| Recently I reviewed a client's query letter. | | | | description tight, concise and, of course, |
| It was a hard working query letter, detailing | | | | hugely interesting. Then you can move on |
| the marketing prospects for the book, her own | | | | to... |
| glowing credentials and the contacts she | | | | |
| possessed that would help her publicize the | | | | Your Great Marketing Plan--With You As the |
| book. But she left out one teeny weeny thing: | | | | Star |
| she didn't say what her book was about! I | | | | |
| used to think query letters were relatively | | | | The query letter should include a brief |
| easy, but now I realize that a query has to | | | | paragraph or two about how you're going to |
| do so many things that it's easy to forget | | | | market the book. Of course, if you go with a |
| essential elements. Since the letter is your | | | | traditional publisher you'll get major help |
| first step in putting your book's best foot | | | | in this area from the publishing house. But |
| forward, you don't want that to happen. So | | | | remember this: no one will be a better |
| here's a simple rundown on what goes into a | | | | advocate for your book than you. And when |
| solid query letter. | | | | editors are considering manuscripts they're |
| | | | also considering what kind of a marketing |
| Who Are You? | | | | presence they'll be getting with the author. |
| | | | You'll make their job easier--and your book |
| It's tempting to start the letter by leaping | | | | much more successful--if you can bring your |
| into a breathless description of what you're | | | | own marketing plan to the table to work hand |
| sure is going to be the best book in the | | | | in hand with the publisher's. Do you have |
| world, but resist a little longer. You want | | | | contacts in the media willing to help? Are |
| to use your first paragraph to introduce | | | | you good at getting quoted in newspapers and |
| yourself and let the agent know why he or she | | | | magazines? Do you publish freelance articles |
| should pay attention to you. Tell the agent | | | | that can mention your upcoming book? Put a |
| who you are. Describe your qualifications, | | | | lot of thought into this. Too many writers go |
| including a bit about your current activities | | | | into the publishing process expecting |
| which will in turn describe your platform. | | | | everything to be done for them and then are |
| Have you been doing speaking engagements? Do | | | | disappointed. Having a good marketing plan |
| you appear on television? Are you noted in | | | | would show a potential agent that you're |
| your profession? Have you won any awards? Do | | | | serious and you understand the business. |
| people look to you as an expert in your | | | | |
| subject? Do you teach? For instance, if you | | | | The Next Step |
| are a workshop or seminar leader in real | | | | |
| estate finance, frequently travel across the | | | | You've mentioned your credentials, described |
| country, and have 5,000 people attending your | | | | your book and your stellar marketing plan. |
| workshops every month, you can tell the | | | | Ideally, at this point, you have the agent |
| agent:"Now I've decided to give away all of | | | | intrigued. You want him or her to say, |
| my secrets in a book about real estate | | | | "Great! What does this person have to offer?" |
| financing with no money down." Anything that | | | | This is where your letter would say something |
| puts you in front of people is a potential | | | | like, "I would love for you to see more and I |
| place to sell your book so don't forget to | | | | have a proposal" or "I have 50 pages of a |
| mention such activities. | | | | manuscript." Whatever you want the agent to |
| | | | see next, offer it up and ask, "May I send |
| What's Your Book About? | | | | this to you?" Asking permission is always a |
| | | | classy thing to do, it shows you're not being |
| In the next two or three paragraphs of the | | | | presumptuous. Then you move into a closing |
| letter you get to talk about your wonderful | | | | that let's the agent know you'll follow up in |
| book idea and/or story. As a guideline, it | | | | a certain amount of time either via phone or |
| may help you to read the backs of book | | | | email (they might prefer email). |
| covers. You'll want to do something | | | | |
| similar--a brief synopsis of your book with | | | | When you're done, read your query letter over |
| enough spark it will intrigue the agent or | | | | many times. Have another trusted set of eyes |
| any other potential reader, to pick up your | | | | read it for you. It's easy to overlook |
| book. Use bullet points to highlight what | | | | important points, or to think you've covered |
| amazing tidbits the reader will get out of | | | | something when you really haven't. When you |
| the book. Will they get five strategies on | | | | can polish no longer, send it out--many |
| how to eat without gaining weight? Or 4 low | | | | times! And congratulations. You've just made |
| cost resources for financing a large home | | | | the first step in getting yourself and your |
| improvement project? Or the 6 surefire signs | | | | book out there. I wish you a successful |
| you've found your life purpose? Make this | | | | journey. |