Cover letter to go with Novel

[rhymegirl]

I don't know if I'm posting this question in the right place or not, or if this has been addressed somewhere else on this board but....

Here's the question:

When you are sending off your novel to a publisher, particularly one which has requested to see your manuscript, does anyone have any tips/advice as to what one should say in the cover letter? Do I give a brief summary of the plot or do I just explain who I am and why I'm sending this publisher my manuscript?

[scfirenice]

I have a great book that deals with this subject that says yes, you should give a very brief synopsis of the book. First paragraph should reference the conversation/invitation to send the work, then mini synopsis, then the thanks I love you paragraph, the end. My cover letter is slightly more than half a page, single spaced. WD has a good article on this too in last months issue I think. Good luck!

[rhymegirl]

Thanks! Yes, I just opened up the Oct. Writer's Digest and there's a sample letter plus lots of info. Perfect!

[scfirenice]

My work here is done.

[rhymegirl]

I mailed it off!!! Now it's out of my hands. Wish me luck!!

[Vanessa]

I mailed it off!!! Now it's out of my hands. Wish me luck!!

Good Luck Rhymegirl. Get 'em girl!

[macandal]

I have a great book that deals with this subject that says yes, you should give a very brief synopsis of the book. First paragraph should reference the conversation/invitation to send the work, then mini synopsis, then the thanks I love you paragraph, the end. My cover letter is slightly more than half a page, single spaced. WD has a good article on this too in last months issue I think. Good luck!

But, doesn't that seem redundant? I am in the same position. I was asked to submit the first 50 pages after I queried this agent. In the query I gave her a summary of what my novel was about. Why should I have to do it again? It just doesn't make sense... :Shrug:

[Cathy C]

It just doesn't make sense

It should. The agent is presently the only focus in the author's life, but the author is only one of 1,500 they've seen that MONTH, and probably one of fifty they've requested a full manuscript on. Why would you think s/he WOULD remember you? That's what wouldn't make sense.

According to about five editors I spoke to at a recent writer's conference, only about 25% of those who receive a letter requesting the full manuscript actually SEND the manuscript. Sometimes, it's fear of actually sending it in. Sometimes, it wasn't anywhere close to done. Sometimes, the letter never makes it back to the author. In any event, once the request for the full is sent, it ends up "out of sight, out of mind."

Yes, you DO have to remind them.