Cover Letters|Writers Conference Guidelines

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Cover Letters

Tips on Writing Cover Letters
Sample Cover Letter
Cover Letter Resources on the Web

Tips on Writing Cover Letters

The job of your cover letter is to introduce you and your project to the editor or agent. It can also reintroduce yourself and your project to an editor or agent who has asked to see more after the conference.

Address it to the correct person and never, ever misspell the editor or agent's name. Get a copy of the magazine or look at the publication's Web site to find the appropriate editor and the correct spelling of the her name. If you're still unclear, call the publication for the correct editor's name, title, and spelling.

Cover letters are usually brief with an explanation on why you've chosen this house or agent, a short description of your book, endorsements (if you have them), and who the audience/market is.
If the letter is sent after a conference, its OK to remind her of your conversation or meeting-and that your follow-up submission was requested.

Put “requested material” on the outside of the envelope if it is being sent after a conference.

“For the most part, we judge a book primarily on its cover letter. The samples are skimmed and a few pages read, but it is usually a cursory pass. The quick glance given to your submission when it is first looked at is your best chance at being taken seriously and generating enthusiasm.” - Pat Walsh, an editor, independent publisher, reporter, and the author of 78 Reasons Why Your Book May Never Be Published and 14 Reasons Why It Just Might.

Cec Murphy answers the question whether writers should list conferences attended on their bio sheet [or cover letter]. “For unpublished or little-published writers, why not? It shows editors you're serious about learning the craft. If you list 25 conferences, however, but you have had nothing published (or only one or two), that may be a negative. In that case, I suggest you list three or four of the larger conferences.”

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Pikes Peak Writers Conference

April 29 - May 1, 2011
Faculty for suspense, mystery, horror, thriller, romance, western, inspirational,, Christian, childrens, YA, literary fiction, and more

Check out the blog for thoughts about conferences

Cover Letters

Tips on Writing Cover LettersSample Cover LetterCover Letter Resources on the Web

Tips on Writing Cover Letters

Sample Cover Letters

Cover Letter Resources on the Web

Recommended Books

Tips on Writing Cover Letters
Sample Cover Letter
Cover Letter Resources on the Web