{"id":4561,"date":"2026-04-15T11:33:31","date_gmt":"2026-04-15T11:33:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thelegacyghostwriters.com\/blog\/?p=4561"},"modified":"2026-04-15T11:33:31","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T11:33:31","slug":"query-letter-and-book-proposal-or-just-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thelegacyghostwriters.com\/blog\/query-letter-and-book-proposal-or-just-one\/","title":{"rendered":"Query Letter AND Book Proposal, or Just One?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thelegacyghostwriters.com\/blog\/query-letter-and-book-proposal-or-just-one\/#What_Publishers_and_Agents_Actually_Require\" >What Publishers and Agents Actually Require<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thelegacyghostwriters.com\/blog\/query-letter-and-book-proposal-or-just-one\/#The_Role_of_the_Query_Letter_in_Modern_Publishing\" >The Role of the Query Letter in Modern Publishing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thelegacyghostwriters.com\/blog\/query-letter-and-book-proposal-or-just-one\/#Understanding_the_Book_Proposal_as_a_Business_Document\" >Understanding the Book Proposal as a Business Document<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thelegacyghostwriters.com\/blog\/query-letter-and-book-proposal-or-just-one\/#Fiction_vs_Nonfiction_The_Core_Divide\" >Fiction vs Nonfiction: The Core Divide<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thelegacyghostwriters.com\/blog\/query-letter-and-book-proposal-or-just-one\/#When_You_Might_Need_Both\" >When You Might Need Both<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thelegacyghostwriters.com\/blog\/query-letter-and-book-proposal-or-just-one\/#What_Agents_Actually_Ask_For\" >What Agents Actually Ask For<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thelegacyghostwriters.com\/blog\/query-letter-and-book-proposal-or-just-one\/#The_Strategic_Purpose_Behind_Each_Document\" >The Strategic Purpose Behind Each Document<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thelegacyghostwriters.com\/blog\/query-letter-and-book-proposal-or-just-one\/#Common_Misconceptions_That_Lead_to_Rejection\" >Common Misconceptions That Lead to Rejection<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thelegacyghostwriters.com\/blog\/query-letter-and-book-proposal-or-just-one\/#A_Clear_Comparison_of_Query_Letters_and_Book_Proposals\" >A Clear Comparison of Query Letters and Book Proposals<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thelegacyghostwriters.com\/blog\/query-letter-and-book-proposal-or-just-one\/#How_the_Industry_Has_Evolved\" >How the Industry Has Evolved<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thelegacyghostwriters.com\/blog\/query-letter-and-book-proposal-or-just-one\/#So_Do_You_Need_One_or_Both\" >So, Do You Need One or Both?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thelegacyghostwriters.com\/blog\/query-letter-and-book-proposal-or-just-one\/#Final_Thoughts_Thinking_Like_the_Industry\" >Final Thoughts: Thinking Like the Industry<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Publishers_and_Agents_Actually_Require\"><\/span><b>What Publishers and Agents Actually Require<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The moment a writer decides to pursue traditional publishing, one question tends to surface almost immediately: do you need a query letter, a book proposal, or both? It sounds like a technical distinction, but in reality, it shapes how your entire project is presented and whether anyone in the industry even looks at your work.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The confusion exists for a reason. Publishing is not a single, standardized system. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelegacyghostwriters.com\/blog\/how-to-find-a-literary-agent-for-my-book\/\">Literary agents<\/a><\/strong>, editors, and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelegacyghostwriters.com\/book-publishing-services\/\">publishing houses<\/a><\/strong> each have their own expectations, submission guidelines, and internal workflows. Yet beneath that complexity, there is a clear structure to how professionals expect writers to approach them. Understanding that structure is not just helpful, it is essential.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This article unpacks what query letters and book proposals actually are, how they function in the publishing ecosystem, and when you need one, the other, or both.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Role_of_the_Query_Letter_in_Modern_Publishing\"><\/span><b>The Role of the Query Letter in Modern Publishing<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The query letter is the front door of the publishing industry. It is almost always the first point of contact between a writer and a literary agent, and in many cases, it determines whether anything else will be read at all.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A query letter is a short, focused document, typically around 250 to 350 words, designed to introduce your book and persuade an agent to request more material. It is not meant to explain everything. It is meant to spark interest.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What makes the query letter so central is its function as a filtering mechanism. Agents receive hundreds of submissions weekly. They rely on queries to quickly assess whether a project fits their interests, has market potential, and demonstrates professional awareness. If the query works, the next step might be a request for sample chapters, a full manuscript, or, depending on the project, a proposal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In that sense, the query letter is less about your book in its entirety and more about your ability to position it. It communicates genre, tone, audience, and concept in a compressed, persuasive form. It also signals whether you understand industry expectations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even in cases where additional materials are required, the query letter rarely disappears. It remains the gateway document.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_the_Book_Proposal_as_a_Business_Document\"><\/span><b>Understanding the Book Proposal as a Business Document<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the query letter is a doorway, the book proposal is the full presentation inside. It is longer, more detailed, and fundamentally different in purpose.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A book proposal is a comprehensive document, often exceeding 50 pages, that outlines not just what your book is about, but why it should exist in the market. It includes elements such as a detailed overview, chapter breakdowns, target audience analysis, comparable titles, author platform, and a marketing strategy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike the query letter, which is designed to intrigue, the proposal is designed to convince. It answers questions that publishing professionals care deeply about: Who will buy this book? Why now? Why you?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is why book proposals are especially associated with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelegacyghostwriters.com\/non-fiction\/\">nonfiction<\/a><\/strong>. In nonfiction publishing, the idea and its marketability often matter as much as the writing itself. A strong proposal can secure a publishing deal even before the manuscript is completed, because it demonstrates commercial viability\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In many ways, the proposal functions like a business plan. It shifts the conversation from \u201cIs this interesting?\u201d to \u201cWill this sell?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fiction_vs_Nonfiction_The_Core_Divide\"><\/span><b>Fiction vs Nonfiction: The Core Divide<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The clearest rule in publishing, though not without exceptions, is this: fiction typically requires a query letter and a completed manuscript, while nonfiction typically requires a query letter plus a book proposal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelegacyghostwriters.com\/fiction\/\">fiction writers<\/a><\/strong>, the expectation is straightforward. You write the full manuscript first, then query agents with a letter that persuades them to read it. If they are interested, they request pages or the full manuscript. A proposal is usually unnecessary because the manuscript itself demonstrates the work\u2019s value.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For nonfiction writers, the process often works differently. Instead of completing the entire book, writers develop a proposal that outlines the concept and proves its market potential. Agents and publishers use this document to evaluate whether the project is worth investing in before it is written\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This distinction reflects a deeper truth about publishing. Fiction is judged primarily on execution, voice, storytelling, and narrative quality, while nonfiction is judged heavily on concept, authority, and audience demand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That difference is why the materials required are not the same.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_You_Might_Need_Both\"><\/span><b>When You Might Need Both<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although the fiction-versus-nonfiction divide provides a useful guideline, real-world publishing is more flexible, and sometimes more confusing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are situations where both a query letter and a book proposal are required. In fact, this combination is common in nonfiction submissions. Many agents expect a query letter as the initial pitch and a proposal either attached or available upon request. The query introduces the idea; the proposal substantiates it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even within nonfiction, some writers begin by querying first and only prepare a full proposal once an agent expresses interest. This approach saves time, especially given how labor-intensive proposals are.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Memoir occupies a particularly ambiguous space. It shares qualities with both fiction and nonfiction, blending narrative storytelling with real-life experience. As a result, submission expectations can vary. Some agents treat memoir like fiction, prioritizing writing quality and requesting a full manuscript. Others treat it like nonfiction, expecting a proposal that demonstrates market positioning.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In certain cases, especially for established authors, the process can be even more fluid. A<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelegacyghostwriters.com\/\"> well-known writer<\/a><\/strong> might pitch a project with minimal materials because their track record already signals market viability.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The key takeaway is that while general rules exist, specific requirements depend heavily on the agent, the genre, and the project itself.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Agents_Actually_Ask_For\"><\/span><b>What Agents Actually Ask For<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most important realities for writers to understand is that there is no universal submission format. Every agent and publisher sets their own guidelines, and those guidelines matter more than any general advice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some agents request only a query letter initially. Others ask for a query plus sample pages. Some explicitly request a full nonfiction proposal upfront. In certain cases, submission forms break the process into multiple components, requiring a query, synopsis, and additional details separately.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What remains consistent, however, is the sequence of evaluation. The query letter is almost always the first step. It acts as the initial filter. If it succeeds, additional materials are reviewed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This layered approach reflects how publishing professionals manage volume. They do not read full manuscripts or lengthy proposals blindly. They assess interest first, then invest time accordingly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Writers who ignore submission guidelines, by sending too much, too little, or the wrong materials, often face automatic rejection, regardless of the quality of their work.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Strategic_Purpose_Behind_Each_Document\"><\/span><b>The Strategic Purpose Behind Each Document<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding what to send is only part of the equation. Equally important is understanding why these documents exist.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The query letter is fundamentally a marketing tool. It condenses your book into a compelling pitch that aligns with industry expectations. Its success depends on clarity, positioning, and immediacy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The book proposal, by contrast, is a validation tool. It demonstrates that your idea is viable, your audience is defined, and your execution is planned. It shifts the conversation from possibility to probability.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both documents serve the same ultimate goal: persuading industry professionals that your project is worth their time and investment. But they do so at different stages and in different ways.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recognizing this distinction helps writers approach each document with the right mindset. A query is not a mini-proposal. A proposal is not an expanded query. They are separate tools with separate functions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Misconceptions_That_Lead_to_Rejection\"><\/span><b>Common Misconceptions That Lead to Rejection<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many writers struggle not because they lack talent, but because they misunderstand the expectations attached to each submission format.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One common mistake is assuming that a strong manuscript can compensate for a weak query letter. In reality, the manuscript is often never seen if the query fails to engage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another misconception is treating nonfiction like fiction and submitting a full manuscript instead of a proposal. This approach can signal a lack of industry awareness, which agents notice immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some writers also believe that sending both a query and a proposal together increases their chances. In fact, unsolicited attachments can work against them if the agent has not requested those materials.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perhaps the most persistent misunderstanding is the idea that there is a single \u201ccorrect\u201d way to submit. Publishing does not operate on universal rules; it operates on individual guidelines. Success often depends on how well a writer adapts to those specifics.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Clear_Comparison_of_Query_Letters_and_Book_Proposals\"><\/span><b>A Clear Comparison of Query Letters and Book Proposals<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To clarify the distinction further, the table below outlines the key differences between the two documents and how they function within the publishing process.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Aspect<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Query Letter<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Book Proposal<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Length<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Short (250\u2013350 words)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long (often 50+ pages)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Purpose<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generate interest and a request for more material<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provide a detailed justification for the book<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Primary Use<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fiction and initial contact for all genres<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nonfiction submissions<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Focus<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Story, hook, and author introduction<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Market, structure, audience, and strategy<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Timing<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sent first in most cases<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sent after interest or alongside query (nonfiction)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Outcome<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Request for manuscript or proposal<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potential book deal or representation<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_the_Industry_Has_Evolved\"><\/span><b>How the Industry Has Evolved<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Publishing has changed significantly over the past two decades, particularly with the rise of digital submissions. Email queries, online forms, and submission platforms have streamlined the process, but they have also increased competition.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agents now receive more submissions than ever before, making the query letter even more critical as a screening tool. At the same time, the emphasis on marketability, especially in nonfiction, has intensified, increasing the importance of well-crafted proposals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite these changes, the core structure remains intact. Writers still need to introduce their work concisely and then support it with deeper material when requested. The tools have evolved, but the underlying logic has not.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"So_Do_You_Need_One_or_Both\"><\/span><b>So, Do You Need One or Both?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most accurate answer is this: you almost always need a query letter, and you sometimes need a book proposal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are writing fiction, the query letter and completed manuscript are your primary tools. If you are writing nonfiction, the query letter introduces your project, while the proposal carries the weight of the pitch.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In many cases, especially for nonfiction, you will use both. The query opens the conversation. The proposal sustains it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What matters most is not choosing between them, but understanding how they work together within the publishing process.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts_Thinking_Like_the_Industry\"><\/span><b>Final Thoughts: Thinking Like the Industry<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At its core, this question is not just about documents. It is about perspective.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Publishing professionals are not simply evaluating writing; they are evaluating potential. They are asking whether a project fits their list, appeals to a market, and aligns with their business goals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The query letter and the book proposal are tools that help answer those questions. They translate your creative work into a form that the industry can assess.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Writers who succeed in traditional publishing are not just those who write well. They are those who understand how to present their work in a way that professionals recognize and respect.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Knowing whether to send a query letter, a proposal, or both is part of that understanding. It is not a minor detail. It is the foundation of how your work enters the publishing world.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What Publishers and Agents Actually Require The moment a writer decides to pursue traditional publishing, one question tends to surface almost immediately: do you need a query letter, a book proposal, or both? It sounds like a technical distinction, but in reality, it shapes how your entire project is presented and whether anyone in the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4542,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4561","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-book-writing"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Query Letter AND Book Proposal, or Just One?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thelegacyghostwriters.com\/blog\/query-letter-and-book-proposal-or-just-one\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Query Letter AND Book Proposal, or Just One?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"What Publishers and Agents Actually Require The moment a writer decides to pursue traditional publishing, one question tends to surface almost immediately: do you need a query letter, a book proposal, or both? 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