Laurawrites.net

The second part of the series on resumes or biographies. This part discusses the needs of published authors.

II. The Published Writer

How a query should read if Jane Doe has credentials:

Dear (Agent’s Name):

I am querying with you regarding The Willow Man, this 80,000 word novel takes readers on a wicked journey through the mind of Philip Carson.

The small town of Gleason, Ohio has became grounds for many disappearances. People go for walks, run errands, and follow daily routines with a dire consequence. They never return.

Janet Ebert is a citizen who becomes a target. She escapes the clutches of Carson and survives. Her life suddenly becomes worse than before the attempted murder. She knows who he is, Philip Carson. She knows he is the town’s mayor.

Philip knows power is on his side, and he will stop at nothing to destroy Janet’s credibility and her life.

I have been writing for years and have worked as a freelance writer with several publications. I have four shorts stories published and ten articles in paper.

I look forward to sending you the entire manuscript.

Warmest Regards;

Jane Doe

Key Points:

1. The credits are presented in a concise and open manner. There aren’t any details or names mentioned. Any agent or editor will have to request more information from her if interested. This keeps the letter flowing and doesn’t remove from attention towards book.

When Making Your Biography, Try These Steps:

1. Never use more information about yourself than needed.

2. Don’t list education or previous employment unless it relates specifically to your work.

3. Don’t list personal information in a professional biography.

4. You do not have to mention names or dates of publications unless you feel it is worthy of noting. When you have amassed many credits, to keep the bio concise, just list number of publications. Example:

*I have four short stories published with, "The Journal." Seven articles published with, "The Times." Nine articles published with, "The Local," and eight short stories with, "Reader Interest."

This could be shortened to read:

I have twelve short stories published in various periodicals,as well as sixteen articles in print.

5. Don’t format a bio like a resume. It’s just a few sentences, not a diagram. The person you query is very busy and will not have time to read a page or two about you, unless requested.

Leaving a bio simple is quick, concise, and shows the professional that you respect their time.