Cover letters, not queries

[scarletpeaches]

Wotcha!

I've had a look round forums and can't find exactly what I'm looking for, so I hope I haven't missed it and am just repeating an earlier topic.

I'm sending three chapters and a synopsis off tomorrow (along with an author bio and no CV as I'm unpublished...well what else can I do?) and was surprised to see the synopsis didn't cause me as many problems as I expected.

Anyway. The cover letter. How to start it off? 'Regarding your letter of whatever date, please find enclosed blah blah blah'?

Also, should I do a cover sheet for the chapters/synopsis, making it clear what's enclosed?

Thanks for all replies in advance - I'd appreciate answers from Brit authors mainly, as I'm looking for what's 'traditional' over here.

:)

[Bufty]

Scarlet - this any help? You may also find stuff using the 'Search 'function at the top of the Forums or threads. http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21370

[Tilly]

My cover letter is a tweaked version of my query letter. I think a lot of the advice for queries is pertinent for covers. The info. on the material you're enclosing goes in the main cover letter, you don't need to do a separate cover sheet as far as I know.
Have you found it hard to find info. on agents other than very basic stuff? U.K. agents seem to be a reclusive bunch. I'm not sure what's traditional here, each agency has it's own bizarre quirks that I'm sure make the system smoother for them, but leaves me lost and confused.
I don't enclose a CV either by the way.

[Maryn]

I think your instincts are serving you just fine, scarlet. Consider what the purpose of the cover letter is: to remind the agent, or whoever opens the agent's mail, that the enclosed materials are something they asked for rather than some hopeful's best effort to get his foot in the door.

The cover letter doesn't need to charm them, or pique their interest--apparently your original query letter did that. That's not to say your cover can't be captivating, but only if you can do it quickly, while conveying the information that's the whole reason the cover letter is in there.

I see nothing wrong with "In response to your letter of October 19, enclosed are the first three chapters of GREAT EXPECTORATIONS, along with a synopsis of the novel and my bio. Assuming the legend of Britain's first spitting champion captures your attention, I'd be pleased to send the full manuscript. Thank you for your interest, and I hope you enjoy the story."

Maryn, reminding you that she's not published a novel (but has this great idea about a kid who spits really far!)