I've seen plenty of posts on what to say in a cover letter; what I'm wondering is how to format the letter. Do editors generally prefer one format (for example, modified block) over others? Do you know any editors who will reject an unpublished author's manuscript because the return address is below the signature instead of its traditional place above the letter body?
Posted by annepin (Member # 5952) on :
I would just format as standard business letter. I doubt they would reject a story based on small formatting choices. Obviously, ridiculous ones will make a difference.
I think a good rule of thumb is to make it as clear and easy as you can for the person you're soliciting.
[This message has been edited by annepin (edited September 19, 2008).]
Posted by JamieFord (Member # 3112) on :
As long as you avoid adding perfume and glitter you'll be fine. Posted by aspirit (Member # 7974) on :
annepin, "standard business letter" is different from company to company. I opened and directed mail in my previous job and picked up pet peeves regarding letter formatting. I can't stand "Dear [so-and-so]" from people I don't know and the return address next to the receiver's address, for example.
I thought I may be more particular than the standard editor, but I wanted to make sure. You know what people say about those who AssUMe...
Thanks for the responses.
Posted by annepin (Member # 5952) on :
Okay. <shrug>
Posted by Brad R Torgersen (Member # 8211) on :
Having consulted Dean Wesley Smith and Sam Hidaka on the subject, here is what your cover letter should look like:
No extraneous info. Make it lean as a starving whippet.
Posted by debhoag (Member # 5493) on :
One, or possibly both of these sites, which AWSullivan turned me on to, has a thread on formatting a cover and a query letter. There are a number of useful discussions on each one, regardless. But the formatting thread contained a link to examples you could look at. Good luck!
