Melissa Harkin

Insights from Kathleen Foxx’s session “How to Write a Query Letter” during Reedsy’s event “How to Find a Literary Agent“

Attending Kathleen Foxx’s session on “How to Find a Literary Agent” during Reedsy’s event was a game-changer for anyone pursuing traditional publishing. Her practical, clear advice demystified the query process, providing a roadmap to create a compelling query letter that stands out in a crowded market.

The purpose of a query letter

At its core, a query letter is a pitch—a concise, engaging blurb designed to hook literary agents. Kathleen emphasized that your query must do more than summarize your book; it needs to highlight the plot, inciting incident, stakes, and voice while creating intrigue. The goal is to make the agent desperate to request your manuscript.

The goal [of the query letter] is to make the agent desperate to request your manuscript.

Kathleen Foxx

What a query letter is (and isn’t)

Kathleen drew a clear line between a query and other forms of communication:

• Is: A focused, polished summary that centers on your protagonist(s), their challenges, and what’s at stake.
• Isn’t: A detailed synopsis, a personal essay, or a place for unrelated information about other projects.

Her advice? Keep it professional, clear, and on-point.

Breaking down the structure

Kathleen’s step-by-step breakdown of a query letter was particularly helpful:

1. Introduction

• Personalize your query by addressing the agent directly and referencing their wish list or past interactions.
• Include:
  • The manuscript’s title (in all caps).
  • Word count.
  • Genre.
  • Comparative titles (recent and relevant).
  • Content warnings, if necessary.

2. Plot paragraph(s)

This is where you showcase your story.

• Start by introducing the protagonist(s) and their normal life.
• Present the inciting incident and central conflict.
• Highlight the stakes and the worst possible outcome if the protagonist fails.

3. Bio paragraph

Share relevant details about yourself:

• Credentials (if applicable).
• Life experiences that connect to the manuscript’s themes (e.g., personal or cultural insights).
• It’s okay if you’re new—agents care more about the story than a list of accolades.

4. Closing

End confidently with something like: “May I send you the full manuscript?” Thank the agent for their time and express your excitement about the opportunity.

Best practices for success

Kathleen’s session was filled with practical tips to perfect your query:

• Be concise: Keep it under 375 words and single-spaced.
• Polish every word: Beta readers and critique partners are essential to ensure clarity and impact.
• Exude confidence: Replace phrases like “I hope you’ll be interested” with “I’m excited to share.”
• Balance your paragraphs: Avoid overly dense blocks of text; make it readable.
• Personalize every query: Reference specifics from the agent’s wish list or preferences.

The power of comparative titles (Comps)

Kathleen highlighted the importance of comps:

• Stick to two, ideally within the past 3–5 years.
• Choose books that align with specific elements of your manuscript.
• Avoid blockbusters like Harry Potter or The Hunger Games.

What agents want

Agents are looking for manuscripts that:

• Have a clear and intriguing premise.
• Showcase polished writing.
• Demonstrate high stakes and deep emotional impact.

Common querying mistakes

Kathleen’s candid examples of what not to do were invaluable:

• Avoid querying too soon—ensure your manuscript is polished and complete.
• Don’t pitch via DMs or inappropriately timed moments (she humorously mentioned funerals and restrooms).
• Be specific about your story; vague queries get overlooked.

After querying: What comes next?

Kathleen encouraged patience and professionalism during the waiting game:

• Agents may take months to respond. Use this time to work on your next project instead of obsessively revising the manuscript you just queried.
• Rejections are not personal. Use them as an opportunity to refine your craft and keep querying.

Key takeaways on confidence and voice

Kathleen Foxx’s advice was a masterclass in presenting yourself as a professional writer. From owning your story to weaving voice and tension into your query, her insights made it clear that confidence is key. By tailoring each query and maintaining belief in your work, you’ll stand out to agents looking for their next big client.

Check out her website at https://kathleenfoxxagent.com/

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