Write From the Heart
By Marcella Kampman © 2003

"After being Turned Down by numerous Publishers, he had decided to write for Posterity."
George Ade

The trick, of course, is not to get turned down by numerous Publishers. Or, at the very least, not by every one. And as for writing for posterity, isn't that what every writer dreams of?

The first piece of writing any editor will see of yours is the query letter. If she can't get past that initial introduction to your work, then the chances of her looking at the rest of your submission package are pretty slim. The first rule then, for the aspiring author to observe, is to write your very best first. Impress the heck out of the editor so that she will want to read on. The same is true whether you're querying an agent or an editor.

Following is a list of things to include in your query letter.

1. Write your best.

2. Hook the editor from the start.

3. Use a working title for your novel.

4. You must be able to sum up the story in one sentence. Think TV Guide blurb here. Example: in L. Frank Baum's, "The Wizard of Oz" let's use this single sentence to state our premise – An angst ridden teenage girl gets blown far away from home in a tornado to a strange new land where she must overcome several obstacles before she learns the true value of family in order to return home.

5. Give the projected length and state the intended line you are hoping to sell to. Remember – the word count must fit the intended line.

6. Shine the spotlight on yourself. Tell why you are the best person to write this particular story.

7. Don't tease the editor. Readers like suspense, editors don't.

8. Present a complete idea. Don't sound vague about your story.

9. Query letters should be no more than two pages long.

10. Above all – be professional.