If you’re querying a literary agent or submitting directly to a traditional publisher, you’ll likely be asked to include a book cover letter. This brief, professional note helps introduce you and your work and can be the deciding factor in whether someone even reads your pages.
But while your manuscript may have taken months or years to write, the cover letter is something many writers rush through or struggle with. What exactly are you supposed to say? How formal should it be? What if you’re unpublished?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about writing an effective, well-structured cover letter for your book submission—whether you’re a first-time author or a seasoned storyteller aiming for your next big deal.
Define a Book Cover Letter in Detail
A book cover letter is a short, personalized document that accompanies your manuscript or proposal when submitting to agents, publishers, or editors. Think of it as a professional introduction to who you are, what you’ve written, and why you’re submitting it to that specific recipient.
It differs from:
- A query letter, which often acts as a longer pitch and focuses more heavily on the book’s hook.
- A synopsis, which gives a detailed outline of your plot or content.
Your cover letter should be under one page and written in a tone that’s courteous, professional, and aligned with the expectations of the literary industry. It’s not just a formality—it’s a tool to spark interest and create a connection.
The Key Elements of a Strong Cover Letter
Though short, a cover letter carries a lot of weight. It should be clear, concise, and structured. Here are the essential components:
1. Your Introduction (Who You Are)
Begin with a simple but confident introduction. You can mention your name, your role as a writer, and any relevant background that ties into your book.
If you have prior writing credits—published books, short stories, essays, or awards—include them here. If you’re unpublished, don’t feel pressured to make something up. Authenticity matters more than a flashy resume.
Example:
I’m a debut author with a background in journalism, and I’ve spent the past four years working on this novel, which was inspired by real events in my hometown.
2. Book Overview (What You’re Submitting)
After introducing yourself, shift the focus to your book. This is where you mention:
- The title
- The genre
- The approximate word count
- A short pitch or logline (1–2 sentences) about the story
This part should match the tone and energy of your manuscript while staying clear and professional.
Example:
My novel, The Hollow Orchard, is a historical mystery complete at 89,000 words. Set in 1920s New York, it follows a former speakeasy singer who becomes entangled in a murder investigation that threatens to expose her dark past.
3. Why You’re Submitting (And Why Them)
This is one of the most important yet often overlooked parts. Don’t just send a generic letter to every agent or publisher. A personalized sentence or two can make all the difference.
Do your research. Mention:
- A book they represented or published that you admire
- A note from their submission guidelines that resonated with you
- Why your book aligns with their interests or list
Example:
I’m submitting to you because of your representation of strong female-led mysteries like The Silent Season, and I believe The Hollow Orchard would appeal to a similar readership.
This shows you’re serious, professional, and not just sending a mass email.
4. Your Closing
Wrap up with a simple and polite close:
- Thank them for their time
- Offer to send the full manuscript if it’s not already included
- Provide your contact information (usually in your signature)
- Sign off professionally
Example:
Thank you for considering my submission. I’d be happy to send the full manuscript upon request and look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number, optional]
Look At The Best Sample Book Cover Letter (With Commentary)
Here’s a sample cover letter from a fictional author submitting a manuscript to a literary agent. We’ll include brief notes to show why each section works.
Dear [Agent’s Name],
I’m seeking representation for my debut novel, The Hollow Orchard, a historical mystery complete at 89,000 words. Set in 1920s Manhattan, it follows Ava Sinclair, a former speakeasy singer drawn into a string of murders that seem connected to her hidden past.
👉 This opening establishes the book’s genre, word count, and provides a compelling one-sentence pitch.
I hold a degree in Creative Writing from Emerson College, and my short fiction has been featured in The Missouri Review and SmokeLong Quarterly. The inspiration for this novel came from my grandmother’s stories of working in jazz clubs during Prohibition.
👉 Relevant background, plus a personal connection that adds emotional weight.
I’m querying you specifically because I admire your work with historical fiction and was especially drawn to your client’s novel The Secret Vault, which blends mystery and period detail much like my own.
👉 This shows the author has done their research and isn’t sending a template letter.
Thank you for considering my work. I’ve included the first ten pages per your guidelines and would be happy to send the full manuscript upon request.
Sincerely,
Emily Hart
emilyhartwrites@email.com
Best Practices When Writing a Book Cover Letter
Even though it’s a short document, there are a few best practices that can help you make a strong, polished impression:
1. Keep it under one page
Most cover letters should be 3–4 paragraphs, single-spaced with a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial.
2. Tailor each letter
Avoid generic openings like “To whom it may concern.” Use the recipient’s name and reference something relevant to them.
3. Stay professional
Don’t be too casual or overly confident. Avoid humor unless it’s specifically suited to your genre and voice.
4. Use a clean format
Use block formatting: no indents, space between paragraphs, left-aligned text.
5. Proofread before sending
Typos or formatting errors can distract from your professionalism. Read it aloud and have someone else review it.
6. Don’t overshare or explain too much
The letter isn’t the place to discuss rejections, insecurities, or your entire life story.
Conclusion
A great book cover letter isn’t just about saying the right things—it’s about showing you’re a serious writer who respects the publishing process. It’s your handshake, your smile, and your pitch—all rolled into one page.
Take the time to craft a letter that’s thoughtful, concise, and tailored. The goal isn’t to sell the whole book in one letter—it’s to spark enough interest for someone to want to read more.
Whether you’re writing your first book or your fifth, the cover letter is your opportunity to open a door. So don’t treat it as an afterthought. With the right structure and tone, it could be the very thing that helps your manuscript get the attention it deserves.
FAQs
Q1: Do self-publishing authors need a cover letter?
Not usually. Cover letters are most common when querying agents or traditional publishers. However, if you’re pitching to bookstores, reviewers, or grant committees, a similar letter may be useful.
Q2: Should I include personal details or writing history if I’m unpublished?
Yes—but keep it relevant and professional. You can mention your background, inspiration, or interest in the genre. Don’t worry if you don’t have publishing credits.
Q3: Can I reuse the same cover letter for multiple agents?
You can reuse the structure, but always personalize at least one paragraph to fit the recipient. Mention their work, guidelines, or something specific that makes them a match.
Q4: How formal should my tone be?
Professional, but not stiff. Avoid slang or jokes unless it clearly matches your voice and the genre. Be respectful and clear.
