to find strength and hope in their own struggles. Thank you for your consideration. Best regards, [Your Name].”
- Mystery Ending. “If I’ve done my job well, you won’t see the twist coming. Thank you for reading my submission. Warm regards, [Your Name].”
- Romance Ending. “I believe my book would appeal to readers who love a classic romance story. I am grateful for the opportunity to submit my work. Kind regards, [Your Name].”
- Fantasy Ending. “I hope you’ll be swept away by the magic and wonder of my world. I appreciate the time you’ve taken to review my submission. Respectfully, [Your Name].”
- Non-Fiction Ending. “I’m excited to share my expertise on this topic with a wider audience. Thank you for your careful consideration. Best wishes, [Your Name].”
- Debut Author Ending: “I’m honored to be submitting my debut novel to your agency. Your consideration of my work is deeply appreciated. All the best, [Your Name].”
How to End a Query Letter by Email?
If you’re submitting your query letter by email, the same rules apply to the ending.
Be sure to keep your tone professional and concise, and personalize your closing if you can. Here’s an example of how to end a query letter by email:
“Thank you for considering my manuscript for representation. I’ve attached the first ten pages per your submission guidelines, and I’m happy to send the full manuscript upon request. I eagerly anticipate your response. Best regards, [Your Name].”
Then, in this case, you would paste the first ten pages of your story in the body of your email.
Based on my own bad experiences, check the formatting before you hit “SEND.”
What’s the Best Way to End a Query Letter?
The best way to wrap up your query letter is to say “thank you” and then stop writing.
To elaborate, the conclusion of your query letter should include a polite closing statement, expressing your gratitude for the recipient’s time and attention.
Keep this part short and sweet, by using a simple phrase such as “I appreciate your consideration” or “many thanks.”
Additionally, it’s important to mention any materials that you’ve included along with the query, if applicable. This will ensure that the agent or editor knows exactly what to expect from your submission.
Tools for Writing the Perfect Ending To a Query Letter
I use these tools to write the end of my query letters:
Final Thoughts: How To End a Query Letter
The main thing with query letter conclusions is brevity and appreciation.
Don’t sweat the small “query” stuff.
At the same time, after you learn how to end a query letter, you still might want to develop some advanced query letter skills. In that case, check out the articles listed below.
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