Query Letter Intensive

Class Description

This one day course is designed to demystify the process of querying agents and provide a practical toolkit for those seeking representation for their manuscript. The first portion will involve a lecture about the logistics of querying: how to get started (researching agents/agencies via favorite authors and/or Publisher’s Marketplace reports), what to expect at various stages of talking to agents, and advice pooled from both the instructor and their agent. Then we will look at an example of a query letter—the one the instructor used to land their agent—and breakdown each paragraph to develop a comprehensive template for students to write their own.

The second portion will consist of students taking what they learned and drafting their own query letter. In doing so they will find an agent, research that agent’s current clients (with the instructor's help if desired), and write a concise summary of their manuscript along with a pitch using comp titles. At the end of the session students will have the opportunity to share their draft for feedback or ask any questions about the process.

This course best suits writers who are at the point where they have completed or nearly completed a manuscript. However, anyone interested in learning more about the querying process is welcome to sign up. The class offers clarity and guidance around a topic that is difficult to navigate because of an oversaturation of online resources, many of which are too generalized to be personally relevant. Aspiring authors shouldn’t have to feel so adrift or in the dark when it comes to launching their careers—especially after writing a book length project. This class honors the work students have already put in by making their next step easier to approach.

Class Format

This class will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood.

Covid-19 Update:

GrubStreet's space will be mask optional when Boston's Covid-19 Community Level is low or medium. When the Covid-19 Community Level is high, our space will require masks. Please check GrubStreet's Covid-19 page for the latest info on masking and Community Levels before visiting in-person.

Scholarship Information

Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.

For more more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.