I've read lots of advice online about the contents of a cover letter to an agent. Many suggest including the reason to submitting to that particular agent (as well as info about the book and myself).
I've looked at lots of agents' websites, and read the profiles of individual agents, searching for something that is different about a particular agent to explain why I am sending to him or her. But I'm still not sure what I should write.
Can I ask for some examples of what sentence (about your choice of agent) you have included in your cover letters?
Thanks
Kate
Hi Kate.
I agree with Antoinette but would just add a plug for the elevator pitch approach.
Imagine you're in an elevator (lift) with the agent you're sending your piece to. You have until you reach the top floor to convince them. Therefore, you need to put all salient details into as short a pitch as possible.
Especially important is to check the agent does deal with your chosen genre, and what they need from you. If they say a single A4 sheet or two A4 sheets; whatever they say don't be tempted to send more.
Good luck. Let us know what happens.
Cheers,
PabloJ.
First tell them the name, genre of your book (make sure the person you're writing too represents that genre), and which age group it's aimed at (If it's something like fiction or fantasy).
Next time then your writing history. Have you had anything published before? Won any competitions? Also tell them if you are sending your story to anyone else (This is a big must).
Lastly, thank them for their time.