Jo work picI've just come back from a week away in the Green Green Grass of Home. And very nice it was too – warm and sunny (but then the sun always shines in Wales). But now I’m back in London, with its different kind of heat, a humid heat that’s making me feel a bit lethargic... but is it the heat?

I’m back at my desk and looking at a list entitled ‘things to do’. It’s not one of those handy pads with that printed on every page – nope I wrote that myself. And it’s not a list of what to buy in Sainsbury’s or when to water the geraniums. No, it’s a list of papery things to do. You know, catching up on correspondence (I owe several people letters), writing a few cards, filling in forms, writing a blog post, that kind of thing.

And it’s weird because I love crossing things off lists, but this time I can’t seem to knuckle down. I’ve done heaps of other things instead – I’ve vacuumed (which I loathe), I’ve caught up on The Street on BBC iPlayer (recommended whether you're putting something off or not) and read several VERY important articles about Peter Andre and Jordan.

Does this sound familiar to you? It may be that this doesn’t apply with your ‘writing’ writing, and by that I mean when you're writing your novel or short story, but I’d be prepared to bet a few bob that it applies when writing a submission letter to a literary agent or publisher...

At my writers' workshops I talk about the importance of covering letters. When submitting your work to a literary agent or publisher, the covering letter is the single most important part. Some agents will read the synopsis, some the sample chapters, but ALL will read the covering letter.

I always urge writers to take heed of that advice. Your letter needs to be drafted, holes filled, language crafted and paragraphs structured. It then needs to be scrutinised, redrafted, trimmed, polished and perfected.

As I explain this, I can often see the dread in people’s faces. And I don’t judge because I understand. It’s a miserable thing to do! But so many writers don’t bother to make this effort. Many just scribble a general letter and pop it in the envelope hoping the manuscript will speak for itself. Unfortunately for them, they’re just fast tracking their work to the rejection pile. Not good.

So I say, accept your reluctance to start your letter, your synopsis, or your writing in general. Do the cleaning, watch some TV, bid on eBay, read a few blog posts (at least this one is useful!) but promise yourself that you’ll start it today, even if it’s only one (perfect) sentence.

Just DO IT.

(And I’m saying that to myself as much as you)

Warm wishes, Jo