Hello Inkers!

Today I thought I blog about the dreaded query letter.  For most of us writers it means torture.  We want to write prose, not a sales letter.  Because that is what a query is, it sells us to that agent or editor.  It is the make it or break it point into the publishing world.  And unfortunately unless your letter is perfect, you won’t get your baby-aka manuscript-read at all.

So what are the Do’s and Don’ts of query letter writing?

Do:

1.  State clearly what type of book you’ve written, the genre.  ex:  Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Erotic Romance, etc…

2.  Give the word count.  ex.  95,000 words or 30,000 words

3.  Give a very brief blurb about your characters to entice the editor to want to read more.  This is where you can put your hook, something to really get them into what you’ve written.

4.  Mention anything in your writing career that qualifies you to write.  Are you a member of any groups?  Volunteer within your groups?  Have you won any contests?  Are you a contest judge?  Do you have a website or blog?  Are you in expert in something that takes place in your book?  For example I consider myself an amateur expert on the Tudors and have taught a class on the Tudors, if I wrote a book about them I could mention it.  Here’s another example, you’re a nurse for your day job, and you write hospital romances.  

5.  Unless it is over email, remember to include a SASE for their response.

6.  Remember to thank them for their time and consideration.

7.  Read over their submission guidelines and make sure you’ve done it to the “T”.  Part of the reason their are guidelines is to see if you can follow directions.

8.  Do your home work!  Make sure you know the name of the editor/agent, that you’ve spelled it right, and that they are taking submissions in your genre!

9.  Do type it!  Use plain white paper, no perfumes, black ink and no pictures!!!

Don’ts:

1.  Don’t tell them that you’ve written the best book ever and you’re positive it will be a best-seller.

2.  Don’t write the whole plot of your book, that is what the synopsis is for.

3.  Don’t give them ultimatums or time limits.  You’re a writer and a big part of being a writer is playing the “Waiting Game.”

4.  Don’t send anything but what is in their guidelines, not gifts, or treats!

5.  Don’t write more than one page!

Here is a copy of the query letter I wrote to the editor, that got a request for a full.  I’m not saying it is perfect, but it worked for me.

Dear Ms. _________, 
I invite you to consider reading my novella, Her Captain Returns, a Regency-set historical romance.  It is a spicy romance of about 30,000 words, best suited for the (line they had for my genre).
 
How could anything considered sinful, feel so good?  That is what Miss Corinne Claymore asked herself as she gave into the titillating suggestions of Caption Ryder Montgomery.
 
Corinne never knew what she was getting into with her innocent flirtations with Ryder.  Scandal ensues, as they are discovered in an amorous embrace in the gardens at Lady Covington’s ball.  Corinne finds herself not only married to Ryder but abandoned.  A short letter tells her he will be gone for several years.  Eight years pass while Ryder is on a secret mission for the Prince Regent.  He only returns at hearing the news of his brothers death, making him the new Earl of Stafford.  
 
His love and passion for Corinne have not waned.  In fact remembering their nights of pleasure has been the only thing that’s kept him sane on his dangerous journey.  But she has changed much, filled now with bitterness and the fear of being abandoned.  Ryder must woo her back to him, sooth her fears all while discovering how his brother died and who may be at fault.  It will be a treacherous adventure, but one consumed with building trust and love, while enjoying carnal pleasures.
  
I have a B.S. in Family Studies with an emphasis on couple’s relationships.  I am a member of Romance Writers of America and its special interests chapters, Hearts Through History, Celtic Hearts, the Beau Monde and Passionate Ink.  I am also one of the ladies of Romantic Inks, a blog group for aspiring authors.  Within the special interest chapters I am on the by-laws and contest committee for Hearts Through History, and I am on the newsletter , contest, and party planning committees for Celtic Hearts.  While I am currently not published in romance, I had two articles come out in the December issue of Celtic Hearts newsletter as well as various other articles.
 
I have a synopsis of Her Captain Returns, and would be more than happy to send you the complete manuscript to read.  Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
 
Sincerely,
My Full “Real Name”

Then my pen name, address, email, website, phone number

Happy writing!!!  Hope this helps you get that manuscript out the door, and into the eagerly awaiting hands of your readers!

Eliza

PS.  If you love history, check out my new blog:  www.historyundressed.blogspot.com