Professionalism

[mrissa]

When someone asks to see the full manuscript on your children's book, the cover letter should probably not read, "Dear ladylady: Here is my book what you asked for. I'm writing another book. Please buy this one. Hugs and kisses, M'ris." Right?

Well, damn. Back to the drawing board, then.

Perhaps if I replaced "M'ris" with "Marissa K. Lingen?" Still no?

Sigh.

Comments

[fiddledragon]

What about something like:

"Dear Ms. So-And-So,

Please find enclosed the manuscript you requested. I look forward to discussing my manuscript further with you.

As you have found this book of particular interest, you may want to know of my current work in progress: <insert title here and maybe a quick one sentence synopsis>

Thank you for your time and effort,

Marrisa K Lingen"

[mrissa.livejournal.com]

I'd probably spell my name right, though.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Yeah, I know that that's the general good form of cover letter. "Thanks for your consideration, sincerely, etc." I just don't like cover letters much. Or synopses. They are my least favorite part of a generally cool job.

[fiddledragon]

pbthth ;)

I hate cover letters myself - it's my most hated part of looking for a new job. So I hear ya :)

[fiddledragon]

Oh and congrats that they want to look at your book closer - and good luck!

[mrissa.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

It should read "Dear Sir or Ladylady."

B

[mrissa.livejournal.com]

No, I have a specific person asking to see it, and I know she's a Ladylady."

Otherwise the proper address would be "Dear Misterman or Ladylady," I thought, but maybe that's a little formal for this situation.

[dd-b.livejournal.com]

I'd think that one departs from the boilerplate at one's peril in this situation. "Dear Editor, here is my book. Please buy it. Sincerely, etc."

[mrissa.livejournal.com]

My standard boilerplate cover letter has publication credits in it, but she's already heard them in the query letter, so I don't really want to bang her on the head with them. "Did I mention I was in Analog? Huh? Did I? Cause I was. In Analog, I mean. In case you didn't know I was. In Analog. Right then."

I have just now printed out a rather short letter, but better that than babbly, I hope.

[chance88088.livejournal.com]

I think it would be fine if you changed "kisses" to "smoochies"

(and good luck!)

[buymeaclue.livejournal.com]

Smoochies are for after she buys it. Gotta give her some incentive!

[ksumnersmith.livejournal.com]

No, it really shouldn't. You're missing a key piece. It should be edited to read:

I'm writing another book. Please buy this one, and then that other one, too.

Yep, that should about cover it.

[beth-bernobich.livejournal.com]

Oh hey, that cover letter works for me. :)

But I do like chance's addition. Buy more, dear ladylady! Buy them all!

[beth-bernobich.livejournal.com]

Erk. That should read ksumnersmith's addition.

Sorry. No sleep last night. Not enough coffee.

[mrissa.livejournal.com]

Fortunately or unfortunately for me, no one editor is likely to be able to buy them all. I write picture books, children's books, YAs, and adult (for me the important thing is the speculative conceit, not the target age range), so no matter how lovely an editor is, I still have to find more of them.

[beth-bernobich.livejournal.com]

Picky, picky. The nice ladylady should buy them all, I say.

*scatters bon-bons in celebration*

Sorry. I'm very short on sleep, and therefore more giddy than usual.

[tanaise.livejournal.com]

hmm. then maybe you should say, "Please buy this one or I'll hafta send you the next one too." Though maybe threats don't belong in cover letters?

[pameladean]

Your suggested letter perfectly sums my attitude towards the entire matter, but my attitude probably should not be let loose upon any editor or publisher.

I think hugs now, though, and kisses if she buys it.

Pamela

[dendrophilous.livejournal.com]

Wroks for me, but maybe "Please buy them both". :)

[flewellyn.livejournal.com]

If I were a publisher, I would LOVE this kind of cover letter.

I think this is among many reasons why I am not a publisher. :-)