What are the key elements of an irresistible query letter hook?

I agree 100% with everything Wendy said. I'll add: Your hook is basically your back-cover copy. If your book gets picked up by a publisher, that's what they'll likely use it for, maybe with some tweaks. To write a good hook, read the back-c...

Kirsten Bakis, Editor in New York, NY, USA

Overview

I'm an experienced book coach, editor, and author. (My latest novel is listed in People Magazine's "20 Books to Read This Halloween," 10/5/24; and Esquire's "Best Horror Books of 2024," 10/25/24). I love to help writers bring their goals into focus and create a path to reach them.

I'm happy to work with manuscripts at many stages, from conception to final edits, and I also offer coaching and submission package reviews for those looking to query literary agents.

I especially love working with writers of literary, popular, and genre-bending fiction; and talking about character, suspense, and plot. I'm also the the author of the Reedsy post "How to Outline a Novel in 9 Easy Steps," and can offer help with outlining and structure at any stage.

Please note that my rate is on the higher end because when you hire me, you’re hiring an award-winning, working author with over two decades of professional experience, who is currently a resident faculty member at the Yale Writers’ Workshop. I love this work, and give each manuscript close, personal attention

Services

Developmental Editing

Editorial Assessment

Query Letter Review

Book Coaching

Fiction

Contemporary Fiction Historical Fiction Horror Mashups Short Story Steampunk Women's Fiction

Languages

English (US)

Awards

Iowa Writers' Workshop Teaching/Writing Fellowship; Michener-Copernicus Society of America Award, Bram Stoker Award, Whiting Award
2021 Sustainable Arts Foundation Award

Kirsten has 102 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Jeff H.

Oct, 2026

Kirsten’s evaluation of my book, The Accent, was one of the most professional and insightful editorial experiences I’ve had. She approached the manuscript with a level of attentiveness and literary understanding that immediately set her apart. It was clear from her first notes that she had read t...

Emilce F.

Kirsten was not only very professional but also very knowledgeable! Every note she made on my query package was fair and honest. While she found areas to improve, she never made me feel less than and took the time to hear me out. Also, the amount of resources she sent to help me with my particula...

Kristin B.

Sep, 2026

Kirsten has been very helpful and very thorough in this editing process. She helped uncover the blind spots in the storytelling that I knew somehow were there, but could not find on my own. She had a great way of synthesizing her thoughts into actionable edits I could make to correct the blind sp...

Miles B.

A positive and highly engaged editor. Able to deduce what my piece needed to reach the next steps. Offered more than any other editor I’ve used on this site before and reached back in a timely manner to keep the process constantly moving forward, no twiddling thumbs here!

Nick A.

Kirsten has been a godsend. First of all, the way she operates is extremely clear and orderly, so that you (perhaps a first-time author who isn't sure what to expect, like me) don't have to guess or wonder, which is a huge mental and emotional relief; her proposal, questionnaire, and deliverables...

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Kirsten Bakis – Editor