Probably a dumb question about cover letters

jodiodi · Jul 20, 2007

I'm sending a requested full manuscript to an editor. She and I have already discussed the book and she asked for the entire thing (there was no query).

My question is:

Should I inclued the short little 'hook'-type description to remind her? If so, how would you say it? I hate to imply she might have forgotten or her memory may need refreshing.

Thanks for any help.

Carmy · Jul 20, 2007

I would probably say something like: Further to our conversation . . . or When we met at . . . Something simple to remind her who you are should be enough.

Good luck!

Scrawler · Jul 20, 2007

I agree with Carmy. And remind her she requested it-- Here's the manuscript you requested when we met/spoke.....

JanDarby · Jul 21, 2007

Yes, I'd include a one-line summary. Agents have phenomenal memories for names, or at least some of them do, but it would help to have a little cue -- e.g., "the romantic suspense featuring an heroine-oceonagrapher and a hero who's afraid of water" or whatever.

JD

maestrowork · Jul 21, 2007

A cover should just say: "Thank you for requesting it. Here's the full ms. you requested." It's fine to include the title, word-count and maybe a one-line synopsis just to remind the agent what it is. But this is not a query. You don't have to "hook" the agent again. Remember to mark on the envelope or top of the box "Requested Material."

jodiodi · Jul 21, 2007

Thanks everyone. I was going to send it today, but I didn't make it to the post office in time--had to bake a cake this morning for my husband and stepkids to take to a pool party. So I've got it ready to go Monday.

Thanks again for all the help.

btw, it feels odd to finally be able to do something else for just a little bit, then get to writing on something that's NOT the ms under submission.

Pamster · Jul 21, 2007

Good luck Jodiodi!

jordijoy · Jul 21, 2007

I was gonna add my two cents, but you guys covered it all.

Hillgate · Jul 21, 2007

Always a good idea to remind a busy agent in a one-liner what your story was about because they deal with so many that despite cast-iron memories they sometimes need a little jogging...

Stijn Hommes · Jul 23, 2007

Agents get a lot of material in and it's not bad to remind them of the fact they requested something from you as long as they actually did.

Probably a dumb question about cover letters

jodiodi

Reflections of Reality

Carmy

Scrawler

Bored fanatic

JanDarby

maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray

jodiodi

Reflections of Reality

Pamster

Counting Stars

jordijoy

In pursuit!!

Hillgate

On location

Stijn Hommes

Know what you write...