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Query letters make even experienced writers panic—and for good reason. In this special Ask Beth & Lisa episode, we’re joined by author and educator Deborah Crossland for a deep, practical conversation about how to write a strong, effective query letter as we head into the 2026 querying season. Deborah breaks down what query letters are actually for, what agents want to see (and don’t), and how writers can avoid the most common—and most damaging—mistakes.
This episode is packed with actionable advice, mindset shifts, and real-world examples from the querying trenches.
About Our Guest
Deborah Crossland teaches English and mythology at a community college and writes myth-based contemporary YA novels with a feminist lens. Her novel The Quiet Part Out Loud was published in 2023, with the paperback released in 2024. She lives in Northern California and is passionate about making education accessible to all.
Key Topics & Takeaways
What a Query Letter Is (and Isn’t)
- The sole purpose of a query letter is to get an agent to request pages—not to sell the book or explain the entire plot.
- Think invitation, not explanation.
The Anatomy of a Strong Query
- A compelling hook (often 1–2 sentences)
- A focused pitch centered on external stakes
- Brief book details (genre, word count, comps)
- A short, professional author bio
External Stakes Matter More Than You Think
- Writers often lean too hard on internal stakes; agents need to see what’s happening.
- External conflict is what differentiates your book in a crowded field.
- If an agent can’t picture the story visually, the query isn’t doing its job.
Pitch vs. Synopsis
- The query pitch should not include spoilers or the ending.
- The synopsis is where you explain the full story, including how it ends.
- Mixing these up is one of the most common querying mistakes.
How to Personalize Without Being Cringey
- Reference an agent’s manuscript wish list, not their personal life.
- Keep personalization professional, brief, and relevant.
- Treat it like a business introduction—not a social interaction.
Query Etiquette (and Red Flags)
- Always submit queries exactly how the agent requests.
- Never DM agents or email around Query Manager.
- Don’t announce querying rounds or submissions on social media.
- Avoid pitching your unpublished book publicly on Instagram, TikTok, or X.
Author Bios for Debut Writers
- It’s perfectly acceptable to say, “This is my first novel.”
- Writing credentials are optional; strong pages matter more.
- Publishing loves debuts—lack of experience is not a liability.
Series Talk: Less Is More
- Don’t pitch a multi-book series as a debut.
- “Standalone with series potential” is sufficient.
Length & Clarity
- Queries should be concise and tightly written.
- Every word must earn its place.
- If you can’t summarize your story clearly, you may not be ready to query.
Hooks, Loglines, and Netflix Thinking
- Think in terms of loglines or streaming-style descriptions.
- If you can’t explain your story in one sharp sentence, that’s a sign to step back.
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