How to write a killer cover letter

Send off your manuscript with confidence as Helen Corner-Bryant outlines how to write a submission letter that will make agents and publishers take notice

It’s that time again! If you’re thinking of targeting agents in the new year, now is the time to start thinking about pulling together your submission package. I do a lot of teaching and, when it comes to submitting to agents, two of the questions I’m asked the most are:

• What do I include in my query letter? • How do I fit my story into a one-page synopsis, especially if there are multiple characters, viewpoints or plot threads?

I’ll focus on the letter in this month’s article, and next month I’ll aim to demystify the synopsis (which is simpler than you think).

Target your letter

Your query letter should speak to the person you’re querying: why is your book, or you – especially if it’s non-fiction – relevant or of interest to them? It’s helpful for them to know that you’re targeting in a professional way, and not just casting your novel wide hoping that someone will spot its brilliance. And this all comes down to thorough research. You may have read an article by said agent, or seen a call-out on social media, or met them at a writing festival, or seen that they’ve recently started a new role. Think also about approaching junior agents, or people within the industry switching to be an

Agents will be looking to see something bold and new on a familiar subject

agent – they may be looking to build their lists. Always look up the agency website and observe the submission guidelines.

How to introduce your novel

Here, you list your book title, word count, genre and maybe a line pitching your book. This is a story about an unlikely friendship; of an impossible love; how love turns to hate; an adventure that takes you to different worlds…

If your agent doesn’t handle this genre they can pass or pass it on. If it is relevant to them – you’ve done your research after all – then this may hook them in a bit more, and pose a scenario that may pique their interest.

Then, include a description of your novel. This is not a blurb – these are hard to get right. Think of it more as a summary of your story, a longer version of the elevator pitch or pithy taglines. It should outline your main character and quest or fear, set-up, inciting event, and a general overview of what the novel will cover. It shouldn’t include the ending, unlike the synopsis. A good paragraph description will offer a new twist on a familiar subject. Agents may turn off if they see another wizardy/witchy school, a hunt to find the killer, or a book about a generational saga. While you can have these, of course, they’ll be looking to see something bold and new on a familiar subject. And this can come down to how you present it.

What about you?

Your author biography should list things that relate to your writing journey. Don’t mention winning the school prize for writing but do mention if you’ve been shortlisted for a recognised prize. If you’ve been published before, name the publisher but don’t worry about titles. You want the agent to focus on the story you’re submitting, not on your past titles. The same goes for any new stories you have in mind. You can mention you have more in the pipeline but don’t go into any detail.

Think of it as a combination of a quick reference template of your submission package and one that has just the right sprinkle of colour and teasers.

A quick reference guide

• Format: one page, single spaced, with paragraph breaks, 12 font, Times New Roman or similar. The objective is a quick reference for the agent (or editor) to glance at who you are and what you’re submitting. Focus on one book per submission. Submit to 4-6 agents at one time to spread your chances but do not blanket submit.

• Include all your contact details: address, email and phone number.

• First paragraph: show why you’re targeting that agent and that you’ve done your research. Be specific. Introduce your book, title, word count, genre and age-range if it’s children’s.

• Second paragraph: a description/part blurb of your story.

• Third paragraph: a bit about you, interesting background/job and anything writer-related. What inspired you to write this book.

• Fourth paragraph: your online presence, anything that spells potential audience and sales. Compare your book to others, especially for non-fiction. Be transparent about how many agents you’ve submitted to; you don’t need to name them.

• Sign off by thanking them for their time; say that you’ll be in touch with any news or developments, and that you hope to hear from them soon. Follow up after eight weeks if you’ve not heard anything.

• Double-and triple-check for typos or spelling mistakes before sending.