Lanna asked Julie Arduini:

What advice would you give new authors about writing cover letters? How do you "sell" yourself through this process? You got here, so you must know!! :)

Julie Arduini Lanna, I apologize for being so late answering this, I have been busy re releasing Entrusted and now Entangled is available as well. At the same time I had a family wedding and our son's graduation. I'm just coming up for air, and I apologize.

The best advice on cover letters I can give is to be professional. I've read too many horror stories from agents and acquisition editors where the cover letter is not addressed correctly. On bright paper to stand out. Starts off with an outrageous claim (my book will make you a billionaire...)

State who you are and what genre you are writing. Is the ms completed, and what is the word count. Are you agented? Previously published? What kind of platform do you have? Do you have a social media following? If not, what are you doing to create one? Can you give the equivalent of a back cover blurb to garner interest but not give away every detail?

If you are supposed to include sample chapters or a synopsis, state that they are enclosed and thank them for their time.

Overall, be yourself. Confident isn't a bad thing, but obnoxious is. Stay true to yourself and your work. Write a professional cover letter and your work will hopefully sell itself.

Best wishes, and thank you for asking a great question!
Julie

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