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I’m Unpublished.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
