Query Letter Intensive

Class Description

This seminar 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, 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 working on their own query letter (with the instructor's help if desired). 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 using Zoom videoconferencing. About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting!

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.