What’s a good subject line for a query email?
A basic but important question: what do you put in your query subject line?
I’m sure there are plenty of possible creative answers to this, but I’m going to err on the simple side. I like a subject line that includes the word “Query” along with your book title, and possibly the genre.
Some examples:
Query: The Best Novel Ever (fiction)
Query: How to Write a Book (NF, self-help)
Query: My Life as a Novelist (memoir)
Tips:
*You may be tempted to use a click-bait subject line, but it usually backfires. (Ex: “Stephen King endorsed my writing.”)
*If you were legitimately referred to me by a client or publishing colleague of mine, you can use that in your subject line. (i.e. “Query — referred by Susie Editor.”)
*Avoid the temptation to include your book’s entire title and subtitle because it’s probably too long.
*You don’t need to include your name, i.e. The Best Novel Ever by Jane Jones, because your name is already visible on the email.
*Avoid the generic subject line, i.e. “Looking for an agent,” since the gut-level response to that is, “Hello Captain Obvious.” If we end up corresponding back and forth, your subject line with your book’s title is a helpful reminder to me.
Did I miss anything? Hope this helps!
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