Hello Everybody,

Hope Everybody doin fine.

I came here with a simple question. Today I'm goin to write down 'The End' in the last chapter of my first children fiction. After here, I'll write synopsis and cover letter. In order to cover the best, I've a bit confusion in writing Cover letter and Synopsis. In the later I write summery of the fiction but in the later It's also necessary to put the information about my work. So I'd like to know how much info, out of Synopsis, should I put there?

Please advice me.

Many Thanks,


Michael

Hi Mox, the cover letter is usually quite snappy - just a short description of what the book is about and a line or two about the plot.

It should include information on:

* title
* wordcount
* in the case of children's fiction, the age-range the book is aimed at
* a few lines about the plot/set up - kind of similar to the blurb you would read on the back of the book, only more factual and without making extravagant claims.
* A biographical line about you, if you have anything interesting to say

If you have a particular reason for contacting that agent, it can be worth mentioning (for eg if you know they rep a similar author, or have mentioned in an interview that they are looking for your kind of work).

It should not run to more than a page (in my opinion).

The synopsis is obviously more detailed, and should outline most of the major plot developments.

Naomi has a really good synopsis and outline group where you can post for feedback - it's a real art writing a good cover letter and a good synopsis, and it's definitely worth getting an outside opinion.

Good luck!

<Added>

Just to add, I would do the synopsis first, before the cover letter. It can help crystallise the important plot elements, and also show up any lurking problems with the plot which you haven't spotted in the editing process.

In the cover letter aim for a shortish paragraph summarising the story. Start with a one line character sketch to introduce your main character. Then mention the setting. Then say who's the chief antagonist and/or the main conflict facing your protagonist.

More tips here:
http://www.writewords.org.uk/archive/22925.asp

You're welcome to join the Synopsis & Outline Group and upload your cover letter and synopsis for feedback.


- NaomiM

Hello Florapost,

Thank you very much for your reply. It cleared my confusion. Currently I'm doing editing and writing synopsis and cover letter. I'll give you a shout if I need your help, if you don't mind.

Thanks once again.


Michael

Hi NaomiM,

Thank you for the info. I've seen you host synopsis and outline group so definitely I'll join your group next week. I really need it. Thank for the invitation and the link.


Michael

Just to add something that isn't often talked about but is possibly the most vital part of a cover letter, query, synopsis, etc. Yes, you have to show that you understand the etiquette and standard procedure of submissions, as well as taking into account any specific requirements an editor/agent may have. But always bear in mind that you are submitting to a human being who wants to be entertained, thrilled and surprised. It's a bit like speed-dating - at least how I imagine it to be! - where in this case the editor/agent is proposed to by a string of people wanting her to say Yes. Okay, she won't be impressed if any of her suitors have got the basics wrong; but what she'll be most swayed by is the author who manages to promote a spontaneous and original response in her. How do you do that? I don't think there are any set guidelines, to be honest. But two things that can work are a) make a genuinely personal comment, by which I mean, mention you met her at a workshop recently (which means, of course, getting out and about), or check for any online discussions/blogs she's contributed to and mention how what she said about X was very useful; and b) be enthusiastic about your own work, in a propositional way - which means, even if you don't see yourself as a commercial writer, think about ways you can get this book into the hands of people who will love it.

Terry