Writing the Successful Synopsis and Query Letter (or Selling Your Book Without Selling Out)

John Pipkin presents how to create a successful pitch!

This two-part class is designed to teach you how to write a concise, interesting, one-page synopsis of your novel or nonfiction book and how to compose a pitch-perfect query letter that will attract the attention of an agent. Whether you are just starting to write your book or have already finished writing, this class will help you see how the synopsis and query can not only help you sell your manuscript but can also help you develop and polish your work.

The class format will be primarily lecture with some in-class writing assignments and opportunities for class discussion and Q&A. Students will not be required to share work or critique work in class, although students are always welcome to share portions of their synopsis and query if they wish to do so.

By the end of class, each student will walk away with the following:

• a completed a synopsis
• a completed query letter
• a written critique from the instructor of their synopsis and query
• an understanding of what agents are looking for in the synopsis and query
• insights into how the synopsis and query can help you develop, edit, and polish your manuscript
• a written critique from the instructor to help him/her polish the synopsis and query

John Pipkin‘s first novel, Woodsburner, was published to national acclaim by Nan A. Talese/Doubleday in April 2009 and recently sold his second novel to Doubleday based on just a query and synopsis. Woodsburner very recently won the Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize! John received his Ph.D. in British Literature from Rice University in 1997 and was an Assistant Professor of Humanities and Rhetoric at Boston University, before working as an editor and content specialist in educational publishing. He is the former Executive Director of the Writers’ League of Texas.

This class is already very full, so please contact the office before registering. Or you can risk it and go ahead to register here. If the class reaches its limit, we will notify the registered students about potential cancellations.