[Teatime]

Hi all, I'm looking at snail mail US submissions at the moment, many of them ask for a query with sample material (ie much like UK agents who ask for a covering letter, 3 chapters etc). In these cases, should the query still be more than the UK style 'covering letter', which essentially states what is enclosed and thanks the person for their time?
Do people recommend I keep the hook, and all that, in the 'query' letter? As that seems more important for when the query stands on its own, with no additional material in the package.

Thanks