Apply for The Verge
For many writers, the query is one of the most intimidating parts of the publishing journey. In just a few short paragraphs, you must introduce your manuscript, showcase your voice, and persuade an agent to read more. So what makes a query letter effective—and what causes agents to pass?
In this craft-focused session, Literary Agent Ali McDonald breaks down the essential components of a strong query letter and the strategy behind presenting your work professionally and persuasively. Participants will gain insight into how agents read queries, what information matters most, and how to clearly position a manuscript within today’s publishing landscape.
Through a step-by-step look at query structure and real-world submission considerations, this session will help writers understand how to craft concise, compelling pitches that highlight the strongest elements of their work. Ali will also address common query mistakes and share practical strategies for refining your letter before hitting send.
Whether you’re preparing to query for the first time or revising a letter that hasn’t yet gotten traction, this session will give you the tools to approach the query process with greater clarity, confidence, and strategy.
Through a step-by-step look at query structure and real-world submission considerations, this session will help writers understand how to craft concise, compelling pitches that highlight the strongest elements of their work. Ali will also address common query mistakes and share practical strategies for refining your letter before hitting send.
Whether you’re preparing to query for the first time or revising a letter that hasn’t yet gotten traction, this session will give you the tools to approach the query process with greater clarity, confidence, and strategy.
Who Should Take This Session:
- Writers preparing to query literary agents
- Authors who want a clearer understanding of what agents look for in a query
- Writers struggling to condense their story into a compelling pitch
- Authors revising query letters that haven’t received requests yet
- Writers who want to better understand the strategy behind successful submissions
- Fiction and nonfiction writers at the stage of preparing their manuscripts for the querying process
This Session Will Cover:
- The key components of a successful query letter
- How to structure a clear and compelling pitch paragraph
- Strategies for presenting your manuscript and positioning it in the market
- What agents look for when reviewing query submissions
- How to highlight voice, stakes, and concept in just a few sentences
- Common query mistakes—and how to avoid them
- Tips for refining and strengthening your query before submitting
Bonus Opportunities
Participants will receive an exclusive submission opportunity to share their work directly following the event.
Participants will receive an exclusive submission opportunity to share their work directly following the event.
About Writing Barn Craft Webinars:
Industry professionals: authors, agents, editors, etc. facilitate these events. Price points are low and attendance is high, anywhere from 50-200+ attendees. Writing craft and industry engagement are explored. *REPLAYS are made available for all registrants 2 business days after the event and are available for a limited time.*
In fifteen years as an international literary agent, Ali McDonald has represented many award-winning and bestselling authors and illustrators. Specializing in children’s and young adult literature, she works on projects ranging from concept and novelty books, board books, picture books, early readers, chapter books, middle grade, young adult, new adult fiction and non-fiction, to graphic novels for all ages. Her clients include international bestselling author Laura Nowlin (IF HE HAD BEEN WITH ME, IF ONLY I HAD TOLD HER, and THIS SONG (IS) NOT FOR YOU), and critically-acclaimed author Matteo L. Cerilli (LOCKJAW, SOMETHING'S UP WITH ARLO, BAD IN THE BLOOD, and FATHOM FALL), among select others.
About Ali McDonald
