Cover Letter Format

provided by The Fiction Forum

Your cover letter is the first impression any editor will have of your writing abilities. Therefore, the cover letter should be straight forward and concise. Treat your cover letter as a business letter–after all that is what it is. Below you will find some basic guidelines.

• Limit your letter to one page.
• Capture the editor’s attention right off.
• Give the editor or agent a brief description of the story, article, or book. (Look at the back of a book and read the blurb. This is about the same length and structure you want your description to be.) Make your description appealing so that the editor feels he or she must read the book.
• Provide some personal and or professional background information that relates to your skills or experience. Draw from your publishing history and any background that is special to this story (such as if you were a nurse and you wrote a book which takes place in a hospital).
• Be sure to include the word length and genre of your book.
• Use a proper business form letter as your guide. (Most word processors have letter templates) Single space the letter.
• Be sure to include your contact information such as your name, address, phone number and email address.
• Don’t forget the date.
• When addressing your letter be sure to use the Editor’s name (or agent’s name is querying a book.) Use a Writer’s Market guide or similar resource for contact information. Many book publishers do not accept unagented books so you must check the publication’s guidelines before sending an unsolicited manuscript. However, this cover letter format is appropriate for querying an agent. Check the publication or agent’s web site or call to verify the name of editor or agent before sending your letter. Remember: editors are not permanent fixtures at publications.
• When ending your letter be sure to thank the editor or agent for his or her time and consideration.
• Type your closing, leave a few spaces and then type your name. Within the blank spaces you should sign your name.

Below you will find two generic sample cover letters. Using these as your basic format should get you off on the right foot. However you’ll want to adapt it to fit your style and work.

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SAMPLE 1:

Author name
Address
Phone
Email

Editor’s name
Publisher
Address

Date

Dear M. [Editor],

I have recently completed a romance novel titled: “My Novel.” I have enclosed the 50,000-word novel for publishing considerations.

“My Novel” is a story of true love … [include blurb here.]

I have published work with such publishers as…[your background here.]

I have enclosed a self-address, stamped envelope along with my manuscript. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

[Sign name here]

Jane Author

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SAMPLE 2:

Author name
Address
Phone
Email

Editor’s name
Publisher
Address

Date

Dear M. [Editor],

[Start your letter off with your blurb, drawer the editor in right from the start.]

The above passage details the central conflict of my 50,000-word romance novel, “My Novel.” Like the heroine, I have a vast knowledge of the solar system as I was a high school science teacher. My writing has been featured in several magazines… [continue with background.]

I’m excited about “My Novel” and believe it’s appropriate for your Out Of This World Romance line. I have enclosed a copy of a synopsis and my manuscript for publishing consideration. This work is also available by email or on a 3.5 inch disk in Word or ASCII format. An SASE is enclosed for your convenience.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Sign your name here.]

Jane Author

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It is important to remember that in your cover letter you should be informative and never chatty. This is a business correspondence, not a letter to your dear old aunt. Good luck!

© 2002 by The Fiction Forum