Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Poetry Cover Letters


I know what a nonfiction book proposal looks like, vaguely. I have read countless blog posts on how to hook an editor/agent into reading your next novel about a dystopian universe with sparkly, magic vampires. But then there is the poetry cover letter.

I understand the basics. You have your name and contact information, titles of poems submitted, word counts, a small biography with credits if asked for, etc. There may be a small introduction where you thank the editor for taking the time to review your poetry, which I do often.

However, I am reading more materials claiming outlandish things when it comes to poetry cover letters. One person suggests comparing your work to a famous author and, in the next breath, says to not do it in a way that makes you seem pompous or egotistical. Uh, I think we past the boat there! She also goes on to say you're supposed to really flatter editors (more or less). I have also heard people saying to take chances with just SLIGHTLY different colored paper and other creative displays.

Perhaps I am old-fashioned when it comes to everything but I cannot see myself flattering an editor with blatant buttering or sending out poems on light blue paper. I am probably dumb but I thought my writing was what was supposed to get me noticed...

Am I wrong to not try unconventional things to catch an editor's eye? Is there anything in my cover letter I should be adding but don't?

******
Paper Graphic by: David Swart
Text By: Me

7 comments:

  1. Ugh. I hate when people use flattery to get someone to do something. I feel if we cannot write a cover letter that will make an editor read our works, maybe we're not a poet or a writer. On the other hand, some editors don't take the time to read any of the submission. We have given too much power to editors, agents, and publishing houses and they reject at whim because of the amount of submissions; not necessarily because your work isn't good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have had my stuff returned within less than an hour WITH the editor saying they had a backlog of work already. How could they have a backlog but read mine first?

      I distrust people willing to read my work only if my cover letter includes an MFA mention or a certain amount of "reputable" credits...

      Delete
  2. I think there's a fine line between comparing your work to ASPECTS of someone else's work, and actually comparing yourself to that person. I would never say my work is like J.K. Rowling's (for example) BUT I might compare the world I've created to the fantastical Hogwarts.

    Actually, I would NEVER compare myself to J.K or any of her work, but i used her as an example just because everyone knows her :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How they teach you to pitch your novel in such a short time usually includes saying something like: "It's Jaws meets Rambo if Rambo were Snooki". Oh, by the gods I hope that one never happens! But, you get what I mean.

      The comparison to a writer, however, I don't see as a good thing. It sounds cocky, arrogant, and not needed. I want my work to be mine.

      Delete
  3. Hmm I'd never even heard of a poetry cover letter before, but I agree that your writing should stand on its own without all the bells and whistles.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cover letters for poetry are all over now. I usually just have the urge to write down the basics and flee.

      Delete
  4. I don't think you have to jump through hoops, and some editors might get turned off by the colored paper! I agree with Donna that if we are good writers it will shine through. However, I think that if you can write a very good hook at the introduction of the letter, even if it is just something friendly or an interesting way of introducing yourself, then you might have a better chance of capturing their attention. Take care, Jennifer!

    ReplyDelete