A query letter is an outline of your idea or story; You will send a query letter to an editor when you are writing non-fiction. You don't need to send a query letter if your work is a short piece that does not need extensive research, but if your idea will require a lot of time and effort, and is longer than 1,000 words, a query letter is a good idea. If an editor likes your idea you will be armed with a powerful tool when approaching people for interviews; you can truthfully say that "Ms X, editor of xxxx, has shown interest in this piece."
A query letter is short, formal but not stuffy, and professionally presented. It will be as polished as you can make it, and will be written so as to catch the editor's eye. Don't just rush off a letter to a publisher without first doing some research.
Will the piece you are planning fit the publication you are approaching? Why will it appeal to the reader's of that publication? You could speak about this in your query letter, and quote some of your research to show the editor that you have done your homework, and that you are a professional.
Showing posts with label outline. Show all posts
Showing posts with label outline. Show all posts
Tuesday, 9 January 2007
Monday, 8 January 2007
Synopsis or Outline?
A synopsis is a way of outlining your story in a logical, chronological manner. The synopsis will show the high points of plot, the development of character/s, and the resolution. The outline is very different. An outline of a story tells what happens in a detached manner. It is often in point form and can be a dry rendering of your story.
A synopsis, on the other hand, is a narrative and it will show your story’s progress from beginning to end by describing how the plot and character development are affected by each other.
A synopsis is a tool, a selling tool. The synopsis will probably be your only chance to sell yourself and your writing, or your writing technique. Most publishing houses only want to see sample chapters of your work so the synopsis is your opportunity to demonstrate your talent for writing. If the editor reading your synopsis likes your writing style, and the sample chapters are as well done and in the same tone, then chances are s/he is going to want to see more of your manuscript.
That’s the whole idea of the synopsis, to get an editor interested enough to want to read all your manuscript, which will increase your chances of a publishing contract, so give the writing of your synopsis as much attention as you gave to your manuscript.
Bookmark these pages for coming posts that will give you some helpful tips on how to write a winning synopsis.
A synopsis, on the other hand, is a narrative and it will show your story’s progress from beginning to end by describing how the plot and character development are affected by each other.
A synopsis is a tool, a selling tool. The synopsis will probably be your only chance to sell yourself and your writing, or your writing technique. Most publishing houses only want to see sample chapters of your work so the synopsis is your opportunity to demonstrate your talent for writing. If the editor reading your synopsis likes your writing style, and the sample chapters are as well done and in the same tone, then chances are s/he is going to want to see more of your manuscript.
That’s the whole idea of the synopsis, to get an editor interested enough to want to read all your manuscript, which will increase your chances of a publishing contract, so give the writing of your synopsis as much attention as you gave to your manuscript.
Bookmark these pages for coming posts that will give you some helpful tips on how to write a winning synopsis.
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