226
too long ago) are also good. Do not, however, include a self-
published novel as a “credit” (it’s actually a debit).
If you have a degree in creative writing, say so. If
you’re a member of a quality organization (e.g., Mystery
Writers of America; International Thriller Writers) you
can include that. If you’ve taken a workshop from a well
known teacher, yes.
If you have specialized knowledge (e.g., trial lawyer,
FBI agent) that relates to the novel’s subject matter, put
that in.
Finally, if you have an endorsement in hand from a
known writer, mention that. But don’t say you plan to
send your novel to Famous Writer and that you’re confi -
dent he’ll endorse it.
If, however, you can get Famous Writer to consent
to read your manuscript, by all means pass along that
bit of news.
the thank you paragraph
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
There is no need to add anything else here. No beg-
ging, pleading, or forced humor. This is a professional
sign off, leaving the decision where it should be, in the
reader’s hands. The letter has done its job. Now it needs
to get out of the way.
Z4273i_221-242.indd 226Z4273i_221-242.indd 226 9/24/09 11:21:37 AM9/24/09 11:21:37 AM
227
I’m not much for the concluding line, I look forward to
hearing from you. Of course you do! That’s why you spent
all this time putting together a proposal. Just because
you look forward to it doesn’t get the reader all the more
excited about responding.
The line won’t hurt you, but it seems superfl uous,
and I like to avoid superfl uity in all things professional.
but what about my “platform”?
The big buzzword in publishing these days is platform.
What is a platform? It’s something you stand on.
It comes from the world of speaking. You stand on a
platform and yak at people, and if you’re good at it,
they pay you. And then you write a book and sell that at
“the back of the room” and make more money. So does
your publisher.
Platform has now been expanded to include any
venue where you reach a signifi cant audience, such as
a popular blog. Platform will most often be applicable
to nonfi ction writers, those who have a subject that is of
interest to a niche that can be identifi ed and targeted.
Herein is the problem for fi ction writers. We write for
readers of diverse interests, so how do you fi nd them?
Of course, if you do have a speaking platform relat-
ed to an issue that pertains to your fi ction, or have the
following of a large list of devoted acolytes (note: most
Twitter “followers” don’t count as devoted), or a web pres-
ence of some magnitude (note: your mom and sister don’t
Z4273i_221-242.indd 227Z4273i_221-242.indd 227 9/24/09 11:21:38 AM9/24/09 11:21:38 AM
228
count as magnitude, but God love ’em for reading your
blog), of course you should mention that. Put it in your
background paragraph.
Do not include a dreamscape of all the things you
promise to do to promote the book, such as appearing
on The Today Show “should they ask.” Such grandiosity
is looked at with a jaundiced eye.
If, however, you can realistically help in the initial
marketing phase—via speaking engagements, relation-
ships with local bookstores, etc.—that can be included
in the background paragraph.
Some writers have created complete, multiple-page
marketing plans for their proposals, but it seems to me
this smacks of overkill. Plus, these are very hard to do
credibly unless you have a real background in business
or marketing.
One agent told me she doesn’t like query letters that
“try too hard.” A detailed marketing plan risks that feel-
ing. The safer bet is to let your concept and content carry
the load in establishing marketability.
all the rest
And, of course, don’t forget about these basic essentials:
1. No typos.
2. Single spaced, standard business letter format.
I prefer block paragraphs (no indent) with a
space between paragraphs. This is the easiest
Z4273i_221-242.indd 228Z4273i_221-242.indd 228 9/24/09 11:21:38 AM9/24/09 11:21:38 AM
229
form to read. You can use indents and no spaces
between paragraphs if you prefer.
3. Don’t send to the wrong person.
4. Don’t misspell the right person’s name.
5. Do not, ever, send an e-mail to multiple address-
es simultaneously, so everyone can see everyone
else’s address. Rifl e shot, not shotgun blast. Per-
sonalize every e-mail and letter.
6. Don’t send the full manuscript until asked.
7. Don’t be unprofessional, which means no fancy
fonts (use Times or Times New Roman, or a tra-
ditional, easy to read serif font) or anything else
that shouldn’t be in a business letter.
8. Don’t follow up a rejection with a letter of de-
fense, scorn, bemusement, self-destructive urges
or asking for a second chance based on some-
thing you’ve changed. Move on.
9. Keep it simple.
10. Follow all guidelines. For example, an agency
might request that you send your query letter
and the first x number of pages pasted right
into the body of the e-mail. So you send only
that much and no attachments. Give them what
they ask for and no more.
Z4273i_221-242.indd 229Z4273i_221-242.indd 229 9/24/09 11:21:38 AM9/24/09 11:21:38 AM
..................Content has been hidden....................
You can't read the all page of ebook, please click here login for view all page.