One important element is the hook. It has to grab the attention right away. Think of it as the movie trailer for your book. Then, there's the comparison to other works in the genre. This shows that you're aware of the market. Your writing credentials or relevant experience also matter. If you've won writing contests or have been published before, mention it. And don't overlook the proper formatting of the letter.
In a query letter for a fiction novel, the pitch of your story is crucial. This is where you sell your novel in a nutshell. You should also include a brief description of the target audience. Is it for young adults, mystery lovers, etc? The tone of the letter should be professional yet enthusiastic. A strong opening and a memorable closing are also important elements. The opening makes them want to read more, and the closing leaves a positive impression.
The most important element is a clear and engaging summary of your novel. You need to be able to convey the essence of the story in a few paragraphs. Another key element is the genre identification. This helps the agent or publisher quickly assess if it's something they're interested in. Also, information about the main characters is vital. Their personalities, goals, and conflicts draw the reader in.