Book Writing: Step 5 of Six Preparatory Steps to Complete Before Starting your Manuscript

The six steps listed below are discussed in lessons one and two of my 8-week teleclass on “How to Write a Book”.

1. Know What Type of Book You Want to Write 2. Do a Market comparison 3. Complete a Title Search 4. Create an Outline 5. Write a Query letter 6. Start your Book proposal

While this article has a lot of good information, there are a lot more details in the 55-minute classes I have recorded. All six steps above are explained in detail via my subscription-based teleclasses on freelance writing Writers on Call. You may order the entire CD audio set of all the classes in my 8-week course on “How to Write a Book” at http://www.yvonneperry.net/Writersoncall.htm

Here is step 5 of my six preparatory steps to complete BEFORE starting your manuscript.

Step 5. Write a Query Letter

You will need a query letter to “pitch” your book idea to literary agents and publishing editors. Many serious writers will not put pen to paper without first querying a publisher to see if the book will be accepted.

Summarize: A query letter should be no more than one page—two maximum. The query letter is a brief summary of what your book is about. If you can get a one- to two-sentence summary of what your book is going to be about, you will have a base for tying down all the information and ideas you add. Everything you write will need to support that working summary.

You’ve probably heard of an “elevator” speech. Develop in 100 words or less, a concise synopsis for your book. This will help pitch the book to interested parties and may be used on your back cover. It also comes in handy when someone asks about the book you are writing. Give your unique selling point you created in step one of this article series.

Write a Bio: The query letter also gives a short biographical sketch of the author. Give your name, other books you have written, your contact information and something to show that you are serious about writing.

Include a Plan: Give some insight into your marketing plan for the book. How do you plan to reach your target market? Who is your target market? Keep it brief and simple.

Be sure to proofread your query letter or better yet, have someone else read over it. It can be difficult for a writer to catch her own mistakes.

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Yvonne Perry is a freelance writer and editor who assists clients with any type of writing project. Yvonne is available to assist your with telling your story or writing your book. Her podcast Writers in the Sky is filled with information about the craft and business of writing. See www.yvonneperry.net for more information about her writing services, books, newsletter, podcast and blog.

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