A tip for writers:
If you submit a query letter to the slush pile, and you are lucky enough to get a response requesting that you send the full manuscript, this is what you will do, if you are smart:
Include a copy of the original query. Also nice, though not necessary, is to include a copy of the letter/postcard requesting the manuscript.
Because the world of publishing can be a shady place, my friends. Sometimes someone thinks they’re clever and send in a full manuscript and writes “requested material” on the envelope, and thinks that’s going to get it noticed better.
What really happens is that the editor it’s addressed to looks at it, doesn’t recall requesting it, and tosses it on the slush pile.
Sometimes we don’t remember what we requested. Like if a slush query looked intriguing, and we sent out a request for more, and it comes a few months later.
So include the original query, so that we can see clearly that you are not a shady writer trying to get ahead, but rather a legitimate writer with good stuff.
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1 comment:
That's a great idea. A friend of mine just got a request for a full ms. almost a YEAR after she sent the query--unfort. she already sent it to the editor. I wish I would have read this first to pass on the info. Eek.
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