Sold! Query Letters That Worked
Emma Walton Hamilton and Julie Hedlund, co-creators of the Complete Picture Book Submission System, share the key components of a killer query letter and break down three real queries critiqued by Julie or Emma that resulted in agent representation or a book contract. Includes actionable items you can apply immediately to your own queries.
In this 55-minute presentation, Emma and Julie reveal why these queries worked, what made them catch the eye of an agent, and how they could have been even better. The handout for this workshop includes three query letters that led to yes! Don't miss this chance to improve your own query.
"I was so exited to see three query/cover letters that actually helped sell picture book manuscripts...I have generic query/cover letters that I have received from the writing courses and books that I have received over the years, but this was the first time that I've received real ones that actually helped sell a picture book manuscript. Kudos! " - Curtis F
Your Instructor
Emma Walton Hamilton is a best-selling author, award-winning editor, stage and television producer, and writing coach. With her mother, actress/author Julie Andrews, Emma has co-authored over thirty children’s books, nine of which have been on the NY Times Bestseller list, including The Very Fairy Princess series. She teaches Children’s Literature for Stony Brook University’s Creative Writing MFA and is the co-host of the Julie’s Library Podcast. Emma’s first poetry collection, Door to Door, was published in fall 2022, along with a new picture book co-authored with her mother, The First Notes: The Story of Do Re Mi.
Julie Hedlund is an award-winning picture book author and founder of the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge. Since 2012, 12 x 12 has encouraged thousands of picture book writers to get their stories out of their heads and onto the page. Julie is a frequent speaker at writing retreats and conferences. Her picture book credits include Over, Bear! Under Where?, My Love For You is the Sun, and A Troop is a Group of Monkeys. Her next book, Song After Song: The Musical Life of Julie Andrews debuts in 2023.
Course Curriculum
Frequently Asked Questions
"As I am in the query trenches, seeing the examples of letters that worked and having the successful components pointed out was very helpful. " - Margaret G.