The journey of authorship, often a solitary pursuit, can transform into a dynamic partnership when two voices intertwine to create a compelling narrative. But collaborative writing presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to the pivotal task of querying agents and publishers. A query letter, already a tightrope walk of intrigue and professionalism, becomes a high-stakes duet when two authors are involved. This definitive guide dissects the intricate process of crafting a flawless query letter with a partner, ensuring your collective brilliance shines through and captures the attention it deserves.
The Foundation of Collaboration: Why Partner Querying Demes Special Attention
Before a single word of your query is penned, the unique nature of your collaboration must be thoroughly understood and strategically addressed. This isn’t merely two names on a letter; it’s the presentation of a unified creative force.
Understanding the Unique Collaborative Dynamic
Every writing partnership is distinct. Are you co-authors who meticulously divided chapters, one outlining while the other drafted? Or do you share a single authorial voice, passing sections back and forth until the prose is seamless? The nature of your collaboration directly impacts how you frame your “team” in the query.
Example 1: The Dual-Role Partnership
- Scenario: Two authors, A and B. Author A excels at plot and pacing, crafting the overarching narrative arc. Author B is a master of character development and dialogue, bringing the world to life through intricate human relationships.
- Query Implication: Highlight how these complementary strengths converged to create a richer, more nuanced story than either could achieve alone. This isn’t about listing individual accomplishments, but showcasing the synergistic outcome.
Example 2: The Blended-Voice Partnership
- Scenario: Two authors who collaboratively brainstorm every scene, write, and edit each sentence together, resulting in a narrative where discerning individual contributions is impossible.
- Query Implication: Emphasize the singular, unified voice that emerged from your collective efforts. The “two brains, one story” approach is powerful here.
Establishing the Query Team’s Leadership
Even with shared authorship, one person often takes the lead on the querying journey. This isn’t about hierarchy but efficiency. Deciding who will manage the submissions, track responses, and handle initial communications streamlines the process and avoids duplication of effort. This designated lead should be clearly communicated between partners, ensuring a unified front.
Actionable Advice: Before writing, have a candid discussion. Who has the most flexible schedule? Who is most comfortable with the administrative tasks? Who is a meticulous record-keeper? Designate a primary point of contact for agents.
Pre-Query Prep: Laying the Groundwork for a Powerful Dual Presentation
The success of your partner query hinges on meticulous pre-computation. This goes beyond the usual query prep; it involves doubling down on organization, communication, and strategic positioning.
Crafting a Unified Author Bio: Two Becoming One (or Two Strong Individuals)
The author bio is where you introduce yourselves. This isn’t a joint resume; it’s a concise, compelling showcase of your collective and individual strengths relevant to the project.
Option A: The Blended Bio (for integrated partnerships)
- Focus on shared writing experiences, common themes explored in previous works (if applicable), and how your combined backgrounds uniquely qualify you to tell this story.
- Example: “As lifelong enthusiasts of speculative fiction and graduates of the same MFA program, [Author A’s Name] and [Author B’s Name] united their distinct narrative voices to craft a dystopian saga reflecting their shared concerns about technological overreach.”
Option B: The Complementary Bio (for distinct-contribution partnerships)
- Briefly state the complementary nature of your skills or backgrounds. This is where you explain why two authors are better than one for this specific project.
- Example: “[Author A’s Name], a former forensic psychologist, brings intricate understanding of criminal minds, while [Author B’s Name], an investigative journalist, grounds the narrative in journalistic rigor. Together, they offer an unparalleled perspective on the dark underworld of cold cases.”
Key Principle: The goal is to demonstrate that your partnership is a strength, not a weakness or a logistical hurdle. Avoid lengthy individual bios; the focus is on the team.
Standardizing Communication: The Single Point of Contact
Agents prefer simplicity. While two authors are involved, all official communication should flow through one designated individual. This prevents confusion, redundancy, and the perception of disorganization.
Actionable Advice:
- Shared Email Address (Optional but Recommended): Consider creating a unique email address for your authorial duo (e.g., [yourduoname]@[email.com]). This reinforces your unified brand and keeps all query-related correspondence in one place.
- Internal Communication Protocol: Before hitting send, agree on how you’ll handle responses. Will the designated lead forward every email? Will you discuss responses before drafting replies? Clear internal communication prevents missteps.
- Signature Line: Your signature line should clearly state both your names, but the initial contact email comes from the designated lead.
- Example:
Sincerely,
[Lead Author’s Name]
(for [Lead Author’s Name] and [Partner Author’s Name])
- Example:
Clarifying Intellectual Property and Rights (Internal Only)
While not explicitly stated in the query, you must have a clear agreement on intellectual property, rights, and potential earnings division before querying. This pre-emptive measure prevents future conflicts and demonstrates your professional foresight. This discussion is for your partners eyes only, but its completion solidifies your foundation as a professional unit.
Actionable Advice: Create a simple memorandum of understanding. How will advances be split? Royalties? Who owns the film rights? What happens if one partner wants to move on? While agents typically handle the contract, having a foundational understanding ensures you’re both on the same page.
Crafting the Partner Query Letter: A Symphony in Brief
Now, for the main event. Every element of a standard query letter applies, but with the added layer of presenting a cohesive partnership.
The Subject Line: Clarity and Collaboration
Your subject line must be succinct, intriguing, and indicate the collaborative nature of the project.
Standard Query Subject Line Elements:
- Genre: [Genre]
- Title: [Book Title]
- Word Count: [Word Count]
- Comp Titles (Optional but Recommended): [Comp 1] meets [Comp 2]
Integrating Collaboration:
- Option 1 (Subtle): Add “(Co-Authored)”
- Example: Query: Fantasy – THE DRAGON’S WHISPER (Co-Authored) – 95,000 words
- Option 2 (Direct): Mention both names if they are part of your established authorial brand.
- Example: Query: Thriller – BLOOD TIES by [Author A] & [Author B] – 80,000 words
- Option 3 (Emphasizing Uniqueness): Hint at the Dual Perspective (if applicable)
- Example: Query: YA Contemporary (Dual POV) – THE SUN AND THE MOON – 75,000 words
Key Principle: Don’t overcrowd the subject line. The best option depends on your specific collaborative brand.
The Salutation: Addressing One Agent
Always, always address an agent by their specific name. Even if both partners are emailing, the salutation is singular.
Example:
Dear Ms. Holloway,
Paragraph 1: The Hook and the Duo
This is where you introduce your captivating premise and subtly, yet effectively, introduce your partnership.
Standard Query Hook Elements:
- Genre
- Word Count
- Comp Titles (critical for conveying marketability)
- Compelling Logline/Hook
Integrating Collaboration:
- Subtle Integration (Recommended): Weave in the co-authorship naturally as part of the project’s description.
- Example: “We are thrilled to present [Book Title], an 85,000-word historical fantasy that blends the intricate world-building of [Comp 1] with the high-stakes political intrigue of [Comp 2]. Co-written by [Author A’s Name] and [Author B’s Name], this novel explores…”
- Direct Statement (If your partnership is central to the concept):
- Example: “From the complementary perspectives of [Author A’s Name] and [Author B’s Name] comes [Book Title], a searing 90,000-word contemporary fiction delving into…”
Actionable Advice: Avoid starting with “We are two authors…” or “My partner and I…” Integrate the “we” or mention your names within the context of the book itself. The book is the star, the authors the creators.
Paragraph 2 & 3: The Synopsis – A Unified Voice
Your synopsis must read as if penned by a single authorial consciousness. The agent doesn’t need to know which partner wrote which scene. Focus on the overarching narrative, the stakes, and the character’s journey.
Key Principle: The synopsis section is not the place to explain how you collaborated on plotting or character arcs. It’s about the story itself.
Actionable Advice: Read your synopsis aloud. Does it flow seamlessly? Does it maintain a single, consistent tone and voice? If it sounds disjointed, chances are your collaborative voice isn’t fully blended yet in the prose.
Paragraph 4: The Joint Bio – Strategic Positioning
This is where your unified (or complementary) author bio comes into play. As discussed earlier, choose the option that best reflects your partnership and its relevance to the project.
Remember:
- Focus on relevant experience: If one of you is a professor of medieval history and you’ve written a historical fantasy, highlight that. If the other founded a tech startup and your book is sci-fi, emphasize it.
- Professional, not personal: While you’re partners, keep the bio professional. Avoid details that aren’t relevant to your writing journey or expertise.
- Conciseness is key: This isn’t a CV. Get to the point.
Example (Complementary Bio within the letter):
“As a former detective with twenty years on the force, [Author A’s Name] imbues our protagonist with authentic procedural knowledge, while [Author B’s Name], a licensed therapist, explores the psychological depths of trauma and redemption within the narrative. Our combined expertise provides a unique lens through which to explore the complexities of restorative justice.”
The Call to Action: Standard and Clear
The call to action remains standard. Offer the full manuscript and express your eagerness to collaborate.
Example:
“We have attached [the first ten pages/a partial manuscript/the full manuscript] as per your submission guidelines. The complete manuscript is available immediately upon request. We believe this story aligns perfectly with your interest in [mention something specific about the agent’s MSWL or their list].”
The Closing: Professional and Unified
Signature:
- If one lead emails:
Sincerely,
[Lead Author’s Name]
(for [Lead Author’s Name] and [Partner Author’s Name]) - If you established a shared author name:
Sincerely,
[Shared Author Name]
Contact Information:
- Provide the phone number and email address of the designated primary contact. This reinforces the single point of contact principle.
The Submission Process: Navigating Queries and Beyond
The query letter is just the beginning. The submission process for partnered authors requires heightened coordination and preparedness.
Tailoring Each Query (Collectively)
Even with a strong form letter, each query must be tailored to the specific agent. This involves:
- Researching the Agent: What genres do they represent? Whom do they represent? What’s on their Manuscript Wish List (MSWL)? How does your book fit their specific interests?
- Referencing Your Research: Integrate your findings into the opening paragraph.
- Example: “We were particularly drawn to your representation of [Agent’s client/book] and believe [Book Title] offers a similar blend of [genre elements] that will appeal to your list.”
- Collaborative Customization: Both partners should review the tailored query. Did you miss a key fit? Is the tone exactly right for this specific agent? Two sets of eyes are better than one here.
Tracking Submissions: The Shared Spreadsheet
A meticulously maintained spreadsheet is invaluable for any author querying, but it’s essential for partners.
Columns to Include:
- Agent Name
- Agency
- Date Queried
- Method (Email/Form)
- Customization Notes (What did you tailor?)
- Date Followed Up (if agency allows)
- Response (Rejection/Partial/Full Request/Offer)
- Date of Response
- Notes (Specific feedback, internal discussions)
Actionable Advice: Use a shared document (Google Sheets, Excel Online) that both partners can access and update simultaneously. Designate one person as the primary updater, but ensure both review it regularly.
Handling Responses: United Front, Thoughtful Discussion
Rejections are part of the process. Partial or full manuscript requests are triumphs. Offers are monumental. How you handle these as a team is crucial.
- Rejections:
- Emotional Resilience: Rejections hit harder when shared. Support each other.
- Analysis (if feedback is provided): If an agent offers specific feedback, discuss it together. Is it actionable? Does it align with your vision for the book?
- Requests (Partial/Full):
- Celebrate Together: Acknowledge this milestone.
- Confirm Availability: Ensure both partners are prepared to provide the requested material promptly.
- Review Before Sending: Always have both partners review any requested materials (sample pages, synopsis, full manuscript) before sending. Catch any last-minute typos or formatting issues.
- Offers of Representation:
- Immediate Communication (Internal): The designated lead immediately informs the partner.
- Pause and Strategize: Don’t accept the first offer. Discuss it thoroughly. What are the terms? How does the agent envision your career?
- “Calling All Offers”: If you receive an offer, you’ll need to inform all other agents with your manuscript. This communication needs to be seamless and come from your unified front. Decide on the timeline for this.
Beyond the Query: Building a Lasting Collaborative Author Brand
The query letter is the gateway. But a successful partnership extends far beyond.
Embracing the “We”: Public Persona
Once signed and published, your public persona as co-authors needs to be consistent.
- Website/Social Media: Establish a unified online presence. Does your website feature a joint “About Us” section? Do your social media channels speak with one voice, or clearly delineate who is posting?
- Interviews/Events: Decide how you’ll handle interviews. Will you always appear together? Will one take the lead for certain topics? Practice articulating your collaboration story concisely.
- Branding: Develop a consistent brand image and messaging that reflects your unique partnership.
Sustaining the Partnership: Communication as Cornerstone
The queries, rejections, and successes will test your partnership. Open, honest, and regular communication is the bedrock of continued collaboration.
- Scheduled Check-ins: Beyond just writing, schedule time to discuss the business of being authors.
- Addressing Conflict: Disagreements are inevitable. Establish a protocol for how you’ll resolve creative differences, business decisions, or personal irritations. Mutual respect is paramount.
- Celebrating Successes (Big and Small): Acknowledging milestones and supporting each other through the inevitable ups and downs will strengthen your bond and your creative output.
Conclusion
Writing a query letter with a partner isn’t merely doubling the effort; it’s about amplifying your strengths, streamlining your presentation, and demonstrating the unique power of your combined voices. By meticulously preparing, crafting a seamless query, and navigating the submission landscape as a unified front, you present yourselves not as two individuals, but as a formidable authorial force. Your partnership, when presented with clarity and professionalism, becomes an undeniable asset, paving the way for your collaborative masterpiece to find its rightful place in the literary world. The journey is challenging, but with strategic planning and unwavering communication, your dual authorship will stand out, captivating agents and securing the representation you both deserve.