Your covering letter: just do it

August 31, 2009 by Jo Herbert (Editor, Writers' & Artists' Yearbook)
Filed under: Getting Published, Writing Advice 

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

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Comments

17 Comments on Your covering letter: just do it

  1. Neon on Sep 1, 2009 at 18:16pm

    2. I just finished my first novel and have no idea how to get it published (I didn’t even know what a covering letter was until I read your blog). I have know idea where to go from here and find myself going in circles one redraft after another. Anyway, I was hoping if you could give me advice, I pretty much know what I’m doing with the covering letter now, but everybody I ask tells me my manuscript won’t even get a glance if I don’t have an agent and I don’t have the money to hire one seeing as I am only 14. If you could help me i’d be really grateful :)

  2. Jo Herbert (Editor, Writers' & Artists' Yearbook) on Sep 3, 2009 at 11:28am

    3. Hi, the best place to start is with a copy of the Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook. It’ll provide you with all the info you need to get started including advice on finding an agent and how to approach them. You’ll also find out that you don’t need to hire them! Take a look and good luck. Jo

  3. Neon on Sep 3, 2009 at 17:44pm

    4. Thank you XD

  4. lawrenceez on Sep 6, 2009 at 13:32pm

    5. Interesting article. I didn’t realise the letter was the most significant part of the submission. That said, I’ve always taken a lot of care over my covering letter.

    Basically, I’m still waiting to hear back from an editor. Then, I hope to send the manuscript back to an agent who has read it twice before.

  5. Jeff Rainsden on Sep 10, 2009 at 00:58am

    6. How safe is it to send a manuscript tp either a publisher or literary agent, whats to stop them stealing it?

    Is it best to send a portion or full manuscript?

  6. Jo Herbert (Editor, Writers' & Artists' Yearbook) on Sep 10, 2009 at 11:00am

    7. Hello Jeff, always find out exactly what an agent or publisher wants from you by looking at their individual ’submission guidelines’. These can usually be found on websites but if not a quick phone call will do it. Once you have them, follow them to the absolute letter. It’s very unusual for an agent to ask for an entire manuscript. They normally ask for three sample chapters, along with a covering letter and a synopsis. For further advice on submissions, look at the Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook which is bursting with help from publishing insiders, including publishers and agents, so you’re getting advice straight from the horse’s mouth. Also look at our FAQs for writers page. Question 13 answers your ’stealing’ query. Hope this helps. All best, Jo

  7. thomas_d on Sep 17, 2009 at 21:47pm

    8. Hi
    I have a more difficult time writing a letter, but will try now, as i feel this i have put no effort in at all….But i must admit, i think my reading audience is limited as it very much a gay novel, almost subculture. Will i find gay friendly or gay publishers in the Writers’ Yearbook?

  8. Karin on Sep 29, 2009 at 14:50pm

    9. Hi…I have been writing for almost 4 years about my experiences from city life (for almost 50 years) to becoming a farmer! From being a social bunny, with regular pedicures, facials, and coffee mornings with friends, to now getting a shotgun licence (for pesky dangerous snakes)to assisting at the birthing of calves in difficulty has been a transition of immense growth…hence I ‘FOUND MY SOUL”…South Africa is a fast changing country politically and socially, yet out ‘in the sticks’ not much progress is happening. This has been a cathartic exercise, with unbelievable emotional rollercoaster undertakings, that often have me way out of my depth! An adjustment like no other, purely on the choice of a total lifestyle change. The writings are amusing, honest, and sometimes extremely sad…..so many a tear is spilt…..but with a raw guttral sincerity..I write as I feel…..so the question begs…..how, where, and whom do i contact to get these ramblings printed!!! Thanks!

  9. Jo Herbert (Editor, Writers' & Artists' Yearbook) on Sep 29, 2009 at 15:11pm

    10. Hi Karin, well done on completing your ‘ramblings’. Your next step is to beg, borrow or buy a copy of the Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook. It’ll tell you exactly what you need to know about getting published and who to contact in order to make that happen. All writers need to do some research before submitting their work to a publisher or an agent and yours starts here. Good luck, Jo

  10. Laura K on Sep 30, 2009 at 08:03am

    11. Ok, so realistically, once a fabulous submission letter and synopsis has been produced, the sample chapters are all polished and gleaming, the long list of agents has been compiled and Royal Mail counter staff will from now on greet you with a grimace, just how many ‘NO’ responses is it realistic to take before starting to realise that actually you are a deluded fantasist? I was reading a blog on another site from someone who was being rejected relentlessly, after about 35 submissions. I would imagine that after 10 or so it must be time to take stock and evaluate the work, or am I being pessimistic? Is it possible to still be accepted after dozens of submissions?

  11. Purnamasi on Oct 8, 2009 at 12:56pm

    12. what should be the content of a covering letter if I’m writing a factual book? what should be the first line and ending line of a covering letter? How many paragraphs should be there in a covering letter?All this I want to know about a covering letter.I will be ever greatful to you if you will respond to me as soon as possible.

  12. Laura K on Oct 13, 2009 at 23:12pm

    13. I’m starting to feel a bit like the only person blogging at the moment, but did want to re-visit this advice – having concocted a covering letter containing the vital information, it’s difficult to feel confident selling oneself when there are no credible credentials to plug such as literary degrees, diplomas in Creative Writing etc, as I feel as though I ought to have some kind of qualification to be taken seriously.
    Part of me wants to remain serious and professional, while part (the larger part) of me wants to say ‘Look, I am not a professional, I just LOVE writing, I could burst with joy as I write my story and if necessary I will market my book by handwriting the first chapter across my naked boobs and appear in branches of WHSmiths. Just bloody read the submission properly please.
    Would that work?

  13. Claire Fogg (Publisher, Yearbooks) on Oct 15, 2009 at 16:28pm

    14. Dear Purnamasi – We can’t respond to every individual query, I’m afraid, but there is a very useful guest post from a literary agent who specialises in non-fiction among other genres. Have you seen it? Try reading Playing by Different Rules: non-fiction writing for lots of great tips about submissions.

  14. SMITH_A113 on Nov 1, 2009 at 21:31pm

    15. I have been writing for years but have never submitted any work. I have 2 nearly completed novels and 15 other draft ideas all with strong story lines. I was told i stood more chance of getting published and making more of a living if i went through an agent is it true that you dont pay them up front they just take their share of what you earn?

  15. TILLY on Nov 2, 2009 at 14:42pm

    16. I did a course in creative writing but didnt finish it because i was discouraged when my tutor keep telling me i was constantly making mistakes.

  16. KATWILLS on Nov 14, 2009 at 10:28am

    17. Great advice Jo and everyone else, Thanks.
    Can you please tell me more about the synopsis?
    Do I need to explain who my target market is, why my book is different etc in the synopsis? If so what would I put in my letter, or is it OK to repeat myself?
    Just to clarify, in my pack to the publisher I need to include:
    1. Covering letter
    2. First 3 consecutive chapters
    3. Synopsis
    Is this correct?

  17. Jo Herbert (Editor, Writers' & Artists' Yearbook) on Nov 15, 2009 at 13:56pm

    18. Hi Kat, firstly never submit without checking what the agent or publisher wants to receive from you. Look at websites, as most will list specific ’submission guidelines’. All the info about your manuscript (such as your target market, your USP etc) should be included in your covering letter only. The synopsis’ function is to explain what your potential book is about, ie, a 400-500 word (as a guide) summary. For more info, see the article ‘Writing a synopsis’ in the Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook. All best, Jo

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