But I was wrong. It has enjoyed many reprints, multiple editions, and proceeded over years to generate another seven disparate titles from same topic.

Towards end of last year I completed draft manuscript for a commemorative fourth edition marking a decade in print. This has been accepted by publisher and is due on world wide bookshelves in spring of 2005.

The content has been updated, several topical new chapters have been added, and all in all it should start ball rolling all over again by attracting a new breed of readers.

With that project out of way, I was stumped where to look for next.

I dug deep within myself and asked what else do I know about? I know how to start, manage and expand small businesses; I know about advising anyone on how to run an internet business from home, shop or office; I know how to instruct others on subject of creative writing, but what else do I know?

Then it dawned on me…

I also know how to enjoy a rewarding and fulfilling retirement. And so I embarked on my new task, researched topic, completed text, submitted a proposal, and as a result “Your Retirement Masterplan” (How To Books ISBN 1857039874) was published in October 2004.

made easy!

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You have completed your ms , and now what?

You may ask yourself: How can I submit it to publishers? How can I present it?

Here comes cover letter. What is a cover letter?

It is a letter that goes with your work. You can’t send your work alone. You need to say something about it and about yourself in cover letter.

This letter is very important as it is this document that will persuade prospective editors/publishers to read your work.

It is not difficult to write a cover letter, but you should be careful not to omit any essential info. If you don’t do it right, you can’t expect success.

I will help you do it right. If I can write a cover letter, you can do it, too. It’s easy .

Let’s get started!

•First write your name , address and contact number/e-mail on right side of an A4 sheet.

•Next, write editor/publisher’s name and address on left side , below your personal info.

•Write date on right side.

•Start with : Dear Mr/Ms –name of publisher

It’s better to write name of publisher if you know it. If you don’t, start with: Dear Sir/Madam

•Keep in mind that letter is formal. Don’t use any contractions such as I’m or it’s.

•Now you can add first paragraph. It goes like this:

‘I enclose synopsis of my book/article and I wonder if you would be interested in it.’

•Now give publisher sufficient info about your book/article. Tell him in 1-2 lines content of your book/article.

e.g. Let us suppose you’ve written a book about Turtles.

You can write:

TURTLES is about keeping and caring for turtle pets indoors.

Now you should tell him why people are going to read such a book, and who is going to buy it.

e.g. TURTLES is a pet book that would interest children from 8-16 years old, and all pet lovers as well. This book is original because it is written with children at that age in mind , and it is practical and easy to read.