Cover Letter Example for Fiction Writers to Send to Agents

Cover Letter Example for Fiction Writers to Send to AgentsCover Letter Example for Fiction Writers to Send to AgentsGetting published is not easy and, as the saying goes, its who you know that counts. Below is a sample titelseite letter (otherwise known as a query letter) sent by an aspiring writer to a literary agent.In this case, the first-time author had a connection to the agent. Because of this, and because agents are very busy people, the writer kept the letter brief and to the point. Sample Letter December 18, 2015Mr. John DoeBrilliant Literary Agency123 East 42nd StreetNew York, NY 10012Dear Mr. DoeOne of your authors, my friend Olivia Oh, spoke with you recently about a middle-grade novel I wrote. I am sending it for your consideration.Its Me Rhonda Michaels is a contemporary story set in a high rise apartment in Los Angeles. The hero is thirteen-year-old Rhonda Michaels, who is on a quest to find her brother, who has run off with the circus. It is my first novel, and it is 38,000 words long.The book is enclosed. Thank you in advance for your time.Sincerely,Berniece L. Writer123 Pretty Town LaneAny Old City, NY 10009blwritergoshmail.comTel 212-121-1212 Expand Why Send a Cover Letter? The point of the cover letter is to give context to what an agent is about to read, to interest the agent in you as a writer, and to give the agent some ideas about how they might begin to market and sell your work to editors and publishing houses. The writer above accomplishes this by noting the genre, setting, and plot. Youll notice that the author is concise and to-the-point. The author does not pad the cover letter with unnecessary information, nor does the writer waste any time getting right to the point of the letter. Personal Contacts Matter One of the most important aspects of the letter to note is that the writer begins her inquiry by referencing who recommended her (Olivia Oh). Any connection you have to the agent is extremely important. It might be the di fference between having your manuscript read or tossed in the trash. Therefore, always begin your cover letter with your in, which in this case is who you know, especially if your colleague is accomplished. Other Things to Include in Your Cover Letter Youll also notice that the writer does not mention any previous publications. Thats because this is theirfirst novel and is likely theirfirst attempt at a fictional publication. However, if you have publications that are relevant (i.e., fictional publications in literary magazines, other books that have been published, or relevant essays) then by all means highlight that in your cover letter. Similarly, if you have relevant experience, you should also mention it. However, dont use your cover letter as a biography or resume. A cover letter is just that, a letter. By relevant experience, that means experience that somehow informs your abilities as a writer. For example, if you held an administrativeposition in a publishing house, tha t is not relevant experience because it doesnt speak to your skills as a writer. If however, you graduated from an MFA program or won an award for your writing, you should mention that in your cover letter.