Hey, aspiring authors! Let’s talk about the unsung hero of the publishing world—the initial submission email. You know, that little note that holds the key to unlocking the door to literary representation. But, here’s the kicker: Many budding writers are unintentionally fumbling the ball at the goal line because of seemingly small mistakes in their submission process. So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details and explore why professionalism in your initial submission can make or break your literary goals.

The Power of Professional Tone

First things first, let’s address the tone of your initial email. Picture this: You’re an agent wading through a sea of submissions; and amidst the digital flood, you stumble on an email with a subject line in all CAPS screaming, “MY TRANSFORMATIONAL STORY.” What’s your first impression? Probably not the best.

When reaching out to literary agents, opt for a professional tone. Start your email with a formal greeting—no casual “hellos” or “hey theres.” It may seem small, but it sets the stage for a respectful and business-like interaction. Agents receive countless submissions, and they are more likely to take you seriously if you present yourself professionally from the get-go.

Essential Information: Don’t Keep Them Guessing

Your initial email should be concise but packed with the essentials. Imagine an agent opening an email and finding a blank void or, worse, a threat. Not a great start, right?

Ensure your email includes:

• A formal greeting: Dear [Agent’s Name]
• Two sentences introducing yourself and highlighting your credentials
• A brief introduction to your book proposal 
• The reason you’ve chosen to submit to this specific agent.

Remember, clarity is key. Agents need to know who you are, what you’re offering, and why they should be interested—all within the first few lines.

The Attachment Game: Proposals Belong in Attachments

Here’s a common mistake: bombarding an agent with a full proposal in the body of the email. Trust me; agents prefer attachments. It keeps things organized and makes your submission easy to manage.

Attach your proposal as a separate document, and keep the email body concise. A cluttered inbox is no one’s friend. Also, when it comes to fonts, ditch the swirly or script varieties. Times New Roman or Arial are your best friends in the literary world. They’re easy to read, professional, and won’t make your email look like a high school love note.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Blank email bodies. Don’t leave the body of your email empty with only an attached proposal. Agents appreciate a well-crafted message.

Threats and demands.  Never, under any circumstance, make threats or demands. “If you don’t publish my book, then …” is a surefire way to end up in the rejection pile.

Inappropriate fonts. Stick to standard fonts. Fancy scripts may look artistic, but they’re not the right fit for a professional submission.

Dos and Don’ts of Polishing Your Pitch

Do Edit and Polish.  Before hitting send, read and reread your email. Ensure it’s free from grammatical errors and awkward phrasing.

Do Share Your Vision.  Agents want to know what you hope to communicate to your audience. Share your passion and vision for your book.

Do Explain Why This Agent. Make it clear why you’re reaching out to this particular agent. Agents appreciate personalized submissions.

 

Remember that seemingly small mistakes can have a massive impact on your submission’s success. Agents are gatekeepers to the literary world, and your initial email sets the stage for a potential partnership. So, do your homework, polish your pitch to perfection, and watch as your professionalism opens doors to literary opportunities you’ve been working toward.