How to Write a Cover Letter for a Manuscript
When sending off your manuscript to a publisher or agent, it is important to have a cover letter. The cover letter introduces you and your project. As the cover letter makes your first impression, it is important to write it properly and professionally. A poorly formatted or written cover letter is sure to get your manuscript put in the rejection pile or the trash. Writing a cover letter for your manuscript is not difficult, however. With a little time and attention, your cover letter will pique the interest of a publisher.
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Instructions
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Format properly. Before you even begin writing your cover letter, it must be formatted properly. Margins should be consistent on all sides, preferably 1" but no less than .7". Use a monotype font such as Courier, as it is easy to read. Single-space your cover letter, even though your manuscript will be double-spaced. Use a "ragged" or unjustified format.
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Include the basics. Your cover letter should be written like any other business cover letter. Type your name, mailing address, phone number, and email address in the upper left-hand corner. Skip one line, then type the date. Skip another line, then type the name, title, business name, and mailing address of the person to whom you are writing.
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Get to the point quickly. Do not waste the editor's, publisher's, or agent's time with your personal story or a summary of your manuscript. Skip immediately to what you want.
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Include specific information, such as the title of your submission, approximately how many words it is, and which publication it is intended for. Remember that the editor or agent has to read a lot of submissions for a number of different projects. Make the person's job easier by being as specific as possible.
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Reference previous publications. If you have previous relevant publications, note them in your cover letter. If you have been published in off-topic publications, reference those, but only if you have no relevant credits.
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Note whether you want your manuscript back. Your final comment should be about the return of your manuscript. In the digital age, few people need to have their manuscripts returned. Make notes about whether or not you need to have your manuscript sent back to you.
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