children's book submission cover letter

Everything You Need To Know About Children’s Book Submissions: Guidelines, Cover Letter Examples & Format

Are you an aspiring children's book author? If so, you may be wondering how to go about submitting your work to publishers. It can be tricky to know where to start, but don't worry - we're here to help!

In this article, we'll provide you with all the information you need to know about submitting your manuscript, including guidelines, cover letter examples, and format. So whether you're a first-time author or have experience in the publishing world, read on for valuable advice and tips!

What to Include in A Children's Book Submission

Getting a children's book published is no easy feat. In addition to a well-crafted story, publishers are looking for submissions that meet their specific guidelines. When preparing a children's book submission, it is important to include the following materials:

• A cover letter that introduces you and your work
• A brief synopsis of the story, including the ending
• A detailed description of the illustrations, including sample sketches or completed artwork
• An estimate of the word count and/or page count of the finished book
• Information about your target audience and how you plan to market the book

Including all of these materials will give publishers a better sense of your work and whether it is a good fit for their company. However, it is also important to format your submission correctly and avoid any common mistakes.

Guidelines for Submitting a Manuscript

While the specific guidelines for submitting a children's book will vary from publisher to publisher, there are some general tips that can help increase your chances of getting your work accepted.

First and foremost, it is important to make sure that your manuscript is well-written and error-free. In addition, it is often helpful to include illustrations or photographs with your submission, as this can give publishers a better sense of your work.

Finally, be sure to research each publisher's submission guidelines carefully before sending in your work; following the instructions to the letter will show that you are a professional and serious about getting your book published.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of having your children's book published.

Never take the one size fits all approach when it comes to submitting your work. If a publisher requests a specific type of submission, make sure you comply with their guidelines.

The Cover Letter & Examples

Cover letters can be tricky business, but they're essential when submitting any book manuscript. A good cover letter will introduce you and your work, while also providing an overview of the story and its themes.

In addition, the cover letter is a great opportunity to sell your book to the publisher and explain why you think it would be a good fit for their company .

Here are some tips for writing a successful cover letter:

• Be sure to address the letter to a specific person, if possible
• Include a brief overview of your work, including the title, word count and genre
• Explain why you think your book would be a good fit for the publisher
• Keep the letter short and to the point - no more than one page
• If you have any previous publishing experience, be sure to mention it
• End the letter with a professional closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Best Regards"
• By following these tips, you can write a cover letter that will help sell your book to publishers.

Now that we've gone over what to include in your submission and how to format it, let's take a look at some examples:

Children's Book Submission Cover Letter Example 1

Dear [Publisher Name],

I am writing to submit my children's book, [Title], for your consideration.

[Title] is a [word count]-word story that follows the adventures of [main character name(s)]. It is geared towards readers aged [target age range].

In addition to the manuscript, I have also included [number] illustrations that give a taste of the book's visual style.

I believe that [Title] would be a great fit for your company, and I am confident that readers will fall in love with [main character name(s)].

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

[Your name]

[Your contact information]

Children's Book Submission Cover Letter Example 2

I am writing to submit my children's book, [title], for your consideration. This book is appropriate for ages [age range].

[Brief synopsis of the book.]

I have attached the first three chapters and a summary of the rest of the story for your review. I am confident that you will find my book to be a perfect fit for your publishing house.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Children's Book Submission Cover Letter Example 3

To [Publisher Name],

Please find my children's book submission, [title], enclosed.

[Number of words] words in length, it is a [age group] book about [subject].

I have been writing/ illustrating children's books for [number of years/ since ___. ]

My work has been published in [magazines or other places you've been published].

Thank you for your time.

Formatting Your Manuscript

When submitting a children's book, it is important to follow the specific guidelines of the publisher you are targeting. These guidelines will vary from company to company, but there are some general formatting rules that apply to all submissions.

For example, your manuscript should be double-spaced and have a one-inch margin all the way around. The font should be 12-point Times New Roman, Courier, or Arial.

As for the length of your manuscript, that will depend on the age group you are writing for. Most picture books are 32 pages long, while middle-grade books are usually between 40,000 and 55,000 words.

Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines. Make sure to check the specific submission requirements of the publisher you have in mind.

Why Not Outsource Editing And Formatting Your Book?

Editing a book is no easy feat. Not only do you have to make sure the story is flowing well, but you also need to make sure the grammar and punctuation are spot on. If you're not confident in your editing skills, it's always a good idea to get a second opinion. And that's where Fiverr comes in.

Fiverr is an online marketplace where you can find freelancers to help with all sorts of tasks, including editing and formatting books.

Whether you need someone to do a quick proofread or a more comprehensive edit, you're sure to find a Fiverr seller who can meet your needs. And best of all, the prices are very affordable.

Who Should I Send My Manuscript To? Publishers Accepting Children's Book Submissions

You can check out this list of literary agents and agencies who work with children's book publishers:

• 10 Best Literary Agents for Children’s Books

What to Do After You Submit Your Manuscript

After you submit your manuscript, the publishing process begins. Learn more about what to expect after you submit your book manuscript.

Publishers typically evaluate a book proposal and then send a letter of intent (LOI) to the author. The LOI outlines the terms under which the publisher is interested in publishing the book. If the author agrees to these terms, he or she will then sign a book contract with the publisher.

Upon signing a contract, the publisher will assign an editor to work with the author on polishing and perfecting the manuscript. The editor may also suggest changes to help make the book more marketable. Once the manuscript is finalized, it goes into production and is ready for release.

Common Mistakes Authors Make When Submitting Their Book

"To whom it may concern"

Many authors make the same mistakes when submitting their book for publication. One of the most common is beginning the cover letter with "To whom it may concern." While this may seem like a polite way to address the editor, it actually shows a lack of research.

It's important to personalize each cover letter, and addressing the editor by name shows that you've taken the time to learn about who will be reading your work.

Contact info

Another common mistake is forgetting to include contact information. While it may seem obvious, many authors forget to include their email address, phone number, or social media accounts (if necessary).

This makes it difficult for the editor to get in touch with you if they're interested in your book.

Publisher-specific guidelines

Finally, many authors make the mistake of not following submission guidelines. Each publisher has different guidelines, so it's important to read through them carefully before sending in your work.

*Forgetting to follow these guidelines can result in your book being automatically rejected.

By following these tips, you can avoid making common mistakes and increase your chances of getting published. Good luck!

About The Author

Arielle Phoenix

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Submission Guidelines

Annick Press is currently accepting submissions of picture books, early chapter books, middle grade fiction, YA fiction, graphic novels, and non-fiction for kids of all ages. We also encourage illustrators to submit their portfolios for consideration. Our books aim to empower readers, open minds, and create a lifelong love of reading. They feature contemporary themes (even if the setting is historical) and center kids’ perspectives and experiences.

We are committed to publishing diverse authors and illustrators. In considering submissions, we prioritize creators whose perspectives have historically been excluded from children’s publishing. This includes but is not limited to LGBTQ2SIA+ creators, Black creators, Indigenous creators, creators of color, creators living with disabilities, and anyone living at the intersections of these identities. Click here to read about our Editorial Mentorship Program for writers. 

As an independent Canadian publisher, Annick works primarily with Canadian creators; however, we are open to working with authors and illustrators from around the world. Please let us know if you are Canadian when sending in your work! 

In addition to reading our guidelines, we encourage all prospective authors and illustrators to take a look at our  current catalogs to see if your work might be a fit for us. 

Due to the high volume of manuscripts we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every submission. If we would like to follow up with you about your submission, we will respond within six months of receipt. Please do not send snail mail or paper submissions. If you have any accessibility needs when submitting, please reach out to [email protected] and we will work with you to find an accommodation.  

We can’t wait to see your work!

Picture Books

The picture books that excite us most combine original ideas with strong storytelling. We look for submissions where children are the main drivers of the story and/or explore ideas in ways that have inherent appeal for kids. We love stories told from unique perspectives that tap into deeper issues and emotions, conveying poignant messages without being didactic.

We welcome non-fiction ideas for picture books too; these can be a great way to introduce very young readers to engaging topics that are relevant to their experiences. Non-fiction does not have to be strictly educational: we look for ideas that have appeal and will capture young readers’ imaginations. 

Generally, we prefer to receive the manuscript alone, without accompanying illustrations. We do want to know however, if your idea includes a visual narrative to accompany the text, which will help us assess it. We also welcome general suggestions for the art that you’d like us to be aware of when reviewing your manuscript. Our picture books tend to be 32 pages and no longer than 1000 words.

Please submit your full manuscript and cover letter as .docx or .pdf attachments to [email protected] .

Early Reader Chapter Books

Annick is excited to have recently started publishing more chapter books for early readers, ages 6–9. We’re looking for submissions on topics that will resonate with readers of this age group, either with series potential or intended as standalone stories. We’re looking for emotionally resonant, thought-provoking stories with accessible, authentic, and age-appropriate language and vocabulary. We love stories that explore the interpersonal dynamics relevant to readers this age, that ask questions and encourage self-reflection.

The typical length of our early chapter books ranges from about 7,000–10,000 words. Submissions can be either a complete manuscript or sample chapter(s) with a story outline. If you are pitching a series, please consider including subsequent story ideas in your submission.

Middle Grade Fiction

Annick’s middle reader novels aim to engage kids with exciting stories that inspire deep thought and reflection. We’re looking for original stories with motivated characters, high stakes, and gripping action, even if it’s delivered in subtle form. Humor, even if used occasionally, is an asset. The typical length of our middle reader novels is 20,000–40,000 words.

Please submit your first chapter, synopsis and cover letter as .docx or .pdf attachments to [email protected].

Young Adult Fiction

Annick’s YA fiction features distinctive contemporary voices that wrestle with the big issues that matter to teens. We’re looking for powerful, dramatic, thought-provoking stories across most sub-genres, though the best way to determine if your manuscript might be a fit for us is to check out a few of our recent teen titles. Our YA novels tend to range from 50,000–70,000 words.

Please submit your first chapter, synopsis and cover letter as .docx or .pdf attachments to [email protected] .

Annick publishes a small, select list of comics (aka graphic novels) for young readers. We define comics as any story told with panels. They can be early readers, middle grade, or YA. They can be fiction or non-fiction, series or stand-alone.

You do not need to have experience in comics making to submit to Annick. We are committed to helping new voices find a place in the publishing world—many of our most successful comics are by creators who had never made a story more than a few pages long before publishing with us. Most of our books are made by creators who are both the writer and the illustrator, but we are open to submissions of just text manuscripts, comic artist portfolios for consideration to be paired with an author, or author-illustrator teams who already work together. 

Please send your submission to [email protected] , and make sure your name is included in the name of each file you send.

Artist/illustrator or team:

• Story outline. This should succinctly tell the entire story: beginning, middle, and end. (1–2 pages in .pdf or .docx)
• Cover letter. Describe what you hope to accomplish creating this book, why it’s a good fit for Annick, and a little about you. (1-page .pdf or .docx)
• Thumbnails. (20 sequential pages, .pdf, do not exceed 20 MB)
• Art samples. These could be fully rendered panels of current project proposal or previous work. It could be paneled or not, but it should be representative of the book you want us to publish. (5–10 pages, .pdf, do not exceed 20 MB)

Writer only: 

• Sample pages. In the format you would intend to deliver work to artists. (10 pages, .pdf or .docx)

Artist only: 

• Cover letter. Describe what kinds of books you are interested in working on and a little about you. (1-page .pdf or .docx)
• Art samples. These can be any combination of sketches, thumbnails, and final art, but at least half of the samples should be fully rendered paneled pages, and should reflect whatever styles you are interested in working in. (10–20 pages, .pdf, do not exceed 20 MB)

Non-Fiction

Annick’s non-fiction titles aim to hook readers with fascinating subject matter, appealing to their natural sense of wonder. These books give kids a solid foundation of facts while encouraging critical thinking and allowing them to draw their own conclusions. We’re looking for manuscripts (picture book, middle grade or YA) that combine an original idea with engaging storytelling, a distinctive voice and dedication to accuracy. Show us your passion for the material and the little-known details that will captivate kids and encourage further exploration. We encourage submissions on wide-ranging topics, including science and technology, historical events, and contemporary social issues as they relate to the reader’s world and beyond. Our non-fiction titles aim to be highly visual, with photographs and/or illustrations to complement the text. We recommend a maximum word count of 1000 words for non-fiction picture book manuscripts and 10,000–15,000 words for middle grade and YA.

For picture book non-fiction submissions, your full manuscript and cover letter as .docx or .pdf attachments to [email protected] .

For middle grade and YA non-fiction submissions, please submit a sample chapter, detailed outline, and cover letter as .docx or .pdf attachments to [email protected] .

Illustrators

We’re keen to see portfolios that demonstrate stylistic range, expressive characters, and visual storytelling. Don’t forget to include illustrations of kids! Please send sample images or a link to your portfolio, along with a few words about yourself, to [email protected] .

How to Write and Publish Children's Books

How to Write a Picture Book Query

There’s a picture book query question that comes up a lot. All of your query letter for picture book questions, answered here!

Melanie phrases the question quite well:

I have a query letter for picture book question about the slush piles. Due to the extremely short nature of the manuscripts do you always read the entire manuscript for picture books or do you base it on the picture book query letter with them? It’s my impression that since whole manuscripts are sent for picture book queries the letter is more of a cover letter, rather than trying to hook interest with a bit of the plot because the entire thing is there with the letter.

Melanie is completely right. Since most agents ask that the picture book manuscript be included in the submission, writing a really meaty query letter, especially for that short a manuscript seems a bit silly. When I see a picture book query done well — and when I write my own picture book pitches, in fact — it’s usually very simple.

Picture Book Query Sample

I’ve had a book by Katie Van Camp and illustrated by Lincoln Agnew called Harry and Horsie on my recommended reading list for a while. It’s an example of a great picture book with an outside-the-box friendship hook. If you haven’t picked it up yet, I’m sorry for you, because you’re missing out.

If I were writing a query for HARRY AND HORSIE, it would read something like this:

Harry and plush toy, Horsie, are the best of friends. One night, Harry is trying out his bubble-making machine when one of his bubbles swallows Horsie and hoists him into outer space! Harry has to rescue his best friend — and go on a wild space adventure — before returning safely home. A quirky picture book with a great friendship hook, spare text and retro-style illustration, HARRY AND HORSIE is sure to blast your imagination into the stratosphere! This is a simultaneous submission. You will find the full manuscript of XXX words pasted below (or “enclosed”). I look forward to hearing from you and appreciate your consideration.

Easy peasy. No need to write an elaborate children’s picture book query letter. Just present the main characters, the main problem, and the resolution, then work in a hook (“great friendship hook,” above), and sign off like you normally would with a book query letter . This is the perfect query letter formula.

How to Get A Picture Book Literary Agent

The query should be short and compelling. Then just paste the picture book manuscript. If you are an author/illustrator, include a link to an online portfolio where the agent or editor can browse your illustrations (more on how to find a literary agent for children’s books here). Do not include attachments unless the agent requests to see more illustrations or to see a dummy. Be prepared to show additional picture book manuscripts, because agents will frequently want to see more than one. (More thoughts on writing great children’s books, including read aloud picture books here.)

If you’d like personalized help with your own picture book query, or your entire manuscript, hire me as your picture book editor .

52 Replies to “How to Write a Picture Book Query”

Thank you so much for this post! Very helpful!!

I know that “it was all a dream” is not an acceptable premise for a PB, but can the main character have a dream which helps her change her attitude and thus solve her own problem? (It’s actually a weird/humorous dream.)

Thanks, Mary, for focusing on picture book queries today.

I often find it helpful to imagine that I am writing the copy for a catalogue synopsis or the back cover or jacket flap. Others have advised writing the query letter like a book review, but that feels too self-promoting to me.

By the way, I noticed your sample letter didn’t address the age range of the target audience. I thought this information was expected by agents and editors, along with word count and genre. Is it unnecessary, in your opinion?

Good to know! This post answered a question I had rolling around in my head.

Do you think the picture book market is easier to get into rather than the MG or YA market?

This is a great post Mary. I especially love the pb query with a hook. But alas, I still don’t find queries easy, even if the manuscript is under 500 words!

Excellent post, thanks a lot!

Thanks for the picture book post, Mary. I can never seem to find enough information/advice on picture books. Great post! Hope your trip is productive.

Okay, got Harry and Horsie on hold at my library. If it’s as good as you say it is, I’ll be buying a copy!

Thanks for all the great advice you slapped down during your Webinar. Enjoy Baaaaston. I’ve never been, but it looks like a beautiful city – kind of reminds me of San Fran from what I’ve seen on the tube. Not that I watch the tube as I am busy writing and NOT watching.

Great post and example – always appreciate an example!

I am new to your website and it looks like I found you on just the right day! I always wonder about the query and if it helps or hinders my manuscript. I am still wondering… do you read the query first or the manuscript first? Do you suggest the author sells herself in the query or just the book? Also, in your opinion, how many words should a picture book be? It seems like the number of words is shrinking and shrinking…EEK! Thanks for your expertise and advice. I’m so glad I found you 🙂

Perfect timing! I got out of bed this morning with one item on my To Do list: “Research cover letters for email picture book submissions.” Done! Now I can kick back and rela–I mean, get back to work with fresh energy!! Actually, one question: Should this email contain any personal/professional info about me, the author? Or is this all about the story?

Thanks for the comment. Just learned at the KS-SCBWI conference to include the resolution of a PB in the query…not a tease. Glad to be getting that confirmation here as well!

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Muchas gracias, that was very helpful! Don’t see too many examples of PB queries online, so this one is uber-valuable to us!

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Just found your blog and this post. . .very, very helpful! I plan to visit often. Thank you!

I love this! It is one of the best posts I have come across. I have a question though. The manuscript of my book doesn’t explain the pictures. The pictures tell what shenanigans this funny girl is getting into while the manuscript is all the funny excuses that she gives her mom. How would I submit this? For my crits I have put a description of the picture in parentheses to the side of the text. I’m just not sure if that would be acceptable for an agent or for a query. Any advice?

this is awesome! thank you for this post! i’m writing a query right now for my picture book and needed some guidance 🙂

I’ve always heard that a query should be letter-perfect. Did you intentionally leave the typo to see if we were paying attention–or are editors no longer so picky?

I just found this, thanks to a July 2010 post at The Graceful Doe. This PB-specific type of information can be challenging to find, so thank you!

I too have a question about pictures, as my manuscript is just text. I assume it should plow ahead with a similar outline and just skip the part describing the pictures?

Helpful post and example – thanks!

Thanks so much, Mary! Short, sweet and to the point…something many of us have a problem doing…especially when writing query letters. I’m in the process of one right now and I’m glad to have found your post.

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An agency I’m interested in submitting to allows two picture book manuscripts per submission, does that mean that I SHOULD include two manuscripts? The book I’m submitting is the first in (hopefully) a series. I’ve finished the first two books, but also have another manuscript that is completely different from the series. What is your opinion?

Do you have any suggestions on how to create an online portfolio, or a site that you would suggest.

I was feeling overwhelmed trying to find info. for PB queries. I will be using your site often. Thank you Mary! :o)

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It does look very easy. But isn’t expected that the letter will also include a brief bio and indication of whether it is a mutiple submission?

Sorry, Howard. That piece of advice is incomplete. You absolutely do want to include a short bio paragraph, a mention that you’re submitting to multiple agents (a very widespread practice but it’s still good to mention), and a breezy sign-off with thanks for their consideration. When I write about queries sometimes, I concentrate so much on the “meat” of the letter that I forget about the other components!

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Hi, Mary, Thanks for this very useful post. I was recently asked if a cover letter is needed for submissions of children’s picture books. I hadn’t thought of this before. I think you just need a query letter – is that the case?

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Hi, I was wondering about illustrations in the manuscript submissions? Would I say within my query that I made the illustrations myself? Would I submit a sample of my illustrations with my query?

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Wonderful advice! Thanks for a great post. 🙂

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Love the sparsity of the query!

What about introductions? How should the opening to the agent/ publisher be addressed? Would the first paragraph include a ‘Dear So and So’?

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Hi. Thanks for the info on the query letter. But what if you don’t have illustrations? Just a manuscript.

You’re welcome to craft the pitch in much the same way, but send only the manuscript (per the submission guidelines—usually copied and pasted in the body of the email). Omit all mention of illustrations. Picture book manuscripts (without illustrations) still sell!

This is very helpful. I am so glad I found your site! 🙂 Thank you!

Is this still what’s recommended ten years later? Thanks!

Absolutely. Query letters haven’t changed in probably 20-30 years, with the exception of now including more data in your bio paragraph.

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Thank you for this post! What I don’t get is how to introduce yourself and lead the first paragraph of the letter to the query itself. It is also not clear how to say why am I writing to exactly this publisher/agent. I mean, sometimes it is easy to say(if half of my bookshelf is full of books by this publisher), but sometimes it is just very difficult.

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• - - Going Deeper: Picture Book Weekend
• - - Level Up
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• - An interview with my agent: Julia Churchill
• - 5 Ways To Improve Your Writing
• - 5 Practical Ways To Grow
• - 10 Ways To Earn From Writing For Children
• - Knowledge is Power
• - Child’s Play
• - Writing a cover letter
• - Picture book tips
• - The Big Idea
• - How to lay out your picture book
• - How to make the most of a critique
• - Goodnight, Sleep Tight
• - Kate Thompson
• - Karen Swann
• - Rachael Davis
• - Jo Clarke
• - Roo Parkin
• - Kate Walker

When you are preparing to submit your finished story to an agent or publisher, it can be rather daunting. First, you need to decide whether you are going to approach an agent, a publisher, or both simultaneously. Once you have decided, you need to write the cover letter to accompany your manuscript – but how do you make the perfect pitch to an agent or publisher?

The importance of a cover letter

This is your introduction to an agent or publisher and an opportunity to concisely provide information about your book and yourself. First impressions count, so make sure it’s brilliant. (No pressure, then). Check there are no errors in the letter, such as spelling or grammatical mistakes and also ensure you have the correct name (and spelling!) of the person you’re writing to. Don’t distract an overworked editor or agent with fancy fonts or gimmicks. Just keep it simple and keep it clear. You want to leave the reader feeling confident that:

• You are familiar with the market and that there could be a place for your book.
• Your book itself will be worth reading.
• You could be a good author to work with (writing credentials aren’t essential for this – just follow submission guidelines, proofread your letter and make the effort to research the publisher/agent and authors they work with).

How to write your letter

Think of your letter as having a beginning, middle and end. There’s no precise formula, as long as everything that needs to be included IS included. A letter might look like this:

Beginning – this introduces yourself and your work. What age group is your book aimed at? Genre? Word count (this shows you know the market, and your word count is appropriate for the age range)? Why have you approached this agent/publisher specifically? It’s fine to submit to several places simultaneously, but out of courtesy, mention if other agents or publishers are also reading your manuscript or whether this publisher/agent has it exclusively.

Are there published books with a style similar style to yours? Mentioning these will not only give agent/publishers a feel of your book and where it might be placed, but it also shows you’ve read widely and are familiar with the market.

If nothing really springs to mind, don’t worry. If you say it’s like Harry Potter and it clearly isn’t, your reader will just think you’re wasting their time.   

Middle – this is your big chance to showcase your book. Write a few lines with the bones of the plot, without revealing everything. If you’re writing a funny book, it can be a good idea to include an element of humour, too.

You can start with a concise pitch, which can help focus your reader’s attention. Using a logline like the ones you see on Netflix descriptions can help. One well-used formula is:

When (inciting incident happens) (character) must (do something) in order to (accomplish something).

There are other ways to communicate the information, however. You could introduce your pitch with a tagline – those witty, concise descriptions (which often come in threes), like the phrases at the bottom of a cinema poster. Or you could include memorable, impactful quotes from your story. Or you could pose questions to the reader.

Look at these examples for my middle-grade debut, The House At The Edge of Magic:

• When pickpocket Nine steals a house ornament which transforms into a full size magical house, she must break the curse which traps the mysterious residents in exchange for her heart’s desire: freedom.
• A witch’s curse. A hidden treasure. A wizard in fluffy slippers. Welcome to the House At The Edge Of Magic.
• Sometimes you are a whisper away from magic without even realising it. When pickpocket Nine accidentally steals a cursed house ornament, her life is about to change. Can she break the curse and secure her own freedom before the clock strikes 15, time runs out and her chance is lost forever?

End – after you have pitched the book itself, let the reader know a little about yourself. Do you have any writing credentials or writing experience? Have you attended writing festivals or courses? Agents like to know you’re capable of producing more than one book, so it’s helpful to give a brief outline of other stories you’ve written or works in progress.

Choosing where to submit

• Research agents – who do they represent? What books do they like? Have you heard of their authors? Follow them on Twitter to see whether this could be the agent for you. Attend webinars or talks where agents are speaking if possible.
• Follow publishers on Twitter, read their blogs, ‘like’ their Facebook page – how well do they promote their authors? Which books do they love at the moment?
• Do the publishers / agents have similar books to yours on their list?
• Do they accept books for your targeted age range? Some don’t accept picture books, or rhyming texts, or fantasy, or young adult books. Always double-check before you submit.
• You can use books or magazines (e.g. Children’s Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook ) to research agents and publishers but always visit their websites for up to date information.
• READ SUBMISSON GUIDELINES – submitting without reading them may lead your story to be rejected.

The road to publication isn’t always easy but with a good submission and a perfect pitch, you stand a far better chance. So good luck and happy submitting!

Sample lette r

Top Secret Location

The Depths of My Imagination

Dear CAREFULLY RESEARCHED NAME INCLUDING PRONOUNS IF APPROPRIATE,

A witch’s curse. A hidden treasure. A wizard in fluffy slippers.

Welcome to The House At The Edge of Magic.

I hope this finds you well. I’m delighted to send you the synopsis and first three chapters of my novel, The House At The Edge of Magic. I heard you speak at a webinar run by SOMEONE where you expressed an interest in funny books and fantasy, so I thought my story might be of interest.

The House At The Edge of Magic is a 30,000-word comic fantasy adventure for middle-grade readers.  When orphan pickpocket Nine plucks a beautiful ornament from someone’s purse, she’s sure her bad luck is about to change. But when her treasure grows into an enormous house full of magic, mystery and ridiculous residents, she learns the house is under a terrible curse. If Nine can break the curse before time runs out, she will be given something in exchange. Something which she longs for with all her heart: freedom. But time is running out, and someone is watching her every move. The race is on.

With flavours of Dianne Wynne-Jones’ Howl’s Moving Castle and Alice in Wonderland , against a backdrop of Oliver Twist , this story has heart, humour and more than a sprinkling of mischief.

This is my first middle-grade book, but I have been writing picture books for several years, and recently attended a Writing Fantasy and Magic course by Amy Sparkes. I am currently working on a chapter book series about a pig-obsessed princess who lives in a sock, and a picture book about Maud the Carrot who decides to rule the world.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope you enjoy it!

Best wishes,

Amy Sparkes

www.amysparkes.co.uk

OPTIONAL FOOTER WITH CONTACT DETAILS

Albert Whitman & Company

Publishing award-winning children's book since 1919.

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Submission Guidelines for Unrepresented Authors

Albert Whitman & Company currently has an open submissions policy. We will read and review un-agented manuscripts and proposals for picture books, middle-grade fiction, and young adult novels. Please read the following instructions carefully. We will not review any submissions that do not follow these guidelines.

Due to the great number of submissions we receive, we cannot respond to individual submissions unless we have further interest. You may assume that after six months we are not interested in publishing your work.

You may send your work to other publishers at the same time. We do not require exclusive submissions.

FOR ALL SUBMISSIONS:

• Include a cover letter in the body of your email (please see individual category guidelines for cover letter tips)
• Include contact information with phone number
• Attach manuscripts as WORD documents (preferred) or PDFs. File sizes cannot be larger than 4MB.
• Subject line must be formatted according to individual category guidelines. Emails that do not use the subject line formatting may not be read.

PICTURE BOOKS:

We are seeking:  Fiction and nonfiction manuscripts for picture books for children ages 1 to 8. Word count:  Up to 1000 words.

Cover letter (in body of email) should include the following:

• Brief description of story
• Short bio mentioning previous publications or other background information relevant to your story
• Please provide titles for up to three comparative books published in the past five years. These should be books that have a similar audience to your book and that you feel will compare with your book in the marketplace. Explain how your manuscript is different from these books.

Important note regarding illustrations:

• It is NOT necessary to provide illustrations with the story text
• If the story is illustrated, we will review text and art separately (Note that we may be interested in the story but not the artwork, or vice versa)
• Send illustrated work in PDF or JPEG attachments. File size not to exceed 4MB.

EMAIL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Send email and attachments to [email protected]
• Subject line should read: “PICTURE BOOK: (story title) by (author name).”

MIDDLE GRADE FICTION:

We are seeking:  Fiction queries and sample pages for middle-grade novels for children up to age 12 . Word count:  Up to 35,000 words .

Query letter (in body of email) should include the following:

• Brief story pitch
• Please provide titles for up to three comparative books published in the past five years. These should be books that have a similar audience to your book and that you feel will compare with your book in the marketplace. Briefly explain how your manuscript is different from these books.

Please include the following sample materials:

• Story synopsis and/or chapter summary
• Full manuscript
• Attach manuscripts as WORD documents (preferred) or PDFs
• Subject line should read: “MIDDLE GRADE: (story title) by (author name).”

YOUNG ADULT FICTION:

We are seeking:  Fiction queries and sample pages for young adult novels for ages 12-18 . Word count:  Up to 70,000 words .

• Subject line should read: “YOUNG ADULT: (story title) by (author name).”

SPECIAL MATERIALS:

Under certain circumstances we will review materials sent through the postal mail. These materials include self-published books and unusual formats that cannot be sent electronically.

• If you wish to send us materials through the mail, please write us at [email protected].

Subject line should read “SPECIAL MATERIALS”

• In your email, please describe your project and what materials you wish to send us
• If your project is of interest, we will respond with further instructions within six weeks. We will not respond otherwise.

Note: Unrequested materials sent to us via postal mail will not be returned. We cannot be responsible for the loss or damage to submissions. Please do not send original/ irreplaceable materials or items of value.

Writing for Children and Teens

A crash course by cynthea liu, anatomy of a cover letter.

• Posted on May 31, 2006 February 26, 2023
• Submissions

As always, people will call cover letters query letters and vice versa. But I’m not going to try to confuse you. I’ll tell you what C LIU thinks what a cover letter is. It’s something you stick on top of your manuscript when the editor or agent has already read your query letter at some point (from an earlier communication) and now you’re following up with more material. You need something to “ cover ” your manuscript.

The anatomy of a cover letter is simple. The beginning of a cover letter is the same as the query letter (with regards to format, headers, etc.,) all the way through The Greeting.

After the greeting, you’ll have…

The combination of Purpose and Closing shouldn’t exceed one or two short paragraphs. You’ll want to keep the letter simple and non-controversial. Why? You want them focused on your brilliant story, not your brilliant cover letter. Purpose

• This is where you’ll remind the editor or agent why you’re communicating with them.
• Thank you for requesting my YA novel MS-TITLE. I have enclosed the first three chapters for your review. (This assumes that’s what the editor and agent asked for.)
• I have enclosed my MG novel MS-TITLE per your request in August (If it’s been a while since they’ve requested it.)
• Thank you for the revision suggestions for my picture book MS-TITLE. I loved your ideas to X and Y, and I have revised accordingly. (It never hurts to flatter if you really mean it, but try not to gush.)
• The closing is a simple thanks or “wrapping up” statement.
• If you haven’t already expressed thanks, you might say, Thank you for your time and consideration. Please note: this is a simultaneous submission.
• If you have already expressed thanks in the purpose, you may say, I look forward to hearing from you. Please note: the exclusive expires on X DATE.

If you don’t know the difference between exclusive and simultaneous submission, read my post, Exclusive Submission or Simultaneous Submission?

• You’ll state what you’re including, like this
• Encl: SASE, ms MS TITLE

A word on personalization

If you’ve had some sort of meaningful interaction with the editor or agent and you feel compelled to personalize the letter, you may. But be careful. Use good judgment. Remember your goal is to get the editor or agent reading your fabulous work, not your cover letter. This isn’t necessarily the time to get all casual or a “let’s hug” kind of friendly. Remember, you have a business purpose and so does the recipient of your letter, so don’t go overboard.

And that is the anatomy of a cover letter. If we put it all together, the body of your letter might look like this.

Dear Ms. Editor’s Last Name:

I have enclosed my MG novel MS-TITLE per your request in August. Thank you for your time and consideration. Please note: this is a simultaneous submission.

[YOUR NAME SIGNED]

Encl: SASE, ms TITLE

If you need a visual, an example template of a cover letter is included in the book version of my Crash Course .

If you’re taking my online crash course , return to Write Queries, Cover Letters, Synopses, Outlines, Author Bios, and More .

2 thoughts on “ Anatomy of a Cover Letter ”

Thank you, Cynthea. This is very informative and helpful. I appreciate you taking the time to share this valuable info.

You’re welcome!

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Guides • Understanding Publishing

Last updated on May 10, 2024

Query Letter For Picture Books: Example & Template

So you want to land a book deal for your picture book and see it in the hands of children everywhere? You’ll first need to win the interest of a literary agent — and for that, you’ll need to write the perfect picture book query letter.

In this post, we discuss what a query letter should include, including a practical example and tips from top children's book editors.

How to write a query letter for a children's book:

1. Start with a strong hook

2. delight them with your story, 3. compare it to similar picture books, 4. show off your author credentials, 5. wrap it up in under 250 words, 6. personalize and refine your letter.

Like query letters for novels , your aim is to grab the agent's attention right away. Keep it short, sweet, and to the point, or you may quickly lose them.

With that in mind, use your first sentence as a hook to present the story’s premise and core theme. Simply highlight what makes your book interesting (or unique); you don’t have to introduce the entire plot or themes.

Here’s our example: 

Dear Ms. Sutherland,

In my picture book Moving With Kevin (450 words), a reluctant alien kid leaves his cherished home when his family relocates to a new planet. 

After a formal salutation, it quickly introduces the book title, genre, and word count to give agents a clear idea of its marketability. Next, it presents the core theme of the story (moving to a new home) and highlights what makes it intriguing (it’s set in space!). 

You can follow a similar template, though, of course, there isn’t just one way to go about it. Some authors personalize this section to the agent (we'll discuss this more later). Overall, the goal of the first sentence and hook is to make the agent read your synopsis…

In the second paragraph, focus on pitching your book's story by highlighting the main character's arc . For example:

Kevin doesn’t want to leave his home and friends on Azure and move to a new planet for his mom’s work, but he has no choice. Arriving on Lumina, he’s disoriented by the orange landscapes and begs his parents to go back to Azure. But then he meets Mika, a lovely neighbor who shows him the wonders of Lumina. Kevin chooses to stay and he begins to see the thrill of new beginnings.

Kevin moves from resisting change to accepting it. The transformation is shaped by his internal conflict (grief and confusion) and external conflict (the unfamiliar orange landscapes). But also by Mika, a secondary character, who plays a crucial role in his growth. 

The synopsis emphasizes the main character’s arc while touching on all the other supporting story elements . You may be tempted to include other details about the setting or other characters, but that may only distract the agent. 

For example, after the first sentence, we could have added:

As he reluctantly prepares to leave, Kevin gathers keepsakes一a photo of his school friends and a tiny blue asteroid rock.

That certainly adds some color, but it dilutes the synopsis , and the agent doesn't necessarily need (or want) to know about it.

Editor Tracy Gold , who helped us refine our sample query, stresses the importance of keeping your letter short . “Picture book queries should be much shorter and simpler than queries for full-length novels. When I worked for a literary agent and went through her queries, I would almost always read the picture book itself, because they are so short. Your biggest job with a picture book query is to "get it out of the way" of the agent getting to read the book itself.”

Top tip: download our free template to help you write your own.

FREE RESOURCE

Children's Book Query Letter Template

Learn how to grab a literary agent’s attention with our free template.

The next paragraph is all about the book’s market potential…

Even if your book is wonderfully written, picture book agents are going to read it with one question in mind: will this book sell? Your query letter should convince them that the answer is yes.

In this regard, you’ll want to mention a few comp titles 一 books similar to yours that have already been successfully published. If you're pitching directly to a publisher, try to reference books from their catalog, otherwise just mention other popular titles. 

Moreover, if your story could expand into a series or if you’re already working on the next installment, be sure to mention it, as it could make your project more appealing to agents and publishers. 

When I worked as a travel journalist, my family often moved for work, so stories like Audrey Penn's A Kiss Goodbye and Moving to the Neighborhood by Alexandra Cassel helped my children cope with moving. In my book, I gave the same concept a fun, intergalactic twist! I am also developing a series that follows Kevin's adventures, including Traveling with Kevin which explores the educational joys of travel.

Besides mentioning a few comp titles, our example also offers context on why the theme is meaningful to the author (it helped her children cope with moving) and highlights how her book stands out (she gave it a fun, intergalactic twist). 

The next paragraph is all about why you are the right person to write this book. 

At this point, you’ll want to include a short author bio that highlights your experience and background. This could include previous work as an author, involvement in educational roles (e.g. if you’re a parent or a teacher), or participation in writing communities . You can also include a few personal details, like where you live or what are your hobbies 一 as long as you keep it short and sweet!

Overall, you want to show agents your dedication to the craft, understanding of the industry, and engagement in the literary community. But also pitch why your life experience makes you the right person to write this book. Since we already mentioned that the author worked as a travel journalist and often relocated with her family for work in the previous paragraph, there is no need to repeat it here 一 but you get the idea.

My feature stories were published in Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler . I was a finalist in CANSCAIP’s Writing for Children Competition of 2022 and I am an active member of the SCBWI Midsouth network. I live in Nashville, Tennessee with my husband and two children. 

This sample paragraph shows the author’s publishing background and experience in the travel industry, as well as her first, important steps toward making her voice heard in the literary world. It also paints a quick picture of her family life in the US.

It’s time to wrap things up…

The final section of your picture book query letter should consist of a polite and formal sign-off. You can also mention if you're submitting to multiple agents or publishers at the same time, though most of them will assume so. 

Below you can find the text for Moving With Kevin . 

Please note that this is a simultaneous submission.

Thank you for your time,

Celia Bishop

If your entire query letter is more than 250 words, try tightening up some sections and make the letter more succinct and impactful. As Tracy Gold said, the goal is to usher the agent through to the manuscript as soon as possible.

The query letter is typically pasted directly into the body of the email, while the manuscript is attached as a separate file (or pasted below the query). Most publishers will want to pair new authors with their own  illustrators , but if you intend to illustrate this book, you can attach samples and your portfolio via Google Drive or Dropbox.

Generally, it's best to avoid sending a dummy version of your book (a mockup showing how each page will look) as it may give agents the impression that you consider your book 'finished' and that you might be resistant to further developing the project after they've acquired it.

Picture book query letter example

Here is our picture book query letter example in full. You can download it and share it with fellow children’s book authors who may be pitching their stories soon. 

Your picture book will be a better match for some agents than others. Alongside marketability, an agent will also look at fit . Are they the right person to represent your book? Is it the kind of book that they want to take on?

To  find an agent , you can check out our directory of picture book agents to see who's currently accepting submissions. Then look at their website, Twitter, and Manuscript Wish List to figure out who's particularly interested in picture books like yours.  

Doing your independent research will help you personalize your letter 一 and that can make a difference. For children’s book editor Anna Prendella , specificity helps to make the agent care about your picture book:

"In your query, make sure the agent knows you've researched them. Name-drop authors or books they've represented that you admire, and pitch your book as a perfect match for their specific taste or manuscript wishlist. They'll notice that you're paying attention, and they'll pay attention back."

Some authors include their personalization at the beginning of the query. So, for example, you may start your query with:  

I am querying you because I read on Twitter that you love children’s books set in space. In Moving With Kevin …

Moreover, make sure that you get the name and gender of your agent right. There’s no quicker way to get off on the wrong foot than to address your query to “Ms. Rapunzel” when the agent’s name is actually “Mr. Rumpelstilskin”.

If you want to be sure that your letter reads professional and hits all the right notes, you can bring an editor on board… 

Get a professional query letter review

If you follow all of the steps above, you should have a strong query letter that’ll impress children's book literary agents. That said, a lot is riding on your picture book query letter, so it’s understandable if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process. 

If you’d like to guarantee that your query letter is hitting the mark, consider getting a professional query letter review . Many of the professional editors on Reedsy have been acquisition editors and literary agents. Their understanding of query letters and insight into the process may mean the difference between a publishing deal and empty air to show for your hard work.

Agents and editors are on Reedsy

Meet experts who know what makes a query stand out.

Learn how Reedsy can help you craft a beautiful book.

Most of all, don’t panic if you don’t immediately hear back from an agent. Good things take time. If you're patient and your query letter is firing on all cylinders, then chances are that you will find the right agent to represent your picture book before long.

If you want to convince agents and publishers that you're serious about your craft, make sure you look at the final post in the guide, which is all about formatting your children's book manuscript.

2 responses

06/08/2020 – 03:08

Hi! should the query letter be the body of an email or an attachment?

↪️ Martin Cavannagh replied:

26/08/2020 – 11:30

If you're submitting by email, it should be in the body of the email itself. Most professionals are wary of attachments from people they've never heard before (virus risk).

Comments are currently closed.

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Children's book cover letter

Hi, I'm new here and need some advice :)

I've written a children's book, 2,400 words and looking for an agent. I really am struggling though with the cover letter. How much information do I need to put in the letter with it being a short children's book?

Any examples and advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

All of the below are crucial elements to a covering letter, whether you're writing a short children's book or an epic historical saga.

Information - Title, author, genre, audience and length of your book

Tag line- What would sum up your book in a few sentences? A short, snappy pitch to hook the reader

Blurb - Expanding on the pitch, tell us more about the book to intrigue the reader

Book's appeal - popularity of genre, strengths of manuscript, similar authors, who the audience is

Writer's Profile - A bit about yourself, what you do, and any previous history (writing or other) that would help promote the book.

W&A Admin

Hi, Sharon!

I'm a combination author, editor, and publisher. As an author, I'm totally useless at covering letters. (One of the reasons why I became a publisher!) So I don't know how much help I could be.

But - as a bit of light relief while you're waiting for a SENSIBLE reply, you might like to look at a not-too-serious cover letter template at la-granota.com/crazy.htm

And good luck with finding an agent!

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Friday, April 1, 2011

Hovering over a cover letter, 12 comments:.

Hi Rob, Just wanted to let you know that even though I've been pretty quiet about it, I'm becoming a regular reader of your blog and really appreciate how thorough, helpful, and generous you are with it. Good stuff! Leslie G.

Thanks, Leslie! My motives are selfish, in fact. I'm wanting to learn all I can and I'm wanting to make lots of picture book friends! Thanks for the kind words. Rob

Congrats on the PB venture with Golden Books. Love your blog.

This is probably as useful a post as the ethidium one which a lot of people will appreciate. !@bose Sample Cover letters

writing cover letter was quiet difficult for me but after going through this article i am now able to write a good cover letter Jobs in New Zealand

Really informative blog. I grasp as much knowledge as I need regarding this topic. Thank you for posting. I now know how to work with my cover letter. letter sample

The post was really helpful! Thank You! That cut down some time on my own be half.

Wow, great post.

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Cover Letter Format

provided by The Fiction Forum

Your cover letter is the first impression any editor will have of your writing abilities. Therefore, the cover letter should be straightforward and concise. Treat your cover letter as a business letter–after all that is what it is.

You can read our basic guidelines below, but I can recommend the book “ How to write the cover letter for your submission to a publisher “.

For a little over $1 on Amazon  ( that is NOT a typo ), the author (An Editor) has been a commissioning editor for over twenty years at various publishing companies and has signed up over 2,000 books.

However, with a commissioning rate of less than 3% from the slush pile (a term used to describe all the unsolicited proposals and manuscripts sent to a publisher), it means An Editor has rejected thousands of submissions over the years, making them an expert on what makes an editor reject a submission in seconds and what makes an editor actually turn the page and start reading your work.

Below you will find some of our basic guidelines.

• Limit your letter to one page.
• Capture the editor’s attention right off.
• Give the editor or agent a brief description of the story, article, or book. (Look at the back of a book and read the blurb. This is about the same length and structure you want your description to be.) Make your description appealing so that the editor feels he or she must read the book.
• Provide some personal and or professional background information that relates to your skills or experience. Draw from your publishing history and any background that is special to this story (such as if you were a nurse and you wrote a book which takes place in a hospital).
• Be sure to include the word length and genre of your book.
• Use a proper business form letter as your guide. (Most word processors have letter templates) Single space the letter.
• Be sure to include your contact information such as your name, address, phone number and email address.
• Don’t forget the date.
• When addressing your letter be sure to use the Editor’s name (or agent’s name is querying a book.) Use a Writer’s Market guide or similar resource for contact information. Many book publishers do not accept unagented books so you must check the publication’s guidelines before sending an unsolicited manuscript. However, this cover letter format is appropriate for querying an agent. Check the publication or agent’s web site or call to verify the name of editor or agent before sending your letter. Remember: editors are not permanent fixtures at publications.
• When ending your letter be sure to thank the editor or agent for his or her time and consideration.
• Type your closing, leave a few spaces and then type your name. Within the blank spaces you should sign your name.

Below you will find two generic sample cover letters. Using these as your basic format should get you off on the right foot. However you’ll want to adapt it to fit your style and work.

At the request of a few visitors, we’ve added a third option for those who are applying to submit stories online.

========================================================

Author name Address Phone Email

Editor’s name Publisher Address

Dear M. [Editor],

I have recently completed a romance novel titled: “My Novel.” I have enclosed the 50,000-word novel for publishing considerations.

“My Novel” is a story of true love … [include blurb here.]

I have published work with such publishers as…[your background here.]

I have enclosed a self-address, stamped envelope along with my manuscript. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

[Sign name here]

Jane Author

[Start your letter off with your blurb, draw the editor in right from the start.]

The above passage details the central conflict of my 50,000-word romance novel, “My Novel.” Like the heroine, I have a vast knowledge of the solar system as I was a high school science teacher. My writing has been featured in several magazines… [continue with background.]

I’m excited about “My Novel” and believe it’s appropriate for your Out Of This World Romance line. I have enclosed a copy of a synopsis and my manuscript for publishing consideration. This work is also available by email or on a 3.5 inch disk in Word or ASCII format. An SASE is enclosed for your convenience.

Thank you for your consideration.

[Sign your name here.]

SAMPLE 3 ( for online submissions ):

PO Box 333 [Physical Address] New York, AZ 85333 602.555.3333 [Phone] [email protected] [email]

Jean Martin [Sponsor’s name (if known)] Free Flash Fiction [Publisher (if known) or Website Title] Physical Address (if known. Look at the bottom of the website home page) https://www.freeflashfiction.com [Website address] 18 April, 2013 [Date of submission]

Dear M. Martin [Editor] (or, if unknown, Dear Free Flash Fiction [Website Title]),

(Provide a brief blurb of your story. If your story is short, your blurb could be as short as a single sentence.) Imagine a homemaker out for a typical day of shopping with his kids when he is accosted by street hooligans, demanding his wallet and diaper bag. Next, imagine that he was a kung fu child prodigy who now teaches conflict resolution techniques to fast food chains.

(Then provide the word count, genre, and responses to other submission requirements. Try to get them all into one or two sentences). This is the premise of my 923 word flash fiction entry in your Satire and Humor category.

(Provide a relevant history to justify your knowledge of the content and your writing ability.) A homemaker myself, I also studied martial arts extensively and hold three black belt degrees. I have also been published on your site before, and have won three competitions on a social writing site. (If your writing history is not extensive, provide less relevant personal history so that the editor can create an image of you in their mind while they read.) I am a retired sniper spotter for the Navy SEALS who has seen my share of conflict. I also have experience with stand up comedy because I am the designated Master of Ceremonies for all of my church gatherings. In addition, I’ve also got four children, who constantly ask for bizarre stories.

(Provide a sentence or two of gratitude for their willingness to consider your work and, if appropriate, provide you with feedback or compensation.) I am excited at the prospect of being published on your site again, and would like to thank you for the opportunity you provided for me to grow as a writer and see my efforts rewarded. I look forward to hearing back from you regarding my submission.

Sincerely, Joe Bloe

It is important to remember that in your cover letter you should be informative and never chatty. This is a business correspondence, not a letter to your dear old aunt. Good luck!

11 Responses to “Cover Letter Format”

I found your information very helpful. I have just finished writing a light romance book called ‘The Hidden Flower’ and though I had found help on writing the synopsis was a little unsure of the format for the covering letter.

In response to “Cover Letter Format”, I was less than impressed by the wrong-word (or is it a spelling error?) in sample # 2 where you have:

[Start your letter off with your blurb, drawer the editor in right from the start.]

You, of course, mean:

“draw[er] the editor in right from the start.”

Or were you just trying to see if we’re paying attention?

No harm done. I wasn’t really looking for anything is particular–just looking when I noticed that.

Thanks for pointing that out. I’ve corrected it.

I’m sure it was a spelling error as it didn’t really make sense how it was 😀

If I am writing under a penname, which name should I use in the header and signature?

these examples are far shorter than the ones I saw in the Writers Digest manuscript guide.

Thnks but if u are sendin your cover letter by email, do u have to write the publisher’s address

I found the examples very helpful. This is my first time submiting to a publisher. I now have a better iea of what needs to be sent out with my manuscript(s). Thank you so much PW

Sorry …in my haste, I have spelled idea wrong….oops sorry

Can I write a cover letter then submit without the project being complete yet? I’m going through broad conceptualization for my book and will only begin writing over the next few months. I would like to know if that is appropriate or not.. Thank you.

This is decent advice for novel submissions, but absolutely every literary journal I’ve submitted to for poetry of short fiction says they do not want you to describe your story or poem in the cover letter. To do so would show your lack of experience. Let your work speak for itself. That is, for short fiction and poetry.

In response to Russ, I was less than impressed to see a mistake in a comment complaining about a mistake in the article. Oh the audacity of such claims. My word how my jimmy’s are rustled. Of course you must mean “in” and not “is” in your comment. For the latter makes absolutely no sense at all. We are all just humans mind you and mistakes must be made whilst the journey of life continues but come now, you’re better then that. Sincerely, A now light headed reader Gus

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When You Write

How to Write a Perfect Cover Letter for a Short Story Submission

Editors see mounds of bad cover letters. A lot of new writers submit short stories with little or no guidance and end up submitting cover letters that are either overenthusiastic or lacking the necessary information.

What you must know is that cover letters for different genres follow different sets of rules and etiquette. For example, an editor doesn’t expect you to write a cover letter for short fiction in the same format you would craft a query letter for a novel submission.

A cover letter is not a platform for you to brag about yourself or your writing accolades. There’s nothing that annoys an editor more than a cocky newbie.

Your cover letter is, most often than not, the first thing an editor sees and you have to be on point to create a strong first impression. Some editors that I have interacted with said that they read the cover letter after reading your short stories, and they admit that some cover letters convince them to go back to the story and reevaluate it.

Luckily for you, I have compiled tips on just how to go about crafting a good cover letter that can make a ‘strong first impression’ and influence the editor’s aftertaste after savoring your stories.

Research and… Research

In all the posts that I have made on cover letters, I have emphasized the importance of finding out the publisher’s/organizer’s guidelines.

Every organizer/publisher has a specific set of rules for short story cover letters, and knowledge and application of these guidelines raises the chances of your submission getting accepted.

You should research the publisher’s inclinations. Some publishers, or should I say most, won’t accept adult stories. They may not disclose these attitudes in their Ts and Cs, but an exploratory look at their published works can reveal what kind of genre they love to publish.

Tips on Creating a Perfect Cover Letter for a Short Story Submission

A good cover letter for a short story submission should be:

Short and Simple

Cover letters for short fiction always have to have the conciseness element. It should be short and simple but compelling enough; it has to signal to the editor that you’re at least a refined writer.

Courteous and Direct

It is unprofessional to send a cover letter that is copied and pasted from previous submissions. The cover letter should address the editor or publishers and must contain information relevant to that particular submission.

Professional

Although a good cover letter is supposed to be courteous, it doesn’t have to get too personal. The editor doesn’t really care if you know their name (although it’s okay to address them by their name if they suggested so), but the contents of the cover letter must remain professional.

How to Address a Cover Letter

It is advisable to leave niceties and go straight to business. I have read a couple of blogs by real editors, and they all agree on one thing: go straight to business.

If you’re going to make multiple submissions to different recipients, you have to make sure you don’t put too much effort into ‘playing the nice newbie’ and just focus on making the cover letter a contextually right letter.

What should be in a cover letter?

I didn’t want to ramble on about something I didn’t know anything about, so I decided to give you a list of things that Neil Clarke (a real-life editor from Clarkesworld Magazine) wants to see in your cover letter for short stories:

• State whether you are previously published or not.
• If you’re submitting work that you did not author (maybe you’re the author’s agent or something), you have to state it in the cover letter. You have to explain the working arrangement with the author or if you’re translating.
• And if you state that you are submitting a translation, you should say whether the story was originally published and where, in what language, and whether the original author or whoever holds the rights on the original has given you the permission to translate and publish.
• If you are submitting a reprint, the cover letter should state this and any restrictions placed on the reprint.
• If your short story doesn’t fit in one of the categories that the publisher has listed, the cover letter must explain what type of genre it is.

The cover letter also needs to contain a short bio, the story’s word count, title, and a brief description of the short story (not summary), among other things.

Publishers and editors have unique preferences, so you’ll find what ‘unique’ things they want in your cover letter.

Don’t Put These in Your Cover Letter

Going back to Neil Clarke’s preferences (most of which are shared by most editors), these things shouldn’t be in a cover letter:

• Bank or PayPal details.
• Mailing address or phone number (This might not be the case for all editors/publishers). In Clarke’s case, the mailing addressing should be on the first page of the story.
• A summary of your short story.

But I said in the previous section, every editor and publisher has their own preferences.

Don’t Say These in Your Short Story Cover letter

Cover letters rarely influence editors’ opinions of a story, but some things can annoy an editor. Although they’re likely not going to reject the story because of some ‘little things’ in your short story’s cover letter, it’s wise to stay on the safe side.

Confidence is good, but you don’t have to be arrogant. For instance, you don’t have to say “I’m the modern-day Charles Dickens.”

And… you know it’s so ‘amateur hour’ when you say, “This is the best story you’ll ever read.” Trust me, it’s not. Editors have read thousands of stories and it’s better to let them ‘choose’ which is the best they’ve ever read.

Even though it’s bad to sound cocky in your cover letter, it’s equally damning to show low self-esteem. So, in your cover letter, you have to avoid writing things like ‘how desperate you’re’ or ‘how many times your story has been rejected.’ Those won’t help your case at all!

Formats and Submission Guidelines

If you haven’t found this out already, some publications put so much emphasis on the format of short story submissions. Some publications will give you specifications for font size, line spacing, margins, etcetera. It’s either you format everything the way they tell you to, or it’s an instant REJECTION for you!

However, some publications don’t go that far, but most of them let you know that If you don’t follow their pocket-size guidelines, you might as well just keep your story to yourself.

Outside the typing window, there are other formatting issues that you have to be aware of. Things like file type (e.g., PDF, RTF, Word Doc, etcetera.) and the means of submitting (e.g., email, or through the publication’s website). A few old guards still require writers to submit stories in print—yes, inconveniently, through the postal service.

The submission guidelines may extend to the manner of attaching documents (and the number of those attachments). Hopefully, the publications you’re submitting to allow you to submit attachments (which is the most likely nowadays).

Sample Cover Letter for a Short Story Submission

There are more than a thousand ways you can write your cover letter for a short story submission. In case you don’t have the littlest idea of how to go about it, I have written a very brief cover letter.

Note : This is a sample and cannot be used as a blueprint for any short fiction submission. Well, you could use it if you think it’s okay; I mean, it’s not bad.

Dear Maggie (if you don’t know their name, just put their professional title like Editor), Please consider this 2000-word story, “Dying Good,” for publication in the Sun Dance Magazine . I believe this short fiction piece is exactly the type of story that the Sun Dance typically publishes. “Dying Good” is a tale of betrayal, anger, and—ultimately—redemption. It follows a man on his journey from the gallows of degeneracy to salvation. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Ed Halfords.

This cover letter is exactly 67 words (without that bracketed explanation) and even if you were to add some details, which is a likely thing, it wouldn’t be anywhere near 150 words. In such a short piece, you can put all the required information and still avoid taking much of the editor’s time.

Final Words on Cover Letters for a Short Story Submission

You shouldn’t have to worry about writing an out-of-this-world cover letter when submitting your short story. That will only make the process seem like a very challenging task—but, in all honesty, it isn’t. I believe that I covered all the ‘life-saving’ tips that you can use to make your story submission a seamless task.

I’m not an editor (well, not by profession), but I did my research and contacted some ‘editor friends’ of mine before I got down to write this post.

As long as you do your research, keep your cover letters for short stories short, and always stick to the point, omit anything else, your short story is ready for submission!

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