A Celebratory Critique Week Giveaway!

Since I've signed with Karen Grencik at Red Fox Literary, I'm in the mood to celebrate! It seems like the perfect time to do a critique week giveaway!

Okay, this may sound strange to some of you, but I love writing query and cover letters. They're an art form in themselves. I love figuring out my hook, contemplating why I am sending someone a manuscript, and perfecting the pitch. I've written and critiqued many a letter, and I've had some good results with letters of my own. Here's my cover letter for Bedtime Monster:

Dear Ms. Jeffers:

What kid wants to go to bed? Paul doesn't. When it's time for bed he turns into a real monster. But his parents understand, Dad used to be a little monster too--and he has the tail to prove it.

My picture book manuscript, Bedtime Monster, is an over-the-top story of a common occurrence--the bedtime tantrum. When Paul doesn't want to go to bed, his feelings become so monstrous that he physically changes into a monster. Paul's metamorphosis provides ample opportunity for artistic interpretation.

My chapter reader, Chocolate! A Library Adventure, is scheduled to be released this fall from Country Messenger Press. I am a librarian and member of SCBWI.

You will find Bedtime Monster attached. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Heather Burnell


Simple? Yes. Did I stress over it? Of course! These letters can take a lot of work to get just right, at least for me!

What is the difference between a query and a cover letter? Not much in my opinion. You cover the basics of hook, storyline, why you are asking them to read the manuscript, and who you are in both. In a query you're asking permission to send the story, in a cover letter you've sent it along with the letter. Slight differences in wording but nothing to stress over!

So, this critique week giveaway is for a query/cover letter! Here are a few guidelines:

• Your letter should be one page or less--which is standard.
• Any genre--yes, even my friends who write adult novels can participate!
• Entries are open up through Friday August 5th, 7 p.m., PST.
• I will do a draw Friday evening and announce the winner in the comment section of this post.
• Please leave me a way to contact you whether it is through your blog link, twitter, etc., or be sure to check back so I don't have to chase you down.
• The winner should email mail me the letter by Saturday, August 6th.
• I will finish the critique as soon as I possibly can, hopefully on Sunday.

Extras are fun, so one extra entry for each. (Please let me know in your comment):

• follow my blog
• become a fan of my Facebook page
• Tweet (just use @heatherayris in your tweet & I'll see it.)
• Post my contest on your blog
• Share in some other way and let me know :) 

To enter, just leave a comment on this post!

*disclaimer--I am not a picture book editor or agent, but I have done a lot of critiques! I will point out the things in your letter I see that can be improved and will give you an honest critique. I can promise nothing more than that.