the querycheck blog
Advice for querying writers.
Practical, specific advice on query letters, manuscript prep, submission strategy, and what agents actually look for — drawn from thousands of real agent critiques.
What Literary Agents Actually Look For (And Why Most Queries Miss It)
A breakdown of the signals agents weigh in the first two minutes with your query — and the common mistakes that trigger an immediate pass.
How to Correctly Format Your Manuscript for Submission
Standard manuscript format explained — margins, fonts, headers, scene breaks, and the small details that signal you know what you're doing.
Writing a Query Letter That Gets Requests: A Step-by-Step Guide
The structure of a query letter that works — what goes where, how long each section should be, and what to cut.
Comp Titles: How to Choose Them (And Why Most Writers Get It Wrong)
Comparable titles are one of the most misunderstood parts of a query. Here's what agents actually mean when they ask for them.
How to Write a Synopsis (Without Losing the Plot)
A synopsis is not a spoiler-free summary. It reveals everything — and that's the point. Here's how to write one that helps your submission.
Word Count by Genre: What's Too Long, Too Short, and Just Right
Word count is one of the clearest signals in a query. Here's what agents expect by genre — and what it means when you're outside the range.
Understanding the Submission Process: From Query to Offer
A clear map of what actually happens between sending your first query and receiving an offer of representation — including realistic timelines.
12 Reasons Your Query Is Getting Rejected (And How to Fix Each One)
A direct look at the most common query letter problems — from vague stakes to wrong-genre comps — with practical fixes for each.