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Template Work-For-Hire Packet
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It is important to check the publisher's website to see what they are asking for, and follow their submissions process exactly. In the event that they are not specific, you can generally submit the following:
1. Cover letter that explains who you are, what your interests are, and what you are submitting.
2. Your resume
3. Two or three (published) writing samples. If you are unpublished, submit something you have written that best exemplifies your writing style. Be sure the samples are of the same genre as what the publisher publishes. For example, if the publisher publishes non-fiction, submit non-fiction writing samples.
4. A SASE
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Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State ZIP
Your email address
Your Phone number
Editor's Name
Publishing Company
Publisher's Address
Publisher's City, State ZIP
Date of submission
Dear [Editor's Name]:
I am a children's book writer with an interest in writing for [publishing company name goes here.] I’ve reviewed your [catalog or website, presuming of course that you have in fact reviewed it,] and I believe my skills may be of interest to you. I've enclosed my resume and two writing samples for your consideration :
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Title of First Sample in Italics, Magazine or Book Title, Book publishing company name, publication date.
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Title of Second Sample in Italics, unpublished sample.
I am a member of [state your relevant memberships, such as SCBWI ] and have most recently published in [state your past 3 or 4 publications. You'll give a full list in your resume.]
I have a degree in [state your educational background.] I have worked in the field of [if applicable, state your work background. For example, if a science publisher and you worked at NASA for 20 years, state that here.]
Should my background be a fit for your needs, I would be eager to accept a work-for-hire project with you. A SASE for your reply is enclosed; other materials need not be returned. I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Your signature
Your printed name
Enclosures: Resume, Title of First Sample, Title of Second Sample, SASE
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Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State ZIP
Your email Address
Your Phone Number
SUMMARY: Summarize your skills, number of years experience as a writer or in your field of expertise. Summarize or list your top two relevant memberships or skills. For example, if you are a certified wildlife rescuer and the house publishes animal and nature books, mention that here.
EMPLOYMENT: List past employment in reverse order (current to oldest.) If you've previously done work-for-hire, list your past clients here.
PUBLICATIONS: List in chronological reverse order (current to oldest) past publications. List title, published-by, date of publication.
AFFILIATIONS: List all relevant memberships, such as SCBWI. Consider volunteer organizations as well, if relevant.
TRAINING: List relevant specialized training you have, such as wildlife rescuer, archery instructor, skating instructor, outdoor educator, etc. Check the publisher's website to make sure you only listing training that this publisher will likely be interested in.
AWARDS: List any awards you may have won for your writing or for any relevant training or skills you have.
EDUCATION: You may list your education (degree, certification) last or first on your resume, depending on your preference. If you are right out of school with little writing experience, you may want to highlight your education by putting it first on your resume, and listing any classes in writing you may have taken.
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Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State ZIP
Your email Address
Your Phone Number
Writing Sample Title
by
Your Name
If the publisher requests clips, you can send photocopies of the published articles you have written. Otherwise, you can simply print out a copy of one or two of your sample articles on your printer.
Some editors have an aversion to staples. They may specifically ask that you paperclip your packet together. When you submit your samples, then, be sure to put page numbers on everything, and identify which page goes to which sample article. You can do this by following the page 2 convention as such:
Author's name - Title of Sample - Page 2
Notice that the page numbering starts on Page 2. Page 1 is generally not numbered. Keep your samples short. If the publisher requests one or two 300-word samples, provide exactly that.
Gather up your cover letter, your resume, your writing samples, and SASE, and paper-clip everything together. Put it into a large envelope to mail.
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