Covering letter

[madhairday]

I'm in the process of submitting to agents and really confused about all the conflicting information out there about the covering letter. Some sites say it should be fairly lengthy, a pitch with a good hook, describing the novel in one or two paragraphs and going into some detail, some say it should be merely a few lines with little detail. Does anyone have any advice on this? I think I might be overthinking it, but do want to give my best.

I think I've got a good tight synopsis now, so I just want to get this letter as good as it can be before I hit send :)

I've just been through this. I know someone else said it's quicker once you've sent a few off but I found I had to look really carefully at what that specific agent wanted and gear my letter towards that.

Generally speaking they say 1-2 paragraphs about the novel, including its place in the market and a paragraph about yourself. I would always add a paragraph about why you're writing to that particular agent.

What sort of novel is it? I could PM you some examples if you like.

Thanks Imperial, that would be brilliant.

I worry a little about the bio paragraph. I don't really have a lot to say about myself in terms of writing career, as this is the first thing I've done, so not sure where to go with that part of the letter. Would it be appropriate to say something of what prompted me to write the novel, as it's birthed in my experience as a person with a disability?

It's a YA dystopian. Just having a go at the #pitchCB thing on Twitter today :)

Ohh best of luck!

Can you PM me who you're sending it to so I don't send you what I sent them? Mine's a psychological thriller so I doubt it's the same genre!

Have PMd you