What should the second paragraph of a query letter contain?
Short answer: Ismita Hussain’s advice: Treat the second paragraph like back-cover copy, not a synopsis: in about three sentences, introduce your main characters and get to the stakes as early as possible.
Answered by Ismita Hussain, Senior Literary Agent, Great Dog Literary.
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The agent’s answer
The second paragraph should read like back cover copy, not a synopsis; the plot belongs in your synopsis, while this paragraph focuses on what is going on. In about three sentences, introduce your main characters and get to the stakes as early as possible so the reader understands why they should care. You can also signal themes, tone, and style. Ismita suggests a test: show it to someone unfamiliar with your book and see if it makes enough sense that they would want to read more.
In Ismita’s words
The second paragraph of a query letter is not the synopsis.
Ismita Hussain, 28:56
Source: Query Letters 101.