How to Write a Query Letter for a Novella

A novella query letter is a one-page pitch of around 300 words with four parts: a hook that introduces the book, a short summary of the story, your author credentials, and a closing with the title, word count, and genre. It persuades an editor to read the manuscript.

What a Novella Query Letter Should Include

A cover letter earns its place by staying tight and answering an editor's questions in order. Four parts do the work:

The Hook: One or two sentences that capture the central conflict and make the editor want more.

The Summary: A short paragraph covering the protagonist, the stakes and the choice the story turns on. Keep the ending for the synopsis.

Your Credentials: Relevant publications, awards or professional background. New writers can keep this brief and honest.

The Housekeeping: Title, word count and genre, plus a courteous sign-off.

A Template You Can Adapt

Fill the bracketed fields with your own details:

Dear [Editor's name],

I am seeking publication for [TITLE], a [GENRE] novella complete at [WORD COUNT] words.

HOOK: one or two sentences on the central conflict.] [SUMMARY: a short paragraph on the protagonist, the stakes and the turning point, without revealing the ending.

CREDENTIALS: relevant publications, awards or background. Keep it brief if you are early in your career.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I would be glad to send the full manuscript on request.

Sincerely, [Your name and contact details]

What Editors Look For

Editors read a query for signal. A clear hook shows you understand your own story. A summary that stays focused shows you can hold a narrative line. Correct word count and genre show you know where the book fits. A letter that follows the publisher's stated format shows you will be straightforward to work with.

Keep the whole letter to one page. Address a named editor wherever the publisher provides one, and proofread it as carefully as the manuscript, since the query is the first writing sample an editor sees.

With the query ready, you may also weigh publishing independently rather than submitting at all. Our guide to self-publishing a novella covers that route in full.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a novella cover letter include?

A hook, a short story summary, your author credentials, and the title, word count, and genre, all on a single page of around 300 words.

How long should a query letter be?

One page, roughly 250 to 350 words. Editors read many queries, so brevity works in your favour.

Want Your Query Letter to Land?

The Novella Publishers editorial team drafts and refines query letters that open manuscripts. Request query support.

For the full submission process around the query, read our complete guide to how to publish a novella.