The Cover Letter

The cover letter is easy. Let's keep it that way. Though it is not a necessity, it is regarded as rude and unprofessional to send a manuscript without a cover letter.

Cover letters are not the same as query letters, but it is the first impression you make on a publisher. It is the hello and handshake upon meeting a potential employer, one you greatly desire to work for. The cover letter is the equivalent to looking someone square in the eye when introduced. It sets the tone for the relationship that will ensue, be it one of mutual trust and respect or one of worry and fear your lawyers will soon come banging on their doors in the middle of the night.

Long story short —

• 1 page
• 3 paragraphs
• Simple
• Direct
• Signed
• Viola!

Paragraph One

• Blurb
• Title
• Genre
• Word Count
• Target Audience *

Paragraph two

• Introduction
• Interesting Facts (if relevant to submission)
• Published Works
• Credentials
• education
• literary awards
• writing organizations
• memberships
• affiliations
• Qualifications to be Writer of Book

Paragraph Three

• Author Bio **
• Sincerely,
• A Respectful and Professional Writer

* Target audience refers to your reader base (eg, ‘young adult/picture book/middle grade’ or ‘YA/PB/MG’ or ‘horror fans’ or ‘readers of true crime’ or ‘insert who would be interested in your book here’)

** Author Bio is written third person and approximately 300 words, basically your entire resume chopped to a paragraph