Write query letters that get requests
AI generates complete query letters and one-page synopses from your story and comp titles. Get professional submission materials in minutes.
Write query letters that get requests
River's Query Letter and Synopsis Writer creates complete submission packages for literary agents. You provide your story summary, main character, conflict, comp titles, and bio. The AI writes a professional query letter following industry standards and a one-page synopsis with full plot including the ending. Within minutes, you have polished materials ready to submit to agents. Perfect for authors who have finished manuscripts but struggle with distilling their book into pitch format.
Unlike basic templates or generic advice, we write customized materials for your specific book. The AI creates query letters with compelling hooks, clear genre positioning, relevant comp titles, and professional bios. You get synopses that efficiently cover your complete plot with proper pacing and emotional beats. Both documents follow industry conventions that agents expect. The query letter is tight and focused. The synopsis includes the ending and major plot points without unnecessary detail.
This tool is perfect for fiction authors querying literary agents for the first time or veterans who want to streamline the process. Use it when your manuscript is polished and you're ready to submit. Use it to generate multiple query versions for A/B testing. Great for authors who can write novels but freeze when asked to pitch their own work. The AI handles the pitch writing so you can focus on finding the right agents for your book.
What Literary Agents Want in Queries
Great query letters follow a specific structure that agents expect. Start with the hook (your book's most compelling element in 1-2 sentences). Follow with a brief story summary (200-250 words) that introduces your protagonist, their goal, the obstacles they face, and the stakes. Include comp titles that position your book in the market. End with your bio focusing on writing credentials or relevant expertise. That's it. Agents read hundreds of queries. Respect their time with tight, professional, intriguing copy that makes them want to read your pages.
Comp titles are crucial and most authors get them wrong. Choose books published in the last 3-5 years that are similar in genre, tone, or audience to yours. Avoid mega-bestsellers like Harry Potter or Twilight. Those comparisons make you look naive about the market. Instead, pick successful but not stratospheric titles that help agents understand your book's category and appeal. Format: 'My book will appeal to readers who loved X and Y.' The comparison should be accurate. Agents will know if you're reaching or lying.
Synopses require different skills than query letters. While queries are sales pitch, synopses are complete plot summaries. Include all major plot points, character arcs, and yes, the ending. No cliffhangers in synopses. Agents need to see you can structure a complete story with satisfying resolution. Use present tense and third person even if your book isn't. Focus on plot and character arc, not beautiful prose. Keep to one page (single-spaced, about 500-600 words). Synopses are hard to write but essential. Agents use them to evaluate story structure before requesting full manuscripts.
What You Get
Complete query letter following industry standards with hook, pitch, and bio
One-page synopsis covering full plot including ending and character arc
Professional tone and formatting agents expect in submissions
Genre-appropriate positioning with relevant comparable titles
Compelling pitch that highlights unique elements and emotional stakes
How It Works
- 1Describe your bookProvide story summary, character, conflict, comp titles, and your bio
- 2AI writes submission packageOur AI generates query letter and one-page synopsis following agent expectations in 4-5 minutes
- 3Review and personalizeRefine hook, adjust plot details, and personalize bio with your credentials
- 4Submit to agentsSend your polished materials to literary agents according to their guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this work for nonfiction book proposals?
No, this tool is designed for fiction queries. Nonfiction queries require completely different elements including platform, marketing plan, chapter outlines, and audience analysis. Fiction queries focus on story and writing. Nonfiction queries focus on author platform and market need. The formats are so different that you need separate tools. This tool works for novels in any genre but won't produce effective nonfiction proposal materials.
Should I mention that AI helped write the query?
No. The query letter markets your manuscript, which you wrote. Using AI to help draft pitch materials is no different than using a critique partner or query workshop. What matters is that the query accurately represents your book and is professionally written. Agents care about the quality of your manuscript and your ability to revise. How you drafted your query materials is not relevant. Just ensure the final query is polished and accurate.
What if I don't have comparable titles?
Research your genre and find them. Comp titles are essential for queries. They help agents understand your book's market position and sales potential. Visit bookstores, search Amazon bestsellers in your category, check Goodreads lists. Find 2-3 books published recently that are similar in genre, tone, or audience. If you truly can't find any, your book might be too niche to sell. The publishing industry relies on comparisons to evaluate commercial potential. Do the research.
How personalized should each query be for different agents?
The story pitch stays the same, but personalize the opening line and closing. Mention why you're querying that specific agent (they represented a book you loved, they said they want more [your genre], etc.). Research agents thoroughly and only query those who represent your genre. Personalizing shows you're professional and targeted. Generic 'Dear Agent' mass queries get rejected. Thoughtful, personalized queries that show you understand the agent's list get better response rates.
What if my synopsis is longer than one page?
Cut it. Agents want one page, single-spaced, usually 500-600 words. You must fit your entire plot into that space. Focus on major plot points and character arc only. Cut subplots, minor characters, and descriptive passages. Synopsis writing is brutal, but the constraint forces clarity. If you can't summarize your story in one page, you might have structural issues in the manuscript itself. The synopsis discipline helps you see if your plot is clean and focused.
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