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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/10123-First-Impressions.html
For Authors: April 15, 2020 Issue [#10123]




 This week: First Impressions
  Edited by: Kate - Writing & Reading Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

A professional writer is an amateur who didn't quit.
Richard Bach

Once writing has become your major vice
and greatest pleasure,
only death can stop it.
Ernest Hemingway


Welcome to Writing.Com For Authors. I'm honored to be your guest editor for this week's exploration.


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B000FC0SIM
Amazon's Price: $ 12.99


Letter from the editor

         Greetings, fellow authors of prose and verse, fictional and factual *Smile* You've engaged the art of your writing, crafted it 'till you know it's a good read. You've revised and edited and vetted and removed the passive telling stuff. You've checked spelling and grammar. Your red pencil is worn to the nub. You're ready to send it off to the magazine, agent, editor. You've read the guidelines, not twice, but three times, and your work is ready. But so are thousands of other writers doing likewise.

         Then how do you enlighten the editor, get him or her to read that first perfect line/sentence.

         Include with your manuscript, be it a single poem, a collection, a synopsis, or a full article or story, a cover letter as polished as your work. Unless you are submitting online with a defined format, a cover letter introduces you as writer and professional. Recently, I've noted that even on line, most editors request an introduction, be it a blurb or bio introducing the work and you, the author. Read and follow the guidelines to get past the 'delete' key.

         Your cover letter introduces you to the editor and provides a sample of your writing style. It's a courtesy, an introduction to you as writer. Like any business letter, include your name, address and email or web address. Include the title of your work and what it is - a poem, a story, an article.

Format the letter flush left, with your name and email (street address optional), the name and address of the publication.

         *BulletG*Address the editor. Many publications provide the names of editors, but if they do not, or you are unable to find them on the website, avoid the generic impersonals, like "Dear Sir/Madam" or "To Whom it may concern", or a casual, "Greetings," instead, open with -

         *Pen*Dear Editor:

It's simple, direct, and gender neutral. Even if it is not the correct job title of the person who first reads your manuscript, the reader of your work is performing an editorial function.

         *Penr*Next, offer a brief introduction to your submission, just a sentence or two, or perhaps your opening story hook if it conveys the sense of your story. This also gives the editor a sample of your writing style and will make him/her want to read on.

         *Peno*Then, offer a brief introduction to your writing. Don't tell the editor your friends love to read your stories or have encouraged you to submit. Do show that you edit your company newsletter, or have won online awards for story/poem, etc. (think of your Writing.Com challenge entries). Include here also any professional qualifications that are relevant to the theme or plot of your work. For example, if you work as a nurse in a hospital and are submitting a medical mystery, this would be relevant background information for the editor; if you're an IT technician, or a factory worker, and submitting sci-fi, that's relevant. Keep this brief, just a paragraph in the same professional tone. You want the editor to read your story, not your life story.

         *Peng*State that you are submitting an original unpublished work that is not being considered elsewhere (unless the guidelines indicate simultaneous submissions are welcomed - a rarity) - and thank the editor for the opportunity.

         *Penbl*Close formally (Sincerely, or Sincerely yours, is polite and professional) and sign your letter. Under your typed name (beneath your signature), it's acceptable to include a web or blog link as part of the signature block for the editor to visit and see more samples of your work.

         Follow the publication's submission guidelines for the document itself - embedded, attached via email, formatted via MSWord, PDF, or other, i.e.

         All this took up less than a page - a courteous introduction to your work and your writing style. Now, the editor turns over your letter and begins reading your story. From the in-box to the desk, your story will now speak for itself to an engaged reader/editor.

         Best of luck with the results!

Write On *Pencil*
Kate
PKate - Writing & Reading Author Icon


Editor's Picks

Check out this sample cover letter, which incorporates what we've explored - short and sweet and to the point - introducing the writer and her work -

 
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Query / Cover Letter Assignment Open in new Window. (E)
Query / Cover letter for Paper Dolls Group Assignment
#1610993 by ShelleyA~15 years at WDC Author IconMail Icon


I invite you to be one of the 'editors' and 'open' some good reads submitted for consideration and comment by members of our Community. You know how good it feels to get a personal response to a submission (be it acceptance or comments otherwise). Proves the editor read your work *Penr*

Black Cat Superstition Open in new Window. (E)
Superstitions can run both ways.
#2217742 by Shadow Prowler-Spreading Love Author IconMail Icon


 The Queen's Last Knight Open in new Window. (18+)
A Queen and her knight's last stand.
#2217661 by Octavius Author IconMail Icon


 Her Open in new Window. (E)
She was everything I could ask for
#2215996 by Jogan Writes Author IconMail Icon


 
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STATIC
Starfish & Coffee Open in new Window. (E)
Entry for Prince Challenge Writing Contest 2020
#2218991 by Lovina Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2218997 by Not Available.


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2. Well Met in Chalmette Open in new Window. (18+)
An ancient evil in an ancient place
#2218289 by Eric Wharton Author IconMail Icon


magpies Open in new Window. (13+)
first short story in a while, first time with darkish theme
#2218299 by Charlie Carrol Author IconMail Icon


 Time For a Change Open in new Window. (13+)
The supreme king of a land seeks an answer to life beyond riches and honor.
#2218421 by brom21 Author IconMail Icon


 
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Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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Don't forget to support our sponsor!

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Amazon's Price: $ 24.95


Ask & Answer

         Thank you for welcoming me to your virtual home and joining in this exploration. I hope you have fun reading the work of fellow authors like an editor, while you continue to ~

Write On *Pencil*
Kate

Quick question, can you tell my why I chose a typewriter for the cover of this issue? *Type*

*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
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Word from our sponsor
ASIN: B0CJKJMTPD
Product Type: Kindle Store
Amazon's Price: $ 4.99

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