Query clinic:
The query letter is your first, and sometimes only, chance to make an impression on an agent or editor.
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Some basics
    1- Always use a legible font. Times New Roman and Courier are the preferred fonts. Size 12 usually works best for sizing.
     2- Print your query letter in bold. An agent or publisher will not respond well to a query they cannot read.
     3- Always run a spell check. Have friends and family read over it. Does it stand out? Is it intriguing?
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Example of a good query letter:
Jeannette Trayser
somewhere
call me
e-mail me

Date

Dear Mr. or Mrs. ,

    One night from their past; a night that has been destined to repeat itself. This time... someone WILL die.

    Frank Evans sees a vision of his sister covered in blood the night she dies. Full of questions, he returns to Joplin, Missouri, reuniting with his two best friends and Liza, the only woman he has ever loved. Together, they must unravel the mystery behind his sister's death, the unusual painting and gifts she leaves behind, and the ghosts who appear to aide them on their journey through
The Spook Light, an 80,000+ word supernatural suspense.

    A member of the
Horror Writers Association and an amateur folklorist, I am also hard at work on the next novel in the Frank Evans series.

    I would be delighted to send you a copy of the manuscript or a book proposal for your review. Feel free to contact me via phone or e-mail anytime. Thank you so much for your consideration and I look forward to your reply.

Regards-

Jeannette Trayser
Contact information is a must. Try to avoid using a fancy letterhead or anything other than plain white paper.

Never address a query "to whom it may concern." Use last names in your greeting. If you aren't sure whether to use Mr. or Ms. (ex: Chris), than type their full name.


This is your hook. Draw their attention here. Make them want to read further.


These one or two paragraphs should give an overview of the story while leaving the reader intrigued enough to want more. This query informs the agent/publisher of: Characters, Setting, Book Title, Genre, Word Count.
You do not have to reveal your ending in the query (although it is necessary to do so in your synopsis).

Here's your chance to show the agent/publisher what you're made of.  Try to answer why you're the only person who could write this book.

This is the closing. You can also let them know you've enclosed a SASE if you'd like. Be sure to thank them for taking the time to read your query.


I generally stick with Regards or Sincerely. Remember: querying is a business and you want to be as professional as possible.