Query letters: They’re sort of my thing.
While many of my coaching clients seem to agonize over their query letters, perfectionism and fear keeping them from ever sending the damn things out, I actually enjoy writing them.
This nerd-tastic enjoyment is mostly thanks to some pretty fantastic teachers. Back in college, I took a professional writing class with Burton Klein, an adjunct professor at TCNJ who taught his students how to write cover letters that stood out. Later on, I took several continuing education classes with Susan Shapiro. She taught me everything I know about establishing a connection with editors.
Now, I’m someone who — according to my friends — “gives good email.”
Thank god. I’m pretty hopeless when it comes to in-person interaction.
I even offer a coaching package for those seeking out help with query letters in particular: Cover Letters: Quick, Easy & Awesome.
In the past, I’ve blogged about the basics of query letters: 1. Establish a connection. 2. Lay out your idea. 3. Sell yourself. 4. Wrap it all up. But is it really so simple?
Yes… and no.
To really set yourself apart, you should be adding in some extras. [Read more…]
