Writer Berniece L. contributed this sample cover letter to a literary agent. In this case, she had a connection to the agent, so her letter was brief and to the point. Just prior to submitting her book to this agent, she had also sent a query letter to her friend's editor at Hyperion.
123 Lovely Lane
Prettytown, NY 11111
(xxx) xxx-xxxx
blwriter@gmail.com
December 18, 2006
John Doe
Brilliant Literary Agency
123 42nd Street
New York, NY 10012
Dear Mr. Doe:
One of your authors, my friend Olivia Oh, spoke with you recently about a middle grade novel I wrote. I am sending it for your consideration.
It's Me! Rhonda Michaels is a contemporary story set in a high rise apartment in Los Angeles. The hero is thirteen year-old Rhonda Michaels, who is on a quest to find her brother, who has run off with the circus. It is my first novel, and it is 38,000 words long.
The book is enclosed. Thank you in advance for your time.
Sincerely,
Berniece L. Writer
Follow Berniece's progress with her follow-up letter to this same agent.
Read general advice about the process in "How to Find a Literary Agent" and the Literary Agent FAQs.
