Thread by @HeleneFAgent

Successful #publishing cover letters – a thread.

I’ve had several requests for the letter I offered to share the other day. I've now found it and, instead of writing lots of PMs, I think it's best if I just share it here with everyone. #publishinghopefuls #workinpublishing

There’s nothing more infuriating than not getting the call and not knowing why. Often it's down to stronger CVs competing with yours,but the letter can also play a part. I’ve been lucky enough to have people give me tips when I started out so I'm sharing them here...

...together with what I’m now looking for in the letters I receive. It’s not exhaustive and there are other ways to do things. But it gives an idea.

1) Keep it short. An A4 max is ideal.

2) Structure: You/Me/Us usually works well.
a) YOU: a couple of sentences about the company you’re hoping to join. What makes they stand out (successes, values)? Can you name a couple of their authors? Why does it make you want to join?

b) ME: 2 to 4 sentences about your professional journey (internships, first job)? Why is this position the next step you want for your career?

c) US: the longest paragraph. Detail the skills you’ve developed, knowledge gathered and why you think it’s a good fit here.

Think of the tools/understanding needed for the job and highlight why you have them. Use a couple of adjective to describe yourself and how this would fit well in the team.

2) Human touch: a little sentence at the start & end to greet, ‘looking forward to..’ is needed.

3) Personality: if you’re confident it’s light and subtle (!) humour is fine. We love a bit of personality. But better to err on the side of caution.

4) Other experience: Hobbies/volunteering are a nice touch but maybe more suited to the last section of a CV. The letter helps the person see if you understand what the company/job is about and how you’re positioning yourself for it. Your CV gives an overview of your background.

5) Formatting: leave space between paragraph. Justify the text if sending in word doc.
6) Attach CV and offer recommendation letters if you have some (or offer to share them if of interest)

With these in mind, here are the bare bones of the one that worked for me nearly a decade ago.

I hope it helps. Do comment if you have questions!
You can find these tips and more in the little piece I’ve done for the amazing @popublishinguk
#publishingworkexperience #publishinglife #mentoring #mentorship #booklovers
@SYP_UK @publishing_post
peopleofpublishing.com/post/nail-your…

And if you're interested, do check out our #PageOne online mentoring scheme! Open to applications until 09th August for August/Sept start :) [e-mail] johnsonandalcock.co.uk/page-one