Crafting the Query Letter

That old saying, "You only get one chance to make a good first impression," definitely applies to query letters. A well-crafted query doesn't just introduce the article, story, novel, essay, or book proposal that's being submitted. Instead, it shares a writer's vision and passion so clearly that the editor or agent wants to help the writer succeed. A well-crafted query, like a well-chosen appetizer, increases one's gusto for the full meal. This course will help fiction and nonfiction writers understand what needs to be included in the letter, how to construct it for maximum appeal, and which common mistakes to avoid. Using actual examples, the instructor will employ both in-class exercises and out-of-class assignments to de-mystify the process. The second session will include instructor critiques of students' query letters-in-progress.

Course Number: GINT-81521   Credit: 0 units

There are no sections of this course planned for the current quarter. Please contact the Arts, Humanities & Languages department at (858) 964-1051 or ahl@ucsd.edu for information about when this course will be offered again.