Since we seem to have a heavy load of writing-biz links around here lately, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to continue the trend. So far we’ve looked at query letters and plot synopses. So if you finally get that partial or full manuscript request, what do you include with that?
A cover letter. And is with every piece of communication between you and your potential agent/editor, it should strive for that level of professionalism that won’t make them despise the day you started drooling on the keyboard. Does “professionalism” mean you can’t display your sense of humor, or have to write the letter according to a specific formula? Of course not. But this pair of articles aptly demonstrates several of the “to-do”s and “not-to-do”s that you should keep in mind when preparing your submission.
A good cover letter is hard to find– Part 2
A few of the main points:
- Don’t pretend you’re above the rules of grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
- Don’t think flattery is going to make your story any better.
- Humor can make a positive difference, if used tactfully.
My biggest thing to remember is that while a cover letter can make an editor/agent interested in a story if written well, or turn them off before they’ve even begun to read, in the end, it is the story that matters. So don’t make a huge, stressful deal about the one slip of paper that comes before the actual manuscript. If anything, keep it short and professional, and you will have no problems.
I see that smile.
funny, i was just thinking about writing a cover letter…thanks man!
Keep rocking!
N
Hope it helps.
*plays a riff on air guitar*
Josh is right. You must engage your interviewer’s interest for them to read ALL your cover letter and then your resume or CV.
Interviewers get scores of dull cover letter each week which simply introduce the attached resume and little else. This is not the way to go.
Instead, use your cover letter to sell your best assets and increase your chances of getting a job interview.
Here’s more help on cover letters and some examples.