How To Write A Cover Letter

One of the most frequently asked questions I receive from ghostwriting clients who are looking to become authors is, how do I write a cover letter? And, since I have now ventured into the world of publishing myself, I felt it necessary to go over the basics of what an acceptable cover letter looks like. 

Even though, what is acceptable and unacceptable to publishers and literary agents changes as frequently as a hygienic person changes their underwear. The one thing, throughout my fifteen year career as a ghostwriter, that has not really changed that much is the cover letter.  This is one of the most crucial elements to presenting yourself as a writer with potential to a publishing editor or literary agent. Much like the strength of your handshake and your appearance at a job interview. It will, and should, tell them in a brief summary everything they need to know about you as a writer and what you are trying to sell through them. Also, your enthusiasm for the project. And last, but not least, why you believe they are the best person or company to sell you and your product. Because when you boil it all down, you and your brainchild are a business with inventory that you are trying to move in large quantities. I know that writing is a form of art that we spend painstaking hours pouring our blood, sweat and tears into, in hopes that people will receive a higher message that will resonate with them on some deeper level. However, at the end of the day, all a publisher or literary agent is going to be concerned with is whether or not it will sell copy. 

So, the first thing you need to do is sell yourself.  The best way to do this is to craft your author bio. This will be similar to what you will see on the back cover of a paperback or in the insert of the dust jacket on a hardback novel. It does not have to be very extensive or detailed. However, it must contain a summary of how you got started and if you have published anything previously. Also, if you have already begun to build some kind of a platform for yourself as an author already before presenting yourself to them, and how many people are following you. This will help to show how passionate you are about yourself as a writer and the craft itself. Plus, showcasing how well your passion connects with an audience. 

The next thing you will need to do is sell your story. Write a short synopsis of what your novel is about, as well as a brief summary of how you believe the story will resonate with an audience. Also, if you have employed beta readers of any kind and their thoughts on your work.

Finally, tell them why you have chosen them specifically. This is the time where you show them you have done your research on them as a company or an agent. Much like what you would do for a job interview, once again. Showing how you have taken interest in them, as well as your knowledge of the industry. Thus, telling the agent or publisher you are serious about moving forward with your career as an author because you took the time to make an informed decision, which ultimately led you to them. Another great way of doing this is to be sure that you address the cover letter to the specific editor or agent you are trying to pitch yourself and your manuscript to. The quickest way to get a rejection before they even look at you right manuscript is to address the letter “To whom it may concern,” or addressing it directly to the company itself. It shows them you did not care enough about yourself to make a good impression, so therefore they should not care that much about you or what you are trying to sell them.

In closing, remember your appearance may capture their attention, but it is your personality that will capture their heart. So above all things you must do when presenting your craft and your passion for it to either a publisher or agent, is be yourself! Allow your unique brand of you to shine through in your cover letter. For it is through honesty that you will truly sell yourself, not only to them, but to your readers.

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