Short answer: Ismita Hussain’s advice: A query is an agent’s first sample of your communication and professionalism, and it helps them assess both the manuscript and the potential long-term working relationship.
Answered by Ismita Hussain, Senior Literary Agent, Great Dog Literary.
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Ismita Hussain describes a query as more than a gateway to the pages. It is the first communication a prospective agent receives from a writer and the first evidence of how that writer presents their work. Agents are also considering a long-term professional partnership, not selecting a manuscript in isolation. A concise, researched and professional query therefore helps an agent decide whether to continue to the sample and whether the writer may be a good working partner.
Your query letter is your first piece of communication with, hopefully, your future agent. With any relationship, professional or personal, you want to put your best foot forward and make a good first impression.Ismita Hussain, 03:13
Your query letter is your first piece of communication with, hopefully, your future agent. With any relationship, professional or personal, you want to put your best foot forward and make a good first impression.
Source: Query Letters 101.