Austin SCBWI

A query letter is what you send to see if there is interest in your project. Most publishers require a query for a non-fiction project or novel. Your query should adhere to the publisher’s guidelines; never include more than they request. It should present your project succinctly, much like the preview you read on the inside of a book jacket, along with brief information about your publishing experience, if any. If the publisher requests sample chapters with your query, send the first pages, not your favorite parts. If they ask for chapter outlines, keep them simple.

A cover letter is what you include with your manuscript and should not be more than one page, if that long. If you have already queried the publisher, you can simply remind them that they requested to read your manuscript and tell them you look forward to their response (and let them know if it is exclusive or multiple). If you did not query first, then your cover letter should be like a query — with brief information about the project and yourself. Do not include a resume unless it is a non-fiction project and your resume reflects your expertise in the subject you are writing about. In any case, your writing will speak for itself. Most editors will tell you that they can tell if a project interests them by reading the first three sentences. They do not need to be told that your kids, grandkids, students, or dog loved your story, so don’t even go there.