First-time Author help! ?

Question: First-time Author help! !?

Differences between a cover letter, query letter and book proposal!? What are they!? And how do they differ!? Is one for editor, agent or publisher specifically!?

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Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

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Query Letter -- Usually sent to an agent to see if they are accepting new authors, or a publisher to see if they are interested in a specific book (sometimes referred to as a book proposal when used in the second sense)!.

Book Proposal -- More formally used when a publisher has asked to see an excerpt of the book you want published!. This has a -Cover Letter- with it, explaining what section of the book it is, and then the section requested (Most publishers request anywhere from the first 10 to 100 pages, possibly more, possibly less!. It all depends on the publisher, the genre, etc!. They want to see the beginning of the book to see if it pulls in readers)!.

Cover Letter -- Sent with any excerpts of the book, and with resumes!. (if it's a non-fiction book they may want to see your credentials as far as the writing is concerned!.)Www@QuestionHome@Com

Generally speaking:

Cover letter - used when submitting poetry or short stories!.

Query - usually sent to an agent on its own or only with the first few pages for novel length fiction!. This offers a brief summary of the completed work and will include some other pertinent info!.

Proposal - used for non-fiction!. This letter outlines your ideas for the project and would usually include a sample!.Www@QuestionHome@Com