Question for UK authors re: Query Letter

profen4 · May 17, 2009

Hi Guys,

I understand that if you query an agent in the UK, the letter is supposed to be more of a cover letter, but would any of you UK authors be willing to share specific examples of the query letters you used to acquire your agent? do boi nam cao cap quan ao nam han quoc mu so sinh cho be vay lien cong so nu vay lien cong so nu chup anh ky niem ngay cuoi

Old Hack · May 17, 2009

I don't think I have any query letters to show you, but here in the UK we tend to send in a cover letter along with a synopsis and the first three chapters or so. There's less emphasis on the query letter, and more on seeing if the writing of the book itself is good.

profen4 · May 17, 2009

That’s what I heard. But I was curious if the cover letter was personalized for each agent.

SJAB · May 17, 2009

swhibs123 said:
That’s what I heard. But I was curious if the cover letter was personalized for each agent.

Well, I did it. I most certainly did not do a "mail merge"

profen4 · May 18, 2009

Do you say anything about your book?

I'm trying to understand what the difference between a cover-letter and a query letter is. If you personalize it to each agent and give a short blurb about your book, the two sound very similar. Of course I know you address it to individual agents, but otherwise is the letter pretty generic?

waylander · May 18, 2009

I just described mine in broad terms "xxxx is a fantasy adventure with a thread of romance. It is complete at 102k. I have enclosed the opening three chapters.
My short fiction has been published extensively and I have received yy Honourable Mentions in Year's Best collections."

flyingtart · May 18, 2009

Found this definition of the differences if it helps.

profen4 · May 21, 2009

thanks guys, that helped

Question for UK authors re: Query Letter

profen4

Old Hack

Such a nasty woman

profen4

SJAB

Being edited for submission

profen4

waylander

Who's going for a beer?

flyingtart

I don't have Tourettes, I just like swearing.

profen4