The query letter
Dear ________:
Lee Burns has no parents. They’re dead. For the past 10 years he’s lived with his grandfather, Nicholas, his only blood relation. He’s grown up listening to his grandfather’s enchanting tales about a magical land called Sparx, a place that many witches and wizards call home. Lee loves these stories almost as much as he loves the man that reads them to him, but when Nicholas suddenly falls ill, Lee’s world is turned upside down. Afraid he may lose the only family he has left, Lee soon realizes that Sparx is more than just a fairy tale, and he suddenly finds himself thrust into a mission to retrieve the Red Glass, a legendary goblet with astonishing healing powers. And as if that isn’t enough for a 12-year-old to think about, Lee discovers one more thing: He’s a wizard.
Along the way he meets two extraordinary characters, Feona and Cheeky, and they soon become fast friends, something Lee has never had before. Together, they face unbelievable dangers and perilous evils, things Lee only dreamed existed. Werewolves lurk around every corner, something called Piratica suddenly haunt Lee’s mind day and night, and worst of all, just when Lee thinks the journey is over, an ancient warlock is summoned back to life. And come to find out … he’s been waiting for Lee Burns.
It’s a race against time in this spellbinding adventure as Lee must push aside his insecurities and overcome his deepest fears if he ever wants to see his grandfather again. Everything he cherishes, everything he holds dear, is now at stake, and if Lee Burns isn’t fast enough … he may lost it all.
The Red Glass is a fantasy novel intended for middle-grade readers. Fully completed, it stands at 37,000 words. The book involves one looming problem in today’s society: Bullying. The main character starts out pathetically insecure, but he eventually finds his inner voice and breaks out of his shell. Chock-full of magic, adventure and suspense, The Red Glass will hopefully captivate young fans of today’s popular fantasy series and encourage them to be themselves and stand up to the bullies in their lives.
At the time, I must say that I do not have any professional credentials. I do, however, appreciate your time in reading my submission, which is found below, and look forward to the possibility of hearing back from you. Thank you again.
Sincerely,
[Name withheld]