You've written a fantastic book, and now you need to pitch it, but you're staring at that blank page, thinking, “Where do I even start?” Don't worry—I’ve been there! Query letters can seem tricky, but with some guidance, you'll figure it out. Let’s discuss the mistakes I made when I was new to help you avoid them.

Mistake #1: Getting Too Vague
If you’re vague about your story, an agent won’t feel the spark. You know your story is great, but they need a clear idea of its content. I once sent a query saying, “This is an exciting adventure about resilience.” It sounded good to me, but the agent needed more specifics. So, here’s what I’d suggest: zero in on the hook. Pitch your story in two compelling sentences. Instead of “A thrilling tale of survival,” say something like, “In a world where humans and androids clash, a young woman learns to rewrite AI code and alter humanity’s fate.” Specifics matter!

Mistake #2: Dumping the Whole Plot
Now, I’ve also seen the opposite—trying to pack in too much. And honestly, I did this when I was just starting. I’d get so excited to show the whole story that I’d go on and on with every twist and turn. But a query letter isn’t meant to tell the whole story. It’s a teaser, a quick snapshot to hook their interest. So keep it focused. All you need is the heart of your story: who your protagonist is, what they want, what stands in their way, and what’s at stake. Just a couple of punchy paragraphs. I promise it’s more effective than trying to cover every plot twist and character arc.

Mistake #3: Talking Too Much About Yourself
Sometimes, we focus too much on sharing personal stories or credentials in query letters, but it's crucial to remember that the agent's main interest is the book itself. I once spent half a letter discussing my writing journey, and in hindsight, that approach didn't work. The fix? Focus on the book. Save your bio for the end, and make it short and relevant. If your background ties into the book, mention it, but otherwise, keep it simple. The agent wants to get excited about the story you’re pitching, so let them get to that part right away.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Submission Guidelines
It's easy to overlook submission guidelines when you're focused on writing the "perfect" query letter. I learned the hard way that missing those details can lead to quick rejections. Each agent has specific rules, so make sure to follow their guidelines closely Here’s my advice: Double-check what the agent is asking for before hitting send. Some want just a query letter; others want sample pages or a synopsis. Following these guidelines shows you’re serious and respectful of their process.

Mistake #5: Over- or Under-Selling Yourself
It’s so easy to slip into either being too confident or not confident enough. I remember my first few attempts: one query sounded almost arrogant, like “This story will be the next big bestseller!” (spoiler alert: it didn’t land). Another time, I practically apologized, saying, “I hope it’s good enough.” Both are mistakes. Here’s what works: Strike a balance. Be confident in your story without making big claims. Instead of “This book will be the next Harry Potter,” try something like, “I believe this story will appeal to fans of character-driven fantasy like The Name of the Wind.” It’s confident but grounded.

Let’s Talk Red Flags
Those are the big mistakes. Now let’s talk about red flags—things that can turn an agent off fast. These are easy to avoid once you’re aware of them.

Too Casual or Overly Formal Tone
Think of this as a professional but friendly intro. Avoid slang or being overly chatty and don’t go too formal either. Just keep it respectful and to the point.

Apologies or Excuses
I’ve seen writers start with things like, “I’m new to this, so I apologize if I’ve made mistakes.” Resist the urge to apologize or make excuses. It draws attention to weaknesses instead of strengths. Focus on what makes your story shine.

Ranting or Criticizing the Industry
It’s easy to feel frustrated, but venting to an agent won’t help. If there are frustrations about publishing, save them for other conversations. Agents want to work with positive, professional writers.

Pitching to the Wrong Agent
Make sure the agent represents your genre before you pitch. I know sending your query everywhere is tempting, but pitching to someone who doesn’t represent your genre is usually a waste of time.

Quick Query Structure
Before you go, let me give you a simple structure that’s worked for me and others I’ve helped:

Hook: One line that grabs attention and introduces the main premise.
Brief Synopsis: Just a couple of sentences—main character, central conflict, stakes.
Bio: Short and relevant, if you have something meaningful to add.
Closing Line: Thank them for their time and consideration.

Every query letter is a chance to improve. When I started, I faced rejection and reworked my letter many times. Remember, the goal isn’t to include every detail but to make the agent curious to read more.

You have a story worth telling, so be patient and kind to yourself. The right letter will connect with the right agent at the right time. Keep going—you’ve got this!