Hi Everyone.
I’m currently writing a covering letter to an agent but I’m not sure how to address it.
Do I include the first name as well as the surname, or only their surname?
Also, for anyone who’s written to an agent before, did you write to a few at a time or did you space it out a bit?
Thanks,
Melissa
Immediately take work, if the author himself pays for editing, publishing and selling this book.
Thank you Adrian! That's really helpful.
Hi, Melissa.
Covering Letter.
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.
Whether you are writing to a literary agent or an editor, most letters follow this simple three-paragraph formula, but no more than 4 paragraphs maximum.
Paragraph One: Introduction and Summary of Work
PROFESSIONAL LETTERHEAD
Ima Storyteller. Followed by your address.
Dear (Name of Specific Agent or Editor):
I would like to submit my manuscript, (Title of Novel), to your agency. (Title of Novel) is a story about (two or three sentences of summary, no more). In ways, it is similar to other books recently published, such as (Book Titles).
Paragraph Two: All About You.
Paragraph Three: Contact Number and Closing
Thank you again for reading my work. Please, feel free to call me at home: (123) 456-7890. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely, Ima Storyteller.
TIPs:
1) Wait until your work is absolutely finished before submitting. You rarely get a second chance with a good editor or agent.
2) Find the right agent or editor. Find novels which are like your manuscript, then find out their agent and editor. How? Simple, call the publishers. Most are very willing to offer this information.
3) Worried about Paragraph Two, the personal history? Have nothing to say? Be imaginative. Why are you the best person to have written this novel? How has your personal experience prepared you for it?
4) Still worried? Never published anything? A cover letter is a persuasive document designed to do one thing: entice an editor or agent to read your manuscript.
5) If you talk about your own life, make sure it is related to your manuscript. No one will care if you're a Nuclear Scientist, or a Crab Fisherman unless your novel is also about these things.
6) Call and introduce yourself. Be confident. Let them know your work is coming. It's the surest way to get out of that slush pile and on to a desk.
7) Send a whole lot of letters out. Cast a big net. Expect rejection. Don't worry when you get it. Keep sending out more letters.
8) Consider attending a Writers Conference which agents and editors will attend. That's another short way to the front of the line.
9) Be persistent.
I hope that helps
Good luck.