What's in a cover letter?

Novelhistorian · Sep 8, 2006

I've heard that you're supposed to use the cover letter for a partial or a full ms. requested by an agent to further your sales pitch. I feel two ways about this. I can see why you wouldn't, because the agent has just asked you for something, so why push? But I can also see why you might, because you've got the opportunity and the space.

What do you think? Do you put anything in your cover letters other than identifying information so that the agent knows the material has been requested? And if so, what do you say?

Patricia · Sep 8, 2006

While you're waiting for a response, you might want to google "cover letter for fiction, or non-fiction submission." Whichever you're interested in. Or do a search in the writing forums.

Variant Frequencies · Sep 9, 2006

"Thank you for your interest in Name of Project. Here is the material you requested. I look forward to your response." Or something along those lines.

Maybe a sentence or two about the genre, word count, and plot to jog the memory. That's about all I do.

Can't Catch A Break · Sep 9, 2006

I usually include a synopsis and business card as well.

What's in a cover letter?

Novelhistorian

Patricia

California Dreaming

Variant Frequencies

Podcaster

Can't Catch A Break