How To Write Query Letter In Nigeria

Many authors believe that writing query letters is an important aspect of their job search. A well-written query letter can pique the interest of a literary agent or publisher, increasing the likelihood that they will contact you to learn more about you and your ideas. Understanding what to include in a formal query letter might assist you in producing an engaging document that appropriately represents your work. Here, we’ll learn how to write a query letter, not just for literary agents, but also for misconduct of staff in the workplace, like absence from work.

What Is A Query Letter?

A query letter is a one-page proposal for writing that you send to an agent, editor, or publishing house. A query letter is used by writers to pitch their work or ideas to agencies or editors. It could be a novel, a magazine piece, or a nonfiction book.

If an agent or editor believes your work has a chance of being published, they may request the manuscript or a few chapters to see if they should proceed. This letter serves as a vital initial step in the process of having a written work published.

How To Write A Query Letter

To write an effective query letter, follow these guidelines:

#1. Use a formal format.

Invest in high-quality white paper if you intend to send mail rather than email. Your query letter should be one-inch margins and single-spaced. Choose a legible typeface, such as Arial or Times New Roman in size 12.

Avoid Serif fonts. Templates for formal business letters are typically available in word processing systems. These basic formatting requirements should be simple to follow if you use one of these templates.

#2. Include a title

As with any regular business letter, include your contact information, the date, and the recipient’s information in the heading. Always address the agent or editor by name. Use general language like “Dear Agent” or “Dear Editor” as little as possible. Using the recipient’s name demonstrates that you’ve done your homework and are eager to collaborate with them.

#3. Make a sturdy hook

The first paragraph of a query letter is the opener, and the hook should be placed in the first sentence of the first paragraph. A hook’s objective is to entice the receiver to continue reading your letter.

You’ll need a strong hook to draw attention to the entrance. This will pique the reader’s interest and encourage them to continue reading. To make your opener more appealing, include an interesting fact about your narrative—or a piece of your story.

#4. Create a brief summary

A synopsis should be included in the body of your query letter. A synopsis is a brief summary that provides the reader with an overview of your work. It is a synopsis of a story’s main points and key elements.

Setting, characters, genre, and style are examples of significant points and elements. Your query letter’s synopsis should be the second paragraph. You want to sell your proposal, so write a synopsis that piques the recipient’s interest and resonates with them.

#5. Include credentials information

After you’ve finished your overview, include information about any relevant credentials you have. Inform the agency or editor whether your writing has been published in reputable publications or websites. Any scholastic accomplishments related to writing or the theme of the manuscript should also be highlighted in this portion of your query letter.

For example, if you’ve written a novel in which the protagonist is a pilot and you’re also a pilot, use this credential to showcase your strengths. It will also demonstrate to the reader that you are enthusiastic about learning and writing.

#6. End the letter with a thank you statement.

Begin your letter’s closing with a declaration of gratitude, such as “Thank you for your time.” I’m hoping to hear from you shortly.” Then, finish with a phrase like “Sincerely” or “Best regards.” If you are sending a physical letter, allow a space below the closing for a signature. Print your name, then include your contact information so the agent or editor can readily contact you.

#7. Check your work for errors.

Check your letter before sending it to check that all of the information is correct. Make certain that the letter is addressed to the correct person. If necessary, contact the literary agency, publication, or publishing house to ensure that your communication is addressed to the relevant person.

After that, proofread your work. To ensure that your spelling, punctuation, and syntax are right, use a software tool. Read it aloud to ensure that the sentences flow properly, and have a trusted friend or family member read it to provide comments.

Example of a Query Letter

Here’s an example of a query letter to serve as a model:

Madame Beatrice,

GOLDEN BOY is a work of fiction I wrote about a prominent American tennis player, Justin Gold, who survives a plane disaster and is paralyzed below the waist. This 103,000-word work is looking for representation.

The novel begins in a hospital. Justin Gold recovers from an artificial coma and begins to recall blurry details of the plane disaster that killed him. He notices he can’t move his legs. Barry Stanton, his best friend and coach, walks into the room and begins to cry. Stanton is the one who helps tennis’ “golden boy” overcome sadness and embrace a new life away from the elite tour. As Justin recovers, additional information about the plane tragedy emerges, compelling Justin and Barry to go down the perpetrators.

I’ve been a tennis coach for ten years and competed competitively on the junior tennis circuit 12 years ago. I also have a kinesiology degree from NYU Steinhardt. My extensive understanding of the sport enabled me to include accurate elements in my account. This is my first novel, although I’ve practiced my writing talents through producing popular blog entries. These blog pieces can be found on my website as well as other websites that cater to tennis fans’ interests.

I’ve attached three chapters from my work. I hope you enjoyed the article and look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes,

Mr. Bob Dean

How To Write A Query Letter: Useful Tips

Here are some pointers to help you write an effective query letter:

Keep it short and sweet: Shorter query letters (under 400 words) tend to provide better results, so keep your letter succinct. Agents and editors prefer query letters that are brief and convey crucial information in an easy-to-scan and understandable format.
Market your narrative with assurance: To properly market your work, you must appear confident in your writing. Writing a professional and polite query letter with a fantastic synopsis is a smart marketing strategy. Telling a wonderful narrative is the best approach to pique people’s curiosity.
Make several query letters to test alternative approaches: After sending a query letter, you may receive rejections from the publishing industry. Experimenting with angles, pitches, and synopses can let you test out alternative methods.
Inquire with a diverse range of people and businesses: If you’ve tried submitting your message to a specific specialty or medium, broaden your search. If you’ve just been submitting letters to publications or publishing houses, consider internet formats. To boost your chances of success, send your letter to many organizations and agents.

How to Write a Query Letter To A Staff For Misconduct

You’ve been observing indicators of toxicity at your company as an HR professional for a few weeks. You did your part by identifying an employee (or employees) as the source of the toxin. You must challenge their misbehavior with a letter of query or warning. But how do you write this letter? Here’s how you can write a query letter to a staff for misconduct.

What is a Query Letter For Misconduct?

A query letter is sent to a team or staff member who is not performing as well as they should. It is written to ascertain the reason for low performance.

Before issuing a query letter, a verbal reprimand or a written letter is issued for the wrongdoing. Following a pattern of inappropriate activity, a query letter is written to determine the cause and detail the consequences. In circumstances where the activity is repeated, a letter of disciplinary action is sent out for suspension or termination.

What Should I Include in My Query Letter?

It may be difficult to organize your thoughts and use proper language in such a letter, thus the following stages should be used as a guide:

#1. Employee Address:

The recipient’s address, like with any other letter, must be supplied. Here, add the employee’s full name, department, and job title.

#2. Employer/HR Address and Date

Your address must be mentioned in the letter so that the employee understands its significance. It also serves as a preamble to the letter. While writing your address, you must include your name, work title, and department.

The date should be written two lines after the address and placed when the query letter is sent.

#3. Letter Title

It is better if the letter has a short, simple title. This is why the letter was written. The specific wrongdoing can be addressed if desired.

#4. The Letter’s Body

The body of the letter should be no more than 3-5 paragraphs long. In the first paragraph, explain why you’re writing.

In the second paragraph, include information regarding the crime, such as when it occurred, what went wrong, and any earlier warnings issued about the occurrence. The final paragraph should explain how the activity violates corporate policy and affects overall workplace productivity. The fourth paragraph should provide information on the repercussions of persistent behavior, preventative measures, and an improvement timeline. In this paragraph, the employee should be given the opportunity to address the reason for the transgression, and if there is a disagreement, a meeting to resolve it should be held. Remember to keep your tone professional.

Finally, at the end of your letter, provide a nice, complementing salutation. ‘Yours Sincerely,’ for instance. The best practice is to sign your whole name. You might include an optional space for the employee’s signature to acknowledge receipt of the letter.

Review your letter for grammar errors, as these will reflect poorly on your professionalism.

Query Letter For Absence From Work Template

[This is a quick description of a Sample Warning Letter to an Employee for Absence Without Permission. This letter is used to notify the employee that if he or she does not provide justification for the absence and returns to work immediately, the employee will be dismissed from effective service. You can modify the application below to suit your needs.]

Date format: DD/MM/YY

Name of the employee/receiver…

Job Position…

Name of the department…

Subject: Warning Letter for Unauthorized Absence

(Your Name),

I am writing this letter as the final official means of contacting you and informing you that your absence from work without permission since (date) has been taken very seriously by management. (Explain in your own words).

Attempts to contact you via phone and email have gone unanswered. If you do not report to work immediately, it will be interpreted as your refusal to continue work and you will be terminated from service. (Explain the actual problem and scenario).

If you do not respond in person or provide cause for your absence, we will have to file an official complaint with the police and blacklist you. (Explain the scenario and the official rules).

According to business policy, this organization will wait one or two months from today before freezing your salary and Provident Fund accounts. (Display your caution about the institute’s policy).

Please regard this as an emergency.

Your name…

Job Position…

Name of the company/institute…

[Email Format] is another option.

To: Recipient Mail Address…

Sender email address…

Sub: Warning Letter for Unauthorized Absence

(Your Name),

It has come to our attention that you have not been attending office since (date). We attempted to reach you several times and even left a note, but you never responded or came to the office. (Explain in your own words). This is the second time this has happened this year; also, you did not come to the office for a week and were later informed that there was a death in the family. We later discovered that it was a falsehood, and you have received a warning letter. (Explain the actual problem and scenario).

You are therefore directed to report to office on (date) and explain why applicable action should not be taken against you for your misconduct, failing which it will be presumed that you have no explanation and are not interested in returning. (Explain the scenario and the official rules).

If there is no communication beyond the specified date, you will be terminated. (Display your caution about the institute’s policy).

Please regard this as an emergency.

For example, Company name…

Your Name…

Designation…

How Long Is A Query Letter?

A query letter is a one-page, 300-500 word, three to five-paragraph letter in which you explain the premise of your novel, including the key themes, important story points, and characters.

How Do You Issue A Query To A Staff?

When drafting an inquiry letter to an employee, always include the employee’s name as well as the department’s name. Mention the type of wrongdoing committed by the employee in detail. Explain how improper behavior affects/can affect the organization’s operations or environment.

Can a Query Letter Be In First Person?

Your query letter should always be written in the first person.

What Is The Closing Of A Query Letter?

The closing is the final component of a query letter. This is the opportunity to politely thank the agent or editor for their time and inform them that you are willing to deliver the necessary additional materials at their request. Then, at the bottom of the letter, sign your query and add your contact information.

In Conclusion,

A proper query letter will contain an overview of your work, and some information about the author, and ideally spark the curiosity of agents or publishers enough that they’ll want to read more. The main thing to remember while writing a query letter is to stick to the fundamental format and offer all pertinent information in a concise and intriguing manner.