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| Photo: Neonbrand |
Most writers would never send an unprofessional letter to an agent or a publisher. They know that if they want to get published it's important to craft a thoughtful, considerate query letter.
Below is an email that I received. This letter is an example of what you should not do if you want to publish a book.
Dear Sir/Mam,
I want to get published my Novella (38600 words). I want my book online and in paperback as well. I need free publication with you. If you will publish my book without any cost please let me know the procedure for publishing.
Best Regards
Let's look at some of the problems with the letter which I've highlighted in red.
Dear Sir/Mam,
I want to get published my Novella (38600 words). I want my book online and in paperback as well. I need free publication with you. If you will publish my book without any cost please let me know the procedure for publishing.
Best Regards
Here are my thoughts.
Do not: address the query to sir or mam.
Do: personalize the query with the agent's name.
Do not: declare that you want to get published. It's obvious and shouldn't be stated.
Do: be polite and tell the agent that you are submitting your book for her consideration.
Do not: omit the title of your book.
Do not: tell the agent how you want your work published.
Do not: mention that you need free publication.
Do not: query an editorial consultant to publish your book.
I get the feeling that he has sent out this identical letter to a multitude of editors. (Hint, it's not been personally addressed). I feel the urgency that he has in wanting to meet his goal. But he doesn't know the first thing about pitching his book. And it's a shame because he'll be met with disappointment. It's kind of sad. He has crafted the perfect letter that will prevent him from getting what it is he so desperately seeks.
✌ and ♥
https://www.writersdigest.com/publishing-insights/how-to-write-successful-queries-for-any-genre-of-writing#.XjLaCeI1Itc.linkedin
Please follow me on Twitter and RT my pitches on October 29th for #PBPitch (and I'll reciprocate) https://twitter.com/RandiLynnMrvos
Do not: omit the title of your book.
Do: give the title along with the genre, word count, and a description of the book. Include comparative titles and a short bio.
Do not: tell the agent how you want your work published.
Do: have a conversation about ways to market your book when you land an agent.
Do not: mention that you need free publication.
Do: be aware that when you submit to an agent, you should pay no fees. She will earn a percentage of the sales if your book is published.
Do not: query an editorial consultant to publish your book.
Do: know that an editorial consultant can help you polish your work, but they have little power to put your book in print.
I get the feeling that he has sent out this identical letter to a multitude of editors. (Hint, it's not been personally addressed). I feel the urgency that he has in wanting to meet his goal. But he doesn't know the first thing about pitching his book. And it's a shame because he'll be met with disappointment. It's kind of sad. He has crafted the perfect letter that will prevent him from getting what it is he so desperately seeks.
✌ and ♥
https://www.writersdigest.com/publishing-insights/how-to-write-successful-queries-for-any-genre-of-writing#.XjLaCeI1Itc.linkedin
Please follow me on Twitter and RT my pitches on October 29th for #PBPitch (and I'll reciprocate) https://twitter.com/RandiLynnMrvos
