| In a perfect world, you'd be able to pitch your | | | | know Jello, in its many shapes and forms, is eaten by |
| manuscript to an editor over a leisurely cup of | | | | 3 million people a day?) Follow this by describing what |
| coffee. But we're forced to inhabit the real world, | | | | your book is about and your particular slant on the |
| where you've got about 10 seconds to hook an | | | | topic. In a few sentences explain your approach and |
| editor before she decides to continue reading or | | | | how it's appropriate for the intended age group, the |
| reach for her form rejection slip. And more and | | | | questions you'll raise and answer, and any additional |
| more, this "hook" must come in the form of a query | | | | materials your book would have (photographs, maps, |
| letter. | | | | activities, etc.) You can add a paragraph explaining |
| A query is a business letter asking permission to send | | | | your research and any unusual information you've |
| the project described. It is either sent without an | | | | uncovered. List good firsthand sources available to |
| accompanying manuscript, or with two or three | | | | you or new data that hasn't ever appeared in a |
| sample chapters (the publisher's guidelines will state | | | | children's book. |
| which form the query should take). If the query | | | | After your synopsis, list the book's title, word count, |
| letter stands alone, it's your only chance to sell the | | | | age group and genre (historical fiction, humorous |
| editor on your book. Many authors hate the task of | | | | mystery, science activity book, etc.) Explain why |
| writing a query, but it's a necessity in today's | | | | you've chosen to submit to this publisher (show that |
| publishing industry. Editors, overwhelmed by the sheer | | | | you've done your market research and describe in |
| number of submissions they receive, need a quick | | | | one sentence why your book would fit in with this |
| way to weed out the good from the not-so-good. A | | | | publisher's list). For nonfiction, also state how your |
| well-crafted query has a better chance of leading to | | | | book would be different from other books on the |
| a well-crafted manuscript. | | | | market on the same topic. |
| The first rule of query writing is that the letter must | | | | Your next paragraph is about you. Give any |
| fit on one page. That's one side of one page (no | | | | information pertinent to writing children's books |
| cheating and printing a double-sided letter). Type it | | | | (previous publishing credits, memberships in writing |
| single spaced, but leave sufficient white space at the | | | | organizations, writing classes you've taken, |
| top and bottom so the letter looks uncluttered and | | | | professional experience with children of the age |
| appealing. Why such length limitations? If you can't | | | | group for which you want to write). Nonfiction |
| sum up your book in less than a page, you haven't | | | | credentials may include extensive experience with or |
| sufficiently clarified your idea. | | | | study of the topic. If you don't have any relevant |
| Your first paragraph (two paragraphs if you've | | | | information, skip this paragraph. Editors know that |
| written a longer novel) conveys to the editor what | | | | everyone has to start somewhere. |
| your book is about. Think of this as the copy that | | | | Finally, ask the editor if you may send the entire |
| would go on the jacket flap. You don't want to give | | | | manuscript, and thank her for her time. Attach |
| away all the surprises, but you do want to entice the | | | | sample chapters if indicated in the publisher's |
| reader to buy the book. For fiction, establish your | | | | guidelines (nonfiction publishers may also request a |
| main character in a sentence or two, present the | | | | chapter-by-chapter outline). Enclose a self-addressed, |
| character's primary problem or conflict, mention one | | | | stamped envelope for the editor's reply. If you're |
| or two things the character plans to do to resolve | | | | sending a letter only, the SASE can be a business |
| the problem, and bring up some of the obstacles that | | | | size envelope. If you're including sample chapters, |
| will stand in his way. Hit the high points upon which | | | | your SASE should be large enough to return the |
| the action is based. The synopsis should also reflect | | | | entire packet. |
| the tone of the book-humorous, scary, | | | | Always address the letter and envelope to a specific |
| action-packed, somber, etc. | | | | editor whenever possible. Use good stationery with |
| Don't discuss the theme, or the underlying message | | | | your name, address, phone number and email printed |
| of the book. This should be obvious to the editor | | | | at the top. Send by regular mail-brightly-colored |
| through the plot. | | | | envelopes, trinkets or treats included in the package, |
| In nonfiction queries to children's book publishers, | | | | or Fed-Ex delivery won't increase your chances. |
| begin by stating an interesting fact about your topic | | | | Then, drop your query in the mail and start on your |
| that helps establish a market for your book (Did you | | | | next manuscript! |