- Don't start with "To Whom it May Concern!" In fact, I'm learning that really, no one should ever use that phrase. EVER! Agents hate it, bosses hate it... just learn the name.
- Include your name, the new title (in my case, intern for their agent), and a one-sentence bio.
- You can include what you want to learn from the experience. I'm modifying this to say what I'm excited to do. It's not the author's job to teach me anything, I'm working with them.
- Make sure you include your reply information. I'm including my cell number and email. Don't expect anyone to look at the email in the "From" box, just include it as your information.
- Re-read! Spellcheck! Edit! You only have one first impression, so write clearly and correctly.
DON'T
- Use shorthand, like email or texting speech.
- Write a generic email. Personalize it in some way.
- Be weird or poetic.
- Write a long email. They don't need your life story.
Here is the email I ended up writing (keep in mind that my agency is pretty laid back. I worked off of the email send by my boss):
Hi ***,
My name is Gwen. I'm a new intern at ***** Literary. I'm also a student finishing up my degree in Literature and Journalism. I'm excited to work with you on promoting your book. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you. My email is fitzgeraldgwen@gmail.com and my phone number is 555-555-5555. I'd be happy to help you with anything you need. I can't wait to meet you in person and work with you!
Gwen Fitzgerald
I also included a personal note inside the email related to the specific project.
This is my first time writing this type of email. Sound off in the comments about how I did!
