UK query letter different than US?

ILove2Write · Nov 7, 2007

This may have been asked before but I couldn't find anything from US to UK only UK to US.

When submitting a query letter to the UK, is it the same formatting as a US query letter? I've also seen cover letters mentioned. Are there any websites that could help me on this? Thanks.

Carmy · Nov 7, 2007

Interesting question, but I don't have a real answer. I suspect there is little difference. I query both sides of the Pond, and I use the same query letter.

I'll be watching this thread to see what others know about this.

waylander · Nov 8, 2007

AFAIK UK agents don't need a query letter. The standard submission package is 2/3 chapters, synopsis and covering letter. The covering letter needs only to contain basic information - your contact details, word count, genre, any writing credits etc.
Of course, you can use a US style letter with pitch paragraph, but it is not necessary or expected.

SecretScribe · Nov 8, 2007

I agree with Waylander. I have used a letter that is mostly a cover letter, but has a short pitch paragraph included. I have also been getting a lot of rejections. So not sure if this is a good idea. Perhaps just go with a cover letter, unless your pitch is terrific.

waylander · Nov 8, 2007

SecretScribe said:
I agree with Waylander. I have used a letter that is mostly a cover letter, but has a short pitch paragraph included. I have also been getting a lot of rejections. So not sure if this is a good idea.

I doubt the pitch paragraph has anything much to do with the rejections. I suspect the reader is going straight to your first page, reading to the end of it, deciding that it wasn't interesting enough to go to page 2 and putting it back in the envelope.

Carmy · Nov 8, 2007

Horrible thought, Waylander, but it's true.

According to some publishers they look at only the first half page.

Toothpaste · Nov 8, 2007

Yup, cover letter, synopsis and first three chapters. I had a pitch paragraph in my letter, but I'm not sure if it made much of a difference. Here's a solid article of what is expected: (they refer to publishers not agents, but it is the same thing) http://www.bloomsbury.com/WritersArea/Typescript.asp?&BLI=

waylander · Nov 9, 2007

Carmy said:
Horrible thought, Waylander, but it's true.

According to some publishers they look at only the first half page.

See US agent Jenny Rappaport's blog for some recent examples of how much she reads of requested partials http://litsoup.blogspot.com/

ILove2Write · Nov 26, 2007

Thanks everyone!

UK query letter different than US?

ILove2Write

Jaws has nightmares too

Carmy

waylander

Who's going for a beer?

SecretScribe

waylander

Who's going for a beer?

Carmy

Toothpaste

THE RECKLESS RESCUE is out now!

waylander

Who's going for a beer?

ILove2Write

Jaws has nightmares too