I wouldn’t use Zapf Wingdings, but I don’t think font is going to be what makes an editor say no. Still there are traps you should avoid in your cover or query letter.
Getting Too Personal. Often an agent will tell writers to let them know if there is a personal connection. Why are they the right agent for you? Did you meet this person at a conference? Or perhaps you read their Tweet about looking for humorous picture books that feature twins. If you read a Tweet, obviously you follow this person on social media and that’s okay, but don’t get too personal. I once heard an agent say that she was approached by a writer who mentioned where the agent’s children go to school. It only took one observation to go from being a good researcher to being creepy.
I’m Unpublished. You know the paragraph where you list your publishing credits? If you don’t have any, don’t point it out. Instead, talk about other things that make you the ideal person to write this particular book. It is for fourth and fifth graders and you’ve taught fourth grade for 10 years. It is set in Ancient Mesopotamia and you have a master’s in Biblical archaeology. You won a Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators work-in-progress grant.
A cover or query letter is your first opportunity to connect with an agent or editor. Avoiding these three traps (and Zapf Wingdings) will help you make a good impression.
--SueBE
3 comments:
Sue--Thanks to you, I finally know why I haven't had a lot of success with my query letters. I thought using Zapf Wingdings would make me appear as clever. Also, it would build a connection between the agent and me. You know, the unspoken premise, "I think you're so brilliant that you will be able to unlock this secret code of a font. I was so brilliant because I used this unusual font."
Also, I don't compare myself to Jodi Picoult in my query. However, I do liken my style to Stephen King's. Do you think that might be a problem?
Seriously, I've heard of people (decades ago) who would print their resume up in fushia ink to get attention. Some women would use scented paper. I suppose if there were clueless people back then--looking for jobs--there are people today who have strayed off the path as they look to get their work published.
Thanks for your post. (And perhaps I'll rethink Zapf Wingdings.)
Ha! I think I'm okay with the font but I will admit I've compared my writing to the likes of John Green and his coming-of-age tales. Perhaps that may have been a mistake. I've mentioned a few other lesser-known names as comps that I think are fine but maybe I should drop that one for the future. It's also good to know agents aren't looking too closely for that personal connection. I'm certainly not cyberstalking anyone but won't plan on it in the future, either! Thanks for the tips.
Spot on tips here, Sue, especially the comp stuff. That's really an art in itself and I struggle so much with comps that unless I'm told to have them, I just leave 'em out. :-)
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