How to Write a Letter to a Publisher

Writing a letter to a publisher requires organization, concise details, and proofreading.

Writing a letter to a publisher involves a step-by-step process of drafting, reading, and revising. Your letter is your first impression, so it is important to deliver clear, concise content. Small mistakes or poor organization can cut off lines of communication. These steps will help you write an effective letter.

Instructions

Create a Proper Salutation

1. Write an appropriate salutation to begin the letter.

   If you know the publisher's name, you might write, "Dear Mr./Mrs. Smith," but if you don't know the name, you may write "Dear Publisher."

2. Write an effective introduction.

   In the first line, include your name and the reason you are writing. Next, give a broad introduction of the work you want to send to the publisher. For example:

   My name is Joe Jones and I am writing with interest in sending my manuscript, "Dublin," for your consideration. The manuscript is a novella set in 1972 Dublin and details the life of a working class family.

3. Tell the publisher any important details about your prior publishing experience. List other publications, awards, or credentials that will give merit to the work before the publisher sees it. For example:

   "My work has been published in national literary journals, and my manuscript was chosen as a semi-finalist in the SLS Fiction Contest."

4. Close the letter by thanking the publisher for his or her time. Then, include all the necessary information he or she will need to contact you back. Close with a goodwill ending. For example:

   "Thank you for your time and consideration. I can be reached during business hours at the number below, or via email at any time. I look forward to your response."

5. Print and proofread your letter thoroughly. Read it aloud to catch errors and mistakes. Use the pencil or pen to mark any corrections, and use the dictionary and thesaurus to revise awkward phrases or words. Once you've finished, correct the mistakes on the computer and print your letter on quality paper.

Tips & Warnings

• Use as many specific details as you can. Specifics help the reader visualize.

• Read the letter aloud several times to hear the way it flows. A smooth letter is a good letter.

• Have a friend or colleague read the letter for an initial reaction.

• Avoid sending a generic letter to many publishers at once. Publishers can tell when a letter is not specifically written to their publishing house or company. Instead, find out all you can about the specific publisher and make sure your manuscript caters to his or her interests.

References

• How to Write a Query Letter to Attract a Publisher's Interest!
• How to Write a Query

Resources

• Letter Writing Guide