Your query is the first, and sometimes last, impression you’ll make with an editor and you want to leave a GOOD memory. You should be YOU and honest, but not so honest that you become abrasive. Don’t try to tell the editor his/her job or try to convince them how foolish they would be to let you slip away. Don’t make unreasonable demands (making demands is not a cool idea to begin with) or refuse to cooperate with the editor if they ask for re-writes or such. Expect to be asked for website, social media user names, and any samples or tear sheets you have available. If the editor thinks of taking a chance on you, they want to know that there is indeed something to take a chance on. Follow submission directions as closely as possible, the rules DO apply to you.
Know who you are addressing when you send a query letter – get the correct spelling and title. Don’t be too familiar, unless an editor tells you to call her by the first name, don’t. Introduce yourself, don’t just give URL’s to reference, make the information easy and accessible. Tell the editor why you can be trusted to write about the topic you chose. Make sure the editor/publishing house is interested in the type of writing you are offering, if the publishing company doesn’t publish poetry, don’t submit a book of poems, And if the editor decides to give you a chance, be very sure you meet the deadlines and parameters you’ve been given.
Try to avoid phrases like these in your query letter:
“My book is like a lot of bestselling novels, it’s guaranteed to make the News York Times Best Seller List…”
“I don’t know if you will like my story but a lot of my friends say it would make a good book…”
“I know you don’t publish (specific genre) books, but this one is too good to pass up…”
“I am in the middle of writing my first novel about (whatever). If you like this story and are willing to offer me an advance of 50-thousand dollars, I can have this completed in the next three months…”
These are actual examples of query letters that have landed in the garbage.
There is a big difference between self-confidence and being too cocky. If you’ve written a book, you are supposed to believe that what you wrote is interesting, entertaining and/or informative. Don’t sound unsure by saying “I think you may like my book…”; that is almost as much of a turn-off as saying “You’re going to love my book…”. Try to be positive without being too egotistical. Also limit the audience suggestion, don’t expect that everyone will love your book – you can suggest that (for example) “women over 30 re-entering the work force…” will find the topic interesting.
Filling your query letter with lots of misspellings and poor grammar won’t give your potential publisher a warm, fuzzy feeling about you. Proofread your query, your cover letter and work submitted and catch those errors. Telling a potential publisher your expectations of a high advance, personal secretary, plans (at their expense) for a worldwide book tour and television appearances on popular talk shows are definite turn-offs. By the way, most publishers, even many of the big houses, will expect you to take a very active role in promotions and could even want to see a well thought out marketing and promotions plan.
Publishers will often tell you that you can expect a reply within a specified time period. Give them that time and don’t harass with phone calls or subsequent letters; however if that time period has lapsed and you haven’t heard anything, then a simple polite inquiry is not out of line (trust me, a requested manuscript went to the spam folder and my follow-up note brought it to the publisher’s attention, it was published shortly after). Lastly, do NOT send a nasty retort to a rejection letter – word and reputation does get around.
Writing exercise: It’s Valentine’s Day, write a love letter to one of your characters from YOU; write a second love letter to that same character from another character in your story.
Writing prompt: Choose any three characters (from your book or another you’ve read) and make a brief list for each of a perfect birthday celebration.
