Clash of the Query Letters A project of The Darling Axe / The Chopping Blog (see other related projects). Permanently Closed: This project is permanently closed to submissions (January 2022). We provide the following information as an archive. About In the fiction world, a query letter alone is not enough to land representation. The manuscript's first sentence, first paragraph, and first page are the crucial test. However, a query letter acts as a writer's resume or c/v. It sets the tone, lays out the book's market potential, and introduces the human behind the words and ideas. And of course, it also pitches the story itself. While an ideal query letter may not seal the deal, it will fill literary agents with eager excitement—a most helpful frame of mind for them to be in as they turn to your sample pages. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. Country of Publication & Year Established Canada Established in 2021 Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationOne-time contest Nonfiction Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Lengths: Narrative Nonfiction: Up to 250 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary, Mainstream.Topics: Literature/Books: Writing, See guidelines. Other: See guidelines.Winner's Prize:Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word) Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word).Note: We list broad pay categories rather than prize specifics. Check with the publisher for details.Submissions:Method: Electronic submissions. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Unknown.Multiple entries: Unknown.Media: Text. Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary. Go to contest webpage Report: Correction/Update Clash of the Query Letters Submission Statistics The statistics in this section are compiled from submission reports sent to us through our submission tracker. They are not provided by the publication's editors/staff or by Duotrope's admins. Information in this section is updated a few times per day. Learn more about the statistics. This listing is inactive and does not have any submission reports for the past 12 months. Your Submissions This section is available to subscribers only. Join today! Related ProjectsAn Axe to Grind Contest CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsFirst Page Challenge Charges fees for all submissionsThe Synopsis Skirmish CLOSED Charges fees for all submissions Before SubmittingWe cannot guarantee that the information on this page is correct. It is not unusual for publications to evolve or close without notice. We do our best to keep up, but it isn't always possible. Duotrope listings do not imply endorsement or recommendation of the project being listed. Before submitting, you should use your own judgment to determine whether the project meets your standards.Always read the full guidelines provided by the publisher.Try to read at least one previous publication to get a better idea of what the editor would like to see.Unless the publisher's guidelines state otherwise, always use industry standard manuscript formatting.Be professional, patient, and persistent. DatesLast Updated: 22 May 2026 Cookie Consent: This site uses secure first-party cookies for essential, preference-setting, and statistical purposes. We do not use any marketing, advertising, or third-party cookies. Read our full cookie policy. Accept All Cookies Allow Essential Cookies Only