Capital Books - Top 10 Ways to Attract an Editor’s Attention

Study the publisher’s website! Read the submission requirements and follow the instructions. Our submission guidelines are under the “Contact Us” link.
Target a specific editor. E-mail for the name of the appropriate person, if necessary. Avoid addressing to “Acquisition’s Editor” or to a long-gone staff person. Use a simple Google search to find the publisher’s website, which should include a list a of editors and at least a general e-mail link.
For nonfiction proposals, send a complete proposal, not just a one-page query letter. There are many good books out there on nonfiction proposal writing. Read one and follow the advice.
Include an appropriate-sized SASE if you want all or some of your materials returned. You can also enclose a letter-size SASE if you don’t need a proposal/manuscript returned. However, you can also say, “please notify me by e-mail,” in bold at the end of the letter. That way you save a stamp, and we actually get a little closer to the promised “paperless society.”
Focus on marketing. Who is going to buy your book? How are you, as the author, going to help sell and market your book? Don’t just say, “I’m available for author tours.” Most publishers don’t have the budget for that.
Do stress your credentials for writing the book. For example, we need authors who are experts in their field and who have connections and outlets to help sell their books.
Do create the most professional-looking proposal possible. Do not use a typewriter; that’s deadly. Make sure your document is in Microsoft Word. WordPerfect is just behind a typewriter as an indication that you’re operating in the past. Do double-space all documents and use standard margins, fonts, and type size.
Do not include gimmicks—colored paper, bows, confetti, etc. Do not over-tape your package or send it in an envelope that creates a big mess upon opening.
Do not go to the expense of sending anything FedEx or overnight. Most editors cannot, on their best day, get to any material that quickly.
Do put all the pertinent information clearly on the first page, preferably in the opening paragraph, including the title in all caps or bold or italicized, a quick “hook” sentence or two on what the book is about, followed by why you are qualified to write it, and how you are going to help sell it. These sections can all be expanded in the ensuing proposal, but the first two paragraphs should contain this critical information. Don’t get too clever with your “hook” though; if an editor has to hunt for what the book is about—forget it. You must be able to convey the gist of your book quickly. You can go into more depth in the proposal, but snap decisions are often made upon opening a package or when discussing a book at a meeting. Spend as much time as necessary developing a succinct “pitch” for your book.