The Query Blueprint
From Synopsis to Submission
With Literary Agent Jessica Berg
April 3, 10, 17, & 24, 2025
8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern (5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific)
Do you want to craft the perfect query letter and synopsis to get literary agents excited about your manuscript? The Query Blueprint is a four-week interactive course designed for authors ready to query and take your publishing journey to the next level. Led by an experienced literary agent, this course combines live instruction, hands-on exercises, and personalized feedback to help you stand out in a competitive industry.
You’ll master the art of writing a compelling query letter, learn how to condense your novel into a polished 1-2 page synopsis, and discover tools to research and connect with the right agents. Along the way, you’ll get insider tips to avoid common mistakes and create submission materials that shine.
By the end of this course, you’ll have all the tools and confidence you need to navigate the querying process like a pro. Whether you’re starting from scratch or fine-tuning your materials, this course is your step-by-step guide to getting agents to request more.
Here’s how the class will unfold.
Week 1: Agent Research and Submission Strategy
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Laying the Groundwork for Success: Why thoughtful agent research is the foundation of a successful query package.
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Tools and Platforms for Researching Agents (QueryTracker, Manuscript Wish List, Publisher’s Marketplace, etc.), with examples of how to use them effectively.
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Reading Between the Lines: How to evaluate agents by analyzing your preferences, genres, and track records.
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Staying Organized: How to create a personalized agent submission spreadsheet that sets you up for long-term success.
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Understanding Querying Etiquette, including response times, follow-ups, and professional communication.
In addition, you’ll...
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Identify 3-5 agents who represent your genre and fill in key details in your agent tracking spreadsheet.
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Write a short reflection on what makes an agent a “dream fit” for your manuscript.
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Be part of a discussion to share research strategies and reflections.
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Ask specific questions about your research process or your identified agents.
Handouts:
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Agent Tracking Spreadsheet Template with customizable fields.
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Guide: Evaluating Literary Agents with tips on red flags and signs of a strong fit.
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Resources List: Platforms, blogs, and tools to continue research independently.
Week 2: The Art of the Query Letter
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Breaking Down the Query Letter: Overview of the structure (greeting, pitch, bio, closing) and what agents are looking for in each section.
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Capturing the Heart of Your Story: Tips for writing a compelling pitch that highlights your manuscript’s voice and unique hook.
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Examples of Successful Queries across genres, with annotations on why they work.
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Avoiding Common Pitfalls: The most frequent query mistakes and how to avoid them.
In addition, you’ll...
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Write a one-sentence elevator pitch for your manuscript as a warm-up.
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Draft the first version of your query letter, focusing on the pitch and personalization based on agent research from Week 1.
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Take part in open critique and discussion. You can share your draft for live feedback, with a focus on the pitch section.
Handouts:
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Query Letter Template with examples and a fill-in-the-blank option.
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Examples of Successful Queries annotated for clarity and inspiration.
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Checklist: Query Letter Dos and Don’ts for easy reference.
Week 3: Demystifying the Synopsis
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What a Synopsis Is (and Isn’t): How it differs from a query letter or back cover blurb.
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Telling Your Story in Two Pages: Strategies to condense your story into a concise, compelling synopsis without losing emotional depth or key plot points.
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Balancing Plot and Emotional Beats for maximum impact.
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Examples of Strong Synopses across genres, with annotations to highlight effective techniques.
In addition, you’ll...
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Draft a synopsis for your manuscript using a provided structure.
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Focus on breaking down your story into key turning points and emotional stakes.
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Take part in an open critique session. You can share your drafts for feedback, focusing on clarity and capturing the story’s essence.
Handouts:
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Synopsis Writing Guide with tips on structure and condensing effectively.
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Example Synopses with annotations to illustrate strengths.
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Template: Structuring Your Synopsis to make drafting easier.
Week 4: Polishing Your Package
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Putting It All Together: Review and refine the query letter and synopsis.
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Personalizing Submissions: How to tailor your materials to individual agents using research from Week 1.
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Facing Rejections with Resilience: Tips for handling rejection professionally and maintaining momentum.
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Insights from the Industry: Real-world insights on navigating querying and getting noticed.
In addition, you’ll...
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Revise and finalize your query letter, synopsis, and agent tracking table.
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Use a final checklist to ensure each element is submission-ready.
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Take part in a live critique of revised query letters and synopses.
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Have a chance to ask any lingering questions or concerns about the process.
Handouts:
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Final Submission Checklist to confirm all materials are polished and complete.
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Final Tips.
By the end of the course you'll have:
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A polished query letter ready for submission.
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A complete, professional synopsis (1-2 pages).
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A personalized agent tracking spreadsheet.
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A comprehensive set of tools and resources to navigate the querying process confidently.
Plus...
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Confidence in Querying: You’ll leave this course ready to approach agents with a polished, professional submission package and the confidence to share your story with the world.
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Clarity and Focus: Learn how to distill your story’s heart and hook into a query and synopsis that capture attention, leaving no room for guesswork or uncertainty.
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Insider Expertise: Gain rare insights from an experienced literary agent, including the do’s, don’ts, and secrets to making your materials stand out in a crowded industry.
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Actionable Results: This isn’t just theory—you’ll leave each session with tangible, ready-to-use materials that are tailored to your manuscript and submission goals.
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Community and Support: Benefit from peer critiques and collaborative feedback in a supportive, judgment-free space designed to help you grow.
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Efficiency and Organization: Streamline your querying process with tools, templates, and strategies to stay organized and maintain momentum.
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Empowerment to Keep Going: Learn how to handle rejections with resilience and adapt your approach, so every step brings you closer to your publishing goals.
Our Faculty
Today's Price Only $247 for 8 hours of instruction
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Please note: Our classes are designed specifically for live participation, so your attendance is important. If you need to miss a class for any reason, you’ll receive a passcode-protected link to watch the recordings after the course is over.
A Peek at Our Past Virtual Classes
