COVER/QUERY LETTERS

The recipe for creating the perfect cover/query letter is simple: give editors and agents what they want, no more and no less. That's it. Basically, you need to prepare a letter that provides what the editor/agent requires and then "gets out of the way" so your writing (as illustrated by your work) stands on its own. Since 1994, we have helped many clients fine-tune their cover letters with great success.

Your letter must follow industry guidelines. It must be only one page, and it must contain editor/agent contact information. It may or may not contain a biographical paragraph if your writing credentials warrant such, and you must thank the editor/agent for his/her time. You may also include some interesting personal information that will grab the attention of the editor/agent such as: "I live in a 200-year-old registered historic landmark on the edge of a forest."

For Short Prose and Poetry: A cover letter accompanies short prose and poetry. It includes the title of the work in addition to some biographical information. Along with the cover letter, you will include a master of your work, (which should be professionally prepared within industry standards), and your SASE ($.41 for response only; the sample pages will be recycled).

Query/cover letter that accompanies a book submission: In addition to the information contained in a standard cover letter, the query letter contains a "blurb" about the book. A short paragraph covering the basic premise of the novel or nonfiction work will draw the agent in and will encourage him/her to move on to the short synopsis or outline. (When we refer to query letters here, we are not referring to query letters used to "pitch" ideas for articles or books. These query/cover letters accompany sample pages of a book submission.)


CHECKLIST FOR CREATING COVER/QUERY LETTERS

• Biographical information: A cover/query letter should include, if warranted, your education (college degrees), publishing credits (no vanity presses such as poetry.com), and any interesting facts (such as well-known authors you’ve worked with). You may share a short sentence or two of personal information. What makes you tick? Do you play jazz piano on the weekends? This personal information will make you more real in the mind of an editor or agent. Just don't get too cutesy or talk about your grandchildren for two paragraphs!
  
  
• Length: Your letter should NEVER be longer than one page, with one-inch left and right margins (top and bottom margins may be adjusted if more room is needed).
  
  
• Contact Information: You must include your name, address, phone number, and e-mail. Having your own letterhead designed to your liking is a plus.
  
  
• Show appreciation: You need to thank the editor/agent for taking his/her time to read your submission.
  
  
• Short and sweet: Prepare a cover/query letter that provides what the editor/agent requires and then "gets out of the way" so your writing stands on its own.
  
  
• Reference your SASE: All submissions should contain your self-addressed, stamped envelope. Say you've included it when you thank the editor/agent for her/his time.
  
  
• Appearance: Use high-quality bond paper (at least 24-lb. weight) and an easy-to-read font, no larger than 12-point in the body of the letter, and no larger than 18-point for letterhead/contact information. Be certain your cover/query letter is presentable—no bent corners, smudges, etc. (The first impression an editor/agent has of your work is your cover/query letter.)

SAVVY SALUTATIONS

The first and most important part of the cover letter (besides accurate contact information) is the salutation, but with so many names available, this gets tricky. When we say tricky, we’re referring to gender-neutral names. Unless you have a personal acquaintance with the editor/agent, you cannot know if the name is male or female. Many clients over the years have insisted on Writer’s Relief using salutations such as Dear Mr. So-and-So or Attention Ms. Whoever. Addressing editors and agents using Mr. or Mrs. or Ms. used to be the norm. This is no longer true. In order to avoid embarrassment and alienating an editor (and NOT getting a good read), follow what has now become industry standard rules for addressing these decision makers. Simply use the first and last name of the editor/agent to whom you are sending your submission. This technique was used for mass mailings but has now become standard business protocol. Using both names for your submissions won’t be held against you. On the contrary, the editor/agent will know you’re not an amateur. For example, if the editor of a publication you are submitting to is named Alex Young, don’t begin your letter with Dear Mr. Alex Young because when she opens up the envelope, she’s likely to feel at least a little annoyed.

In the US gender-neutral names are becoming trendier each year. Before 1960 these names were almost nonexistent. Since then, more and more parents have turned to names such as Dakota, Drew, and Zane. Also, when dealing with names from cultures other than your own—don’t assume. Be cautious and tread lightly because you don’t want an editor turned off by your lack of knowledge. This silly mistake could lead to you missing the opportunity of publication or at least a good first impression. If you feel uncomfortable about names in general, you can always begin your letter with "Dear Editor." Using a personal name is still considered the best option, so choose Dear Editor rarely. Here is a partial list of some of the names that we’ve run across over the years. Can you tell whether you should choose Mr. or Ms. when addressing your submission? Remember that the wrong assumption may cost you that good first impression.

Sam, Dale, Shemayahu, Fran, Aziz, Joel, Herm, Bobby, Sydney, Kinza, Marion, Gerry, Kerry, Joyce, Keiko, Gale, Flo, Jamie, Pupa, Thikhathali, Corey, Thabo, Zujun, and Don’t Forget . . .

Ronnie!




Copyright © 2007 Ronnie L. Smith


Writer's Relief, Inc. is a highly recommended author's submission service. Established in 1994, Writer's Relief will help you target the best markets for your creative writing. Visit their Web site at http://www.writersrelief.com to receive their FREE Writers' Newsflash which contains valuable leads, guidelines, and deadlines for writing in all genres.