Queries and cover letters

I hate writing queries and cover letters! When I began submitting my first novel, I developed a template for these letters and I've used it ever since. To be honest, it's not much of a sales pitch. It's straightforward, businesslike and (some might say) boring. I decided to let the manuscripts do the talking for me.

The initial letter based on this template was published in the Children's Writers and Illustrators Market 2000, as a sidebar to an article by Karma Wilson. Since that time I've received many requests for copies of the letter.

My Template

The letter also contained information about my background--my ethnicity, and teaching and journalism experience

Is it effective?
A pretty dry letter--but it seems there are some editors who don't mind that. This query was sent simultaneously to six editors. All six requested the full manuscript.

Adaptations
Here is how I adapted the template for the submission of my second book:

Adaptation

And here's how it was adapted for a picture-book submission:

Picture Book Adaptation

As I said at the outset, this rather 'brisk' style of query/cover letter won't suit everyone. The advantages for me are that it communicates the essence of my manuscript efficiently, and takes very little time to prepare--leaving me more time to write!