Query letter vs. Cover letter

stargazer11 · Aug 1, 2012

Hello everyone,

I know what a query letter is and whats supposed to be in it, but when an agent says, please submit a cover letter with a synopsis, what information does a cover letter need to have?

Very few agents actually say, send a cover compared to a query.

Thanks...

Siri Kirpal · Aug 1, 2012

Sat Nam! (literally "Truth Name"--a Sikh greeting)

I'm guessing that means you would include the book basics (title, genre, wordcount, etc.), your bio, and probably an elevator pitch, plus the synopsis.

Hopefully someone with more knowledge will show up.

Blessings,

Siri Kirpal

Old Hack · Aug 1, 2012

In America, query letters are the norm.

In the UK, cover letters are more usual.

Cover letters go something like this:

Dear Agent

I am seeking representation for my crime novel, The Haunting Of AbsoluteWrite. It's complete at 278,000 words, and I enclose the first three chapters and a synopsis for your consideration.

I've not had full-length works published but I have written a handful of articles for Pet Rabbit Monthly.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Many thanks

Aspiring Writer.

Only of course yours would be more interesting and less silly.

katci13 · Aug 1, 2012

What Old Hack said. It's just something that briefly explains your story addressed to the agent (or publisher) from yourself.

Miss Plum · Aug 3, 2012

katci13 said:
What Old Hack said. It's just something that briefly explains your story addressed to the agent (or publisher) from yourself.

Yes. It's never good business practice in any industry to dump a package in the mail without at least a perfunctory explanatory note. "Per our discussion, I'm enclosing the notes for Project X. Sincerely, Joe Blow."

stargazer11 · Aug 4, 2012

Thanks guys...

Debbie V · Aug 6, 2012

In the US, the term cover letter applies to any letter accompanying something else. A query letter is a letter asking a question, "Are you interested in X?" The cover letter goes with all or part of X. Both contain almost the same info.

Query letter vs. Cover letter

stargazer11

Siri Kirpal

Swan in Process

Old Hack

Such a nasty woman

katci13

creative genie

Miss Plum

stargazer11

Debbie V

Mentoring Myself and Others