What Editors Really Want (In A Query Letter) by Usha Krishnan Sliva

What Editors Really Want (In A Query Letter)
from Usha Krishnan Sliva

There are a lot of reasons why a query letter may be rejected, the number one being the topic you've selected has already been published. Editors want great unpublished ideas, which translate into excellent well-written stories. Most rejection letters should not be taken personally, but if you find you're not getting anywhere despite some lightbulb moments, remember, editors hate the following:

1. Typos and errors: Check and double check to see there are no spelling or typing errors. Print out your letter and read it, or better yet get someone else to go through it before you send it out.

2. Poor formatting: Editors go through hundreds of documents on a weekly basis. Receiving one that's poorly typed up is sure to get binned. Ensure you select a standard font size (Ariel or Times Roman, point 12 usually works well) and single space the text. Try to keep it to one page- most editors won't have the time or inclination to read beyond that.

3. Long, windy sentences: Remember KISS? It's an acronym for Keep It Short & Simple. Make your point, give them clear instructions as to who you are and what you can do for them, and conclude your letter.

4. A condescending (or patronizing) attitude: Starting out with testimonials or nuggets of wisdom is never a good idea. Write in a clear and straightforward language.

5. A poorly addressed letter: Begin with a clear salutation addressed to the person who's going to be reading your letter. You can find out who it is by visiting the publication's website, looking at a current masthead, or emailing/calling their office.

6. An offer you can't back up: Don't get carried away and make claims before you can actually do research to back them up. If you are offering to interview someone, get updated statistics, or send in photographs to accompany your story, make sure you'll be able to deliver on your promises.



Freelance writer Usha Krishnan Sliva has years of article and copywriting experience. To get more free tips and writing ideas, sign up for her ezine on Getting It Write!

Tips on Writing Conference Success by Mary Andonian

Today’s guest is author and freelance writer, Mary Andonian. Mary has written two books, Mind Chatter: Stories from the Squirrel Cage and Bitsy's Labyrinth. She is a columnist for Writers on the Rise and Writer Mama.

She shares her tips on preparing a high impact dossier which you can circulate at your next writing conference.

Writing Conference Success: Preparing Your Dossier – More on Bios and Cover Letters

Many people will go into a conference empty-handed, but not you. I have two good reasons why you should walk into the conference armed with business cards and proposal packages (thinly disguised as inexpensive paper folders).

- First, these items will build your credibility and boost your professional demeanor.

- Second, at best you’ll get your proposal in the hands of editors and agents for their long flight home, and at worst you’ll be in the enviable position to immediately mail follow-up materials.

Two important elements that will go into your proposal package are your bio and cover letter.

Bio

Your bio page can be made up in any number of ways. You can use a more traditional resume approach, listing all of your writing credits in chronological order, along with relevant educational background, and so on.

Or you may opt for the author’s book flap approach, where you write your bio the way you would like it to be seen on the back cover of your book.

Best-selling author Julie Fast lists her writing credits, but includes next to each credit a full color photo representing each credit. I used her approach for my last proposal package and ended up using visual icons representing the Contra Costa Times Newspapers (two of my essays were printed in this newspaper) and both an Institute of Children’s Literature logo and a Willamette Writers logo (for my education and involvement in these institutions, respectively).

When it was all said and done, my bio page looked pretty impressive.

Cover Letter

The cover letter is really a one-page query letter you would send in lieu of meeting your agent or editor. It should be addressed to the agent or editor to whom you’ll pitch, along with her complete (and accurate) company title/imprint, address and phone number.

Your salutation should be addressed to Ms. [Last Name], unless you have met the person before.

The first paragraph should be a one-sentence summary of the book you’re trying to pitch.

The second and possibly third paragraphs should describe your book by first stating the need for such a book and then by telling why your book is the perfect solution to that need.

The last few paragraphs talk about you. Why are you the perfect person to write this book? What have you done that’s note-worthy, and why would people buy from you? This is where you will talk about your platform, if you have one. If you don’t have paid writing credits, then highlight other achievements, such as (relevant) degrees completed or awards won. Even non-relevant degrees might work if you spin them right: “I have an M.B.A. with an emphasis in Marketing, a skill set that will come in handy after my book has sold.”

Remember: Every interaction should close the sale or advance the sale, so close your letter with an offer to send more: “May I send you the entire manuscript? Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you.”

Please visit Mary’s web site at Mary Andonian to learn more about her writing as well as her exciting news regarding her new screenplay.