(This message was edited by tuozzo on 10-27-14 @ 10:17 pm EDT)

(This message was edited by tuozzo on 10-27-14 @ 10:15 pm EDT)

One reason to write a query letter during prep is to focus on the main plot line. Agents and editors are looking to see if you can focus your story down to a page or a paragraph or two.

It may not seem fair when compared to an entire novel, but you should send at least as much time polishing that letter before it goes as you do your novel intro. Every single word matters.

Even if you aren't going to query agents and plan to go the indie route to publishing, the query letter is a good exercise to look at how to hook a reader to want to read your book. Many backs of books area based on the material that goes into a query letter.