Hi all. I've read several times that when people are ready to submit a m.s. they have to send the first three chapters, a synopsis and a cover letter. I know what the first two are for but what information would you put in a cover letter? Is it just basic, name, age, interests etc? I've often wondered what the reason is for this. Thanks
A few tips after I went to the lecture on 'How to hook an agent' - (Which is mainly what not to do!)
-Don't try to be quirky, its not a personality contest. Keep it simple.
- Spell their names correctly - I know that sounds obvious, but apparently, you'd be surprised how many don't.
-They like to know what you've done before. BUT that means real credentials, like competitions won, extra courses you've been on - not that in year 6 Mrs Smith said you had potential
- If you're doing it by email, don't add all of the agents in to the same email, it makes it very impersonal and even though they shouldn't expect to be the only people you're sending your work to... it's kind of insulting/unprofessional.
- You should be able to explain your book/idea within a two-lines, if you can't they probably wont see it as well developed/ commercial enough
- Make sure you know what they do. "I am looking for agents that are interested in taking on thrilling short stories" - impersonal, you should have already looked into their agency/ know the names of who those people are/ books they've been involved with.
A Steven said it should just be a nice clean pitch of your work. But slipping into any of the notes I've written above can easily result in your submission package in the bin.
Hope this helps
Amy :)
Thanks Steven. I wasn't sure what the purpose of a cover letter was, but it does make some sense now. I always thought that a synopsis and three chapters would be enough to let the publisher or agent see what you can do. But the cover letter gives them more of an insight into the person and their work. Thanks again.
It hasn't put in the web addresses. The first was from zenoagency.com, the second from medeleinemilburn.co.uk