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How to Write a Cover Letter for Your Manuscript? Here are the Tips and Examples

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A cover letter is often the first thing an editor reads when reviewing your submission. As your first pitch to the editor, the cover letter helps them gauge the suitability of your manuscript for publication in their journal. Imagine your work shaping the future of your field, gathering citations, and sparking discussions. A powerful cover letter is thus the first step to making that vision into a reality.   

In this article, we will guide you through the process of writing an effective cover letter and explain how you can get it right every time with examples. First, let us get started with the basics!  

Getting the Basics Right  

When writing a cover letter, it is crucial to address the editor by their correct and complete name¹ . If there are multiple co-editors, you can address your letter to the right person, based on their specialization or designated responsibilities. If unsure, it is okay to go with a more general salutation, such as “Dear Editors”¹ .   

Presenting your Research  

Provide a clear and concise title for your submission and specify whether it is an article, communication, review, perspective, or a manuscript belonging to some other category. If the journal guideline recommends, consider including a list of all authors in the manuscript.   

After covering the preliminary information, briefly explain your paper’s central theme or focus to give the editor an idea of its contents. Ensure this stays a brief outline, without going into too much detail.   

Conveying the Importance of Your Work  

How you communicate the impact of your work can make or break your cover letter. To make a strong impression on the editor, articulate the significance of your research clearly, emphasizing its relevance to the field. Additionally, show how your work aligns with the journal’s scope and mission.  

Including a Formal Declaration  

Some journals require a set of declarations from you to ensure that your manuscript adheres to its ethical code and the larger ethical standards of scientific publishing. Here are the required declarations in a cover letter:  

  • Originality of work:  
  • Confirm that your work is original and has not been published elsewhere. This tells the editor your research is unique.  
  • Conflict of interest statement:  
  • Be clear about any potential conflicts of interest. This includes any personal, financial, or professional connections that might affect your research.  
  • Funding source (if applicable):  
  • Tell where your research funding came from, if any. This includes any support or grants from organizations.   

Including Personal Suggestions for Reviewers on a Separate Page (optional)  

If there is no part of the submission process that collects researcher suggestions for reviewers, and there are special requests from the researcher for reviewers (e.g., recommending the inclusion or suggesting the exclusion of a specific reviewer, etc.), you may also make a note about this in the cover letter.  

Combining these five points, here is a good example of a cover letter for researchers’ reference:  

Example of a Cover Letter

(This image is intended to demonstrate the norms of formatting and tone of expression in a cover letter, it is to be used only by the researcher as a reference in writing² .)  

Conclusion  

A strong cover letter can go a long way in ensuring success for researchers looking to publish their manuscripts! Your cover letter is the opening act, setting the stage for how editors perceive your manuscript. So, look at it not as just another formality but as a crucial opportunity to make a strong impression.   

Understanding what to include, what is optional, and what is best left unsaid can be tricky. That is where our team of experts at Elsevier Language Services can step in. We will provide personalized recommendations and expert guidance to help you craft a cover letter that perfectly complements your manuscript. Reach out to us today to make a great first impression and embark on a successful academic journey!  

Reference  

  • Nicholas, D. (2019). How to choose a journal and write a cover letter. Saudi Journal of Anaesthesia, 13(5), 35. https://doi.org/10.4103/sja.sja_691_18  
  • Loyola University Chicago. (n.d.). JCSHESA Sample Cover Letter. https://ecommons.luc.edu/jcshesa/cover_letter_template.pdf  

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How to Write an Academic Book Proposal: 4 Questions to Ask

Learn how to write an academic book proposal with four key questions. Ideal for new writers and scholars looking to attract academic publishers.

How to Write an Academic Book Proposal: 4 Questions to Ask

Derek Pankaew

Jun 9, 2024

How to Write an Academic Book Proposal: 4 Questions to Ask

Writing an academic book proposal can seem daunting, especially for beginning writers. However, by addressing four essential questions, you can craft a compelling scholarly book proposal that stands out to academic publishers.

Whether you're aiming to have your book published by a major press like Princeton University Press or seeking to self-publish, these questions will guide you through the writing process.

mobile mockup listening.com

Question 1: What is the Central Argument or Thesis of Your Book?

A strong central argument or thesis is the backbone of your academic book proposal. It distills your research into a single, compelling statement that captures the essence of your book. This thesis should be clear and specific, setting your book apart from previously published works.

Why It Matters

Academic publishers, including university presses, receive numerous book proposals, so your thesis must immediately convey the significance and originality of your book concept. This helps editors and peer reviewers understand what your book will contribute to the field and why it should be published.

Collaborating with the team

Photo by Canva Studio, pexels

Tips for Crafting Your Central Argument

  • Distill Your Research: Focus on the core argument that your entire manuscript will support. Avoid getting lost in the details.
  • Examples of Strong Arguments: Look at successful proposals and published books in your field. Notice how they present their central arguments concisely.
  • Draft a Concise Thesis Statement: Write a brief summary that encapsulates your book concept.

Easily pronounces technical words in any field

Action Step

Draft a thesis statement that clearly defines your book's central argument. This statement will be crucial in both your book proposal and query letter to an academic publisher.

Question 2: Who is the Target Audience?

target, dart

Photo by Pixabay, pexels

Understanding and identifying your target audience is vital for crafting a book proposal that appeals to both academic peers and a broader readership. Knowing who will benefit from your book helps in tailoring your proposal to their needs and expectations.

Academic publishers, such as university presses, are more likely to accept book proposals that have a clearly defined audience. This not only ensures that your book will find its readers but also helps in marketing and positioning the book within the field.

Tips for Identifying Your Target Audience

  • Differentiate Audiences: Identify both primary and secondary audiences. For instance, your primary audience might be graduate students and researchers, while your secondary audience could include professionals in related fields.
  • Tailor Your Proposal: Address how your book meets the needs of your target audience, whether they are academic libraries, university presses, or individual scholars.

Use a worksheet or set of questions to define your audience. Consider who will benefit most from your book and how you can reach them through academic publishing.

Question 3: What Makes Your Book Unique?

Girl writing a term paper

Photo by Anna Alexes, pexels

Highlighting what makes your book unique is crucial for standing out among the many proposals that academic publishers receive. This involves conducting a market analysis to identify gaps and showcasing your unique perspective, methodology, or findings.

Academic publishing is competitive. To pass muster, your book proposal must demonstrate how your book fills a gap in the existing literature and offers something new and valuable to the field. This is particularly important for gaining the interest of well-known publishers and university presses.

Tips for Showcasing Your Book's Uniqueness

  • Market Analysis: Look at existing books in your field to find gaps your proposed book can fill. Analyze what has been previously published and identify areas where your book offers new insights.
  • Unique Perspective: Emphasize what differentiates your book from others. This could be a novel methodology, unique findings, or a new theoretical approach.

Create a competitive analysis chart that compares your book to other scholarly books in your field. Highlight your book's unique features and explain why it will be widely cited and influential.

Question 4: How Will You Structure Your Book?

Writer typing words in the typewriter

Photo by Suzy Hazelwood, pexels

A well-organized structure is essential for your book proposal. It demonstrates to academic publishers that you have a clear plan for your book, making it easier for them to envision the finished manuscript.

A clear structure helps editors and peer reviewers understand the scope and flow of your book. It also shows that you have thought through the entire book project, from the introduction to the conclusion, and that you are capable of delivering a coherent and comprehensive manuscript.

Tips for Structuring Your Book

Chapter Outline: Provide a detailed chapter outline, including brief summaries of each chapter. This helps peer reviewers and editors understand the flow and scope of your book.

Consistent Format: Use a consistent format for chapter breakdowns to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Use a template or guide to structure your book proposal. Include a detailed chapter outline, sample chapter, and a summary of the entire manuscript.

Additional Components of a Book Proposal

Opened book

Photo by Beyza Yalcin, pexels

In addition to addressing the four key questions, your academic book proposal should include several other components to strengthen your proposal package.

1. Cover Letter

Your cover letter should be concise and engaging, briefly introducing your book concept and its significance. Mention any previous publications or awards that establish your credibility as an author. A strong cover letter can make a positive first impression on editors and literary agents.

2. Query Letter

A query letter is similar to a cover letter but typically shorter. It should succinctly convey the essence of your book, your qualifications, and why your book will appeal to the target audience. The query letter is crucial for grabbing the attention of literary agents and publishers.

3. Sample Chapters

Including sample chapters in your proposal provides a glimpse of your writing style and the quality of your research. Choose chapters that best represent your book and demonstrate its strengths.

4. Full Manuscript vs. Proposal

Some academic publishers and university presses may request a full manuscript, while others prefer a detailed proposal with sample chapters. Be prepared to submit a complete manuscript if requested, especially if you are approaching well-known publishers or seeking to publish books that require extensive peer review.

5. Proposal Length

The length of your book proposal can vary, but it should be comprehensive enough to cover all key aspects of your book while remaining concise and focused. Typically, a scholarly book proposal ranges from 10 to 20 pages, excluding sample chapters and other supporting materials.

6. Peer Review Process

Understanding the peer review process is crucial for academic publishing. Peer reviewers evaluate your proposal for its scholarly merit, originality, and contribution to the field. Their feedback can be invaluable for refining your manuscript and enhancing its chances of acceptance.

7. Multiple Submissions

It's often a good idea to submit your book proposal to multiple presses simultaneously, especially if the presses allow it. However, be sure to mention in your cover letter that you are making multiple submissions, and be prepared to negotiate terms if you receive multiple offers.

Writing an academic book proposal involves answering key questions about your book's central argument, target audience, uniqueness, and structure. By addressing these questions thoroughly, you can create a compelling proposal that attracts academic publishers and helps you get your book published.

Additional Resources

  • Sample Proposals: Look at examples of successful proposals from major presses like Princeton University Press.
  • Books on Proposal Writing: There are numerous books available that provide detailed guidance on writing academic book proposals.
  • Contact Information: Reach out to experienced authors, literary agents, and academic presses for feedback and advice.

Remember, writing a book proposal is a crucial step in the academic publishing process. Take your time, seek feedback, and don't hesitate to make multiple submissions to different publishing houses. With perseverance and a well-crafted proposal, you'll be on your way to becoming a published author.

More Resources

For those looking to delve deeper into the process, here are some additional resources that can provide further guidance and support:

  • Writing Workshops: Many universities and professional organizations offer workshops on how to write an academic book proposal.
  • Consultation Services: Consider hiring a literary agent or professional editor to review your proposal and provide constructive feedback.
  • Online Communities: Join online forums and social media groups where you can connect with other scholars and share tips and experiences.

By leveraging these resources, you can refine your proposal and increase your chances of success in the competitive world of academic publishing. Good luck with your book project!

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Envelope with letter to agent. Tips on to write a book submission cover letter

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Book Submission

If you’re wondering how to write a book submission cover letter, first of all: congratulations! You’ve written a whole novel , and edited the completed manuscript so it’s ready to submit to literary agents . That’s a huge achievement!

While the world of publishing and the manuscript submission process might seem opaque, we’re very lucky here at The Novelry. We have a whole team of experienced authors and editors who have been on both sides of the process – so we know how to write query letters that really grab literary professionals’ attention.

Read on for our top tips on crafting the perfect cover letter. Remember, the cover letter is one of the most important ways to ensure the package you submit stands out from the crowd.

While you’re here, be sure to look over other articles in our creative writing blog – they’re full of tips and tricks for navigating the publishing industry. For example, you can find advice on how a writer can create the perfect hook for a novel , and how to write a synopsis to go with it. You might also want to cast your eyes over our tips on how to start a story and write a great first paragraph.

Plus, you can read this article with a literary agent’s advice on novel openings so that your first three chapters are as strong as they can be.

And if you really want a tip-top submissions package, sign up to one of our creative writing courses. Our structured programmes will take you step by step through the novel-writing journey, ensuring your book aligns with the publishing market at every stage: from a cracking idea to a beautifully formatted manuscript. You get one-to-one coaching from a bestselling author in your genre, and access to a roster of professional editors who can whip your manuscript into shape. Plus, we work with the leading literary agencies in the UK and the USA, and we know exactly what they’re looking for!

And always, always remember to read the instructions on each agent’s and publisher’s website before you even think about putting together a submissions package.

But above all, do away with any fear or nerves: manuscript submission really isn’t scary stuff! It’s all very straightforward, and agents are on your side ! They want to share great stories with the world. Think of this as another stepping-stone to seeing your book on the shelves, not an obstacle.

The basics of writing a book submission cover letter: tone

The first thing to establish before you start writing the cover letter for your book is the tone.

It can be a difficult balance, and – understandably – a significant choice for a writer. After all, this isn’t a cover letter to apply for any old job where your writing prowess might not be a huge factor. This is your chance to prove your prose is worthy of agents’ extremely limited time.

The temptation to show off your skills and your writing style might be strong. But remember: that’s why you submit sample chapters. Think of this more as a business letter. Keep it professional, to the point and easy to read. Keep your word length and sentence length in check; this is no place for purple prose.

Some writers also hope their query letters will convey their personality – and so they should! If it feels right, feel free to add a splash of dry humour, and give the agent an idea of who you are (without recounting your entire life). But again, maintain a balance and stay on the professional end of the spectrum rather than going all-out wacky.

A brief note on conveying your personality: be sure to write in the first person, as yourself. Some people think it’s kooky or endearing to write their letter as their protagonist. It might feel original, but unfortunately agents have seen it before, and few will be amused.

Above all, proofread, then proofread again, and then proofread a final time. You might even ask a friend from your writing group , or a savvy editor, to give it one more proofread for good measure. What you really don’t want in your cover letter is a grammatical or spelling mistake. You’re selling the agent on your writing – keeping it error-free is the bare minimum!

Key elements of cover letters in publishing

Once you’ve thought about tone, consider the topics your cover letter should address.

There are five key elements in the query letter that writers send with their book submissions:

Generally, you’ll write a cover letter that hits those topics, probably in that order.

The word count

Before we think about how you’ll address these elements, and how much of your cover letter each will take up, it’s worth thinking about the overall word count.

Again, you might find yourself wrestling your writerly instincts (even if you’re fond of writing short fiction…). You need to keep your covering letter short and snappy. After all, you don’t want the agent to spend all their time reading just your letter. You want them to turn to your manuscript as soon as possible, and get right into those three sample chapters (or however many their guidelines request).

At most , your pitch letter should take up one page (in a legible font size, please. We know your tricks!)

1. Writing the hook for your book submission

The very first thing in your letter will likely be your hook. It’s right there in the name; its job is to hook the reader into your fiction.

As we mentioned, you can get in-depth advice on how to write a great hook for a novel in a dedicated article, but we’ll give you some brief pointers here.

It should be a very short paragraph, which includes the title and genre of your novel, along with the pitch or hook. Put simply, it will go: ‘[TITLE] is a [GENRE] in which [PITCH]’ .

The hook should be (ideally) a single sentence, and sum up the premise of your book. To nail it, you’ll want to consider these factors:

  • What your novel is about
  • Who it’s about
  • What’s at stake for your protagonist
  • What stands in their way
  • What they must do to achieve their goal

Some writers find it helpful to use titles of works they’re comparing their novel to, often in the ‘X meets Y’ format, or ‘X but in Z setting’. For example:

  • Alien was pitched as ‘ Jaws but in space’
  • George R.R. Martin’s pitch for A Game of Thrones was ‘ Lord of the Rings meets the War of the Roses’
  • Our writing coach Katie Khan’s debut novel, Hold Back the Stars , was pitched as ‘ Gravity meets One Day ’

If there are titles or concepts that fit, this can give agents an immediate idea of what to expect in your manuscript.

Plus, you’re offering proof of concept. That’s integral to any compelling business proposition, but it’s especially important in the world of publishing. While the industry has risk-taking pretty much baked in (given only around a third of published books are profitable), there’s still hesitancy around signing books with a premise that’s completely untested.

Which brings up another important point: don’t make the mistake of comparing yourself to an outlier or phenomenon (like Harry Potter , The Da Vinci Code or Fifty Shades of Grey ). Not only could you come across as a little self-aggrandising, but not all agents want to bet on outliers. They might prefer the security of a surer thing.

2. The story paragraph

Once you’ve given the basic hook, you’ll be relieved to know that you have another, longer paragraph to summarise your story.

This is one of the most essential parts of your cover letter. Importantly, it sits apart from your hook, synopsis, chapter outlines and/or sample chapters.

To give you an idea of what you’re aiming to write, it’s akin to the blurb written on the back of book covers. It should be stirring and pithy. It should also make it clear what question will drive readers to the novel’s end from its very beginning.

Make it as intriguing as you can and feel free to end on a cliffhanger. The agent needn’t know the entire story at the point of submitting. Plus, they’ll usually have requested a more detailed synopsis as part of the submissions package, so they’ll turn to that if they want more detail. Or they might even ask to see the full manuscript! But this letter is your chance to grab their attention and stick in their memory.

While you want to distil the essence of your whole novel into this section, do try to keep the focus on its beginning, the part that makes us keep going. That’ll make the literary agent want to read the rest of your materials!

One fact you should always include is the total number of words in your full manuscript.

Examples of story paragraphs

To give you an idea, here are a couple of examples from popular books. We’ll put the novel after the paragraph, so you can see how easily identifiable the work should be from its brief description. Hopefully it will give you an idea of the amount of detail to go into.

Mrs Bennet wants nothing more than to secure good marriages for her five daughters and is thrilled when a wealthy young gentleman rents a nearby manor. When middle daughter, Elizabeth, is first introduced to eligible bachelor Fitzwilliam Darcy, she finds him cold and arrogant – and he seems unimpressed by her quick-witted charm. However, as the weeks pass, both Darcy and Elizabeth find themselves reconsidering their first impressions. — Summary for Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Summers span decades, winter can last a lifetime and the struggle for the Iron Throne has begun. It will stretch from the south – where heat breeds plots, lusts and intrigues – to the vast and savage eastern lands, all the way to the frozen north where an 800-foot wall of ice protects the kingdom from the dark forces that lie beyond. Kings and queens, knights and renegades, liars, lords and honest men... All will play the Game of Thrones. — Summary for A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

As you can see, neither is especially literary or complex in its language, but each gives the reader a sense of the tone of its corresponding novel. Likewise, without giving away the whole plot or spoiling the ending, we have a very good idea of where the stories will take us.

3. Addressing the market in your cover letter

We touched on the notion of staking your novel’s place in the market in your ‘hook’ paragraph. If you didn’t do it in your hook, this paragraph is your chance. If you did, now you can dig a bit deeper.

In any pitch letter, you should align your work with other things that have been successful.

It doesn’t have to take the form of ‘X meets Y’. You could just write something simple, like ‘people who enjoyed Example Book will also enjoy my novel’, or ‘This novel would sit comfortably in a bookshop alongside Example Book and Another Great Book ’.

Of course, this requires a deep and very up-to-date awareness of your genre. While it’s good to have an appreciation of the classics, it’s often best to draw parallels with recent successes and show you understand current trends in your cover letter.

Some good avenues include:

  • Reading bestseller lists (like the Sunday Times or the New York Times)
  • Browsing bestselling titles of online retailers like Amazon
  • Checking which books are stocked on supermarket shelves (and particularly those that stick around for months)
  • Seeing what bookshops have in the windows and on the front tables

Bonus points if you mention authors represented by the agent you’re querying! (And a stern reminder to be very mindful of copying and pasting cover letters from one agent to the next; they should be carefully personalised each time.)

This section should make it easy for a literary agent to identify your target audience. It will give them clues as to which editors and publishers they can pitch your novel to, and how it can be marketed after publication.

4. Mention the agent in every cover letter

We just touched on the importance of personalising your cover letter, but it’s not just in the published authors you mention.

You should write about the agent and any relevant details about why you’ve chosen them. Most agents receive hundreds of query letters a week, so if you want them to give you their time and attention, show that you’ve given them yours.

Of course, you don’t want to give the impression you know every detail of their life. Not only could that be creepy, but you’re adhering to a tight word limit – don’t let yourself go over one page!

You can – and should – use a couple of your precious sentences to show you know their professional background. While researching individual agents might seem time-consuming – especially on top of all the work you’ve already done – it’s vital.

And it’s not just manners; it’s important for your long-term success, well after you sign with a literary agency. After all, this is ultimately a business deal and a professional partnership. You need to be sure that it’s the right fit for you and your novel.

So use agents’ online presence on their agency website or professional profile to see the kinds of authors they work with, and the ones they admire. If they align with your style – great! You can feel good about submitting to them, with the promise of a fruitful partnership on the horizon.

5. Writing about yourself in your query letter

Finally, we come to the topic many novelists least like to write about: themselves.

You’re in luck, because most agents want this section to be very brief. Remember, the focus is on your fiction and its viability. Your life story isn’t relevant. While your passion and commitment to writing are indispensable, the fact you’re trying to publish a novel you’ve written speaks for itself. Don’t wax too lyrical.

In fact, there’s pretty much only one concrete thing that every agent wants to know about you, and that’s whether you have any publishing history.

Don’t panic if this is your first book! Unless it says otherwise in their submission guidelines, the vast majority of agents are open to debut authors (and many are actively looking for them).

If you haven’t yet published any books but would like to include something about your writing experience, you can mention other publications or practice you’ve had. It could include:

  • Experience in a professional realm (maybe you’ve worked as a journalist or a copywriter)
  • Online creative writing courses you’ve taken (especially if you’ve done any with The Novelry, which literary agencies love!)
  • Short fiction you’ve published
  • Writing awards you’ve won

Some people include a brief line about their day job or other details of their life – particularly if it’s relevant to the genesis of their fiction. For example, Harriet Tyce was a criminal barrister, and wrote two novels centred around criminal barristers. It was clear where she found story ideas for her thrillers – or at least their protagonists.

This type of connection can give agents confidence in the accuracy of your writing, suggesting your editor will have a lighter workload when it comes to factual discrepancies. Plus, it can be helpful when it comes to marketing (if you’re happy to divulge your background).

If your job is uninteresting, unrelated or you’re trying to keep it under a page, feel free to omit details beyond your fiction writing. Agents are more interested in you as a writer than as a person.

And that’s pretty much it! All that’s left to do is to thank the agent for their time and consideration, and sign off. Done and dusted.

What happens next?

So what happens next? Agents will usually give an expected window for responses on their website, and this can be anywhere from a few days up to six weeks, or even longer. It’s important that you respect this timeframe! Follow their guidelines about when and how to check on the status of your submission.

Similarly, if an agent passes on your submission, please do not badger them for an explanation or ask them to reconsider. Agents can only take on authors and stories that they genuinely feel they can champion, and they know their own tastes – be gracious about rejection and try not to take it personally. Remember, publishing is a small business and agents have long memories!

And the fact is, dealing with criticism and rejection is part and parcel of a writer’s life; that’s why it’s so important for us to develop resilience .

review you letter carefully and do research to describe why youve chosen them

Tips from The Novelry’s partner literary agencies

At The Novelry, we’re fortunate enough to partner with some of the world’s leading literary agencies.

They’ve kindly written articles for us in which they share their experiences and advice on querying agents, as well as on a whole range of other fascinating topics which you can read on our blog.

Here are some of the gems they’ve shared:

  • Keep the body of the email as short as possible; send materials as attachments, unless otherwise directed.
  • Include your attachments (i.e. the sample chapters, synopsis/outline and anything else that’s requested) as a Word document if possible. Most e-readers don’t deal well with PDFs.
  • Proofread very carefully; a single mistake could make an agent give up on your submission.
  • Be respectful and humble.
  • Address agents by name. Some may prefer a title and last name, others are happy to be addressed by their first name. If in doubt, go for the more formal option. But never address them as ‘Sir/Madam’ or anything similarly anonymous. Triple check you have spelt their name correctly!
  • Always send exactly what they ask for on the website. If they request the first three chapters, send them. If they only ask for ten pages, send that. Some might not want any sample material in the first instance, so don’t send any! You need to make it clear that you’ll be able to follow directions from your agent, your editor and your publisher down the line.
  • Tell agents who you hope your audience will be. Think of the common marketing technique across media, ‘ for fans of ’ or ‘ if you liked X you’ll love this ’. Imagine your book on an online retailer – what titles would it appear with under ‘Customers who bought this also bought…’ or similar features?
  • If you’ve been rejected by an agent who’s offered some reason for their rejection, don’t resubmit your edited manuscript requesting new comments. They aren’t your editor. If they want to see a revised version, they’ll tell you.
  • Don’t pester agents for a response. If they’re going to reply, they will when they have time. Hopefully their auto-response or guidelines will let you know what to expect (i.e. whether they respond to unsuccessful submissions, and what the window usually is for responses).
  • Use a professional-sounding email address. Not the silly address you created in high school, and no joint accounts with your partner. Remember, agents are considering not only whether they can publish your book, but whether to sign a professional contract with you. Act accordingly!

Sample cover letter

Finally, you might want to look at examples of successful pitch letters for books.

We look at sample cover letters in depth in our courses, analysing what works well and why.  

In the meantime, you can also look at other cover letters online. For example, author and editor Phoebe Morgan shared her sample cover letter here , and agent Juliet Mushens has published one here .

Of course, making it all the way through to bagging your dream literary agent and getting a publishing contract means your manuscript will need to live up to the promise of your perfect pitch letter. The best way to make sure it does is to join us for The Finished Novel Course . We’ll get your novel ready for publication and connect you with your perfect partner agent who knows the publishers that will love your story. Sign up and start today to become one of our sparkling success stories!

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Indie Press or Big Publisher? Gina Sorell on ‘Debuting Twice’

IMAGES

  1. How to Write an Academic Cover Letter With Examples

    cover letter for academic book proposal

  2. 27 Cover Letter Templates » Download Now! [Recommended]

    cover letter for academic book proposal

  3. Academic Book Proposal Template

    cover letter for academic book proposal

  4. How to Write a Proposal Cover Letter: Examples + Free Template

    cover letter for academic book proposal

  5. Sample Cover Letter Book Publisher Proposal Resume Template For

    cover letter for academic book proposal

  6. Academic Cover Letter Examples & Writing Tips for 2023

    cover letter for academic book proposal

VIDEO

  1. How to prepare a cover letter for academic job?

  2. Lecture 7: Writing a Grant Proposal or A Research proposal

  3. How to Write a Cover Letter for an Arts Grant Application?

  4. Templates for CVs, Resumes and Cover letter

  5. Write a letter to your best friend on your plans for this academic session!!

  6. Formal Letter

COMMENTS

  1. How To Write A Book Proposal - The Professor Is In

    2 sample chapters. a c.v. a cover letter. Every one of these elements is indispensable, most especially the cover letter. Today, however, we will restrict ourselves to discussing the book proposal itself. I will pause to say that of course, you should carefully check the requirements for submission listed on the press website.

  2. Kelleher Book Proposal Cover Letter - Bucknell University

    Along with this letter, I include my book proposal and CV. My proposal provides an in-depth introduction to the project, a detailed summary of my chapters, an assessment of the project’s audience and market competition, and a brief bibliography. The introduction and chapters 2, 3, 4, and 5 are ready for submission.

  3. How to Write a Cover Letter for Your Manuscript | Elsevier

    A strong cover letter can go a long way in ensuring success for researchers looking to publish their manuscripts! Your cover letter is the opening act, setting the stage for how editors perceive your manuscript.

  4. How to Write an Academic Book Proposal: 4 Questions to Ask

    How to Write an Academic Book Proposal: 4 Questions to Ask. Learn how to write an academic book proposal with four key questions. Ideal for new writers and scholars looking to attract academic publishers. Derek Pankaew. Jun 9, 2024. Book Proposal Tips. Academic Writing. Publishing Tips. Academic Book Proposal Tips. Recent.

  5. How to Write a Cover Letter for a Book Submission

    Key elements of cover letters in publishing. Once you’ve thought about tone, consider the topics your cover letter should address. There are five key elements in the query letter that writers send with their book submissions: The hook; The story; The market; The agent; The author

  6. Writing an Academic Book, Part III: Getting Your Proposal ...

    However, many of the things that should be included in a proposal should also be included (in shorter form) in a cover letter that you submit with a complete manuscript.