Letter to publishers....

[All Write..?]

Hi All,

I am a recently qualified proofreader and am trying to get my name 'out there' and get some paid work...

I have created my own website, got business cards, flyers, and letterheaded paper....! I have written to my local newspapers and magazines offering my services for free in return that they act as a refernce for me....
I have proofread work for an author friend of mine, and she's currently my only reference...

I purchased the Writers & Artists Yearbook and want to write to loads of publishers in the hope of finding paid work. Now I know that the letter to the publishers is VERY important, and the content has to be just right for a publisher to even bother to read it...!
I have tried to search for a template letter that I can use as a guide, but I can't find anything...
Does anyone know of any resource I can use to assist with this letter, or any ideas on what I write? I don't have a CV related to proofreading.

Any help would be much appreciated

Thanks
Shazza

[gpuss]

Hello again. I wish you'd written this earlier ... ahem ...

It looks like you've really made an effort and throwing yourself into this 100% - great job so far!

Maybe some would disagree, but I'd say the last thing you should do is use a template. You're trying to tell people why you're different to everyone else, not the same. I think you just need to be honest. If you try to exaggerate your experience at this stage, it could come back to bite you and you could lose a potentially good client. Many publishers produce a range of materials, from simple large-print children's books to academic works with extensive notes, references, inserts and editorial marks to check. If you let them know that you're relatively inexperienced they might well start you off with the smaller, simpler jobs that experienced proofreaders might not really want to do.

As I always say, write a simple letter emphasising your areas of expertise, be they hobbies or professional, and just let it be known you're looking for work. A business card is a great help, and remember to follow the letter up with an email or phone call, and let them know that you're going to. You could even offer to proof a sample chapter that has already been proofed, as a sort of test.

I have a feeling that you'll get work reasonably soon. You're certainly putting a lot of effort into it. Just be yourself, be honest, don't overcharge and let people know you're available - after that it's all down to the market.

[All Write..?]

Thanks gpuss - I certainly hope I find work soon...

Just to clear something up - I would never actually use a template, I just wanted to find one to give me some ideas and tips for what to write... I'm really drawing a blank trying to get a letter written...! I've drafted a letter, but I'm really not happy with it...

I appreciate your advice though, and will have another a stab at it later on... in the meantime, can I ask a few more questions?!?!? You mentioned about not overcharging, but what kind of rates do we offer as 'newbies' in the industry? Do I mention my rates on my letter? Also, do I have to attach a CV? I've read that some publishers like to see one....

Thanks gpuss and sorry for all the questions - now you can see why I was so keen to find a forum - I'm desperate for loads of help..!

Shazza

[leumas72]

Your websit is fantastic, Shazza. Great layout and graphics. Much better than most other websites I've seen (except Gpuss's of course).

[All Write..?]

Thanks Leumas72...!!

I really appreciate you saying that because it took me soooooo long to create it, and all with my own fair hands....!!!

I just hope it will be worth all the effort....

Thanks again.

Shazza

[JTM]

Hi Shazza

I'd say keep it short and to the point, remembering that publishers are busy and won't want to trawl through a long letter.

Start by briefly introducing yourself (I'm a freelance proofreader ...) and give an overview of your experience. If you want more experience before you do this, you could try getting in touch with charities and offering to do some volunteer work for them. I got some pretty well-known names on my CV by doing this.

I wouldn't put your rates in your letter as a lot of publishers tend to have budgets to work to and will often tell you how much they have available to pay you. And yes, I'd include a CV and also a pointer to your website.

By the way, others might disagree with this approach, but I found emailing a brief note with a link to my website and my CV attached got just as many responses as posting a letter.

Good luck! You certainly seem to have the right attitude to making a success of it.

[All Write..?]

Thanks JTM - that's a great idea about writing to charities, I hadn't thought of that.
I've already written to a few, and had some promising replies, so am hopeful of some work from them soon...

You mention that a CV should be attached to my letter.... would the CV have to include all my past jobs not related to proofreading?? Or does it just have to be specifically related to my proofreading experience and clients?? (I only have one... )

Thanks again for your help, much appreciated

Shazza

[Bumbadum]

Hi Shazza.

When it comes to a CV, there are a few different approaches. When you're talking about making a change to career direction (as I believe you are) then there is quite an effective CV method called the "functional" CV. This focuses not on previous jobs or promotions or whatever, but more on skills, attributes and experiences picked up or honed through past employment, which you can then relate to your new profession.

This is a really good starting point for information on functional (and other) CVs:

http://www.alec.co.uk/cvtips/index.htm

i'd reccomend it highly, but a quick Google search for "functional CVs" or whatever will uncover loads of great resources.

Hope this helps.

[All Write..?]

Thanks Bumbadum, that is a good link I have never heard of a functional CV before, and that is definately what I need..!

I notice you live in Kent - me too!

Shazza

[Bumbadum]

You're welcome.

And I just noticed you're in Kent too! I'm in a little village called Hawkinge, just outside Folkestone, rather sunnier than my home town in Northern Ireland...and i'm near the seaside! How about you?

[All Write..?]

I know Hawkinge - I'm in Ashford...! Originally a Londoner, but came out here 8 years ago & we love it...

We can get to the seaside in 20 minutes, and today would be a great day for it - it's beautiful, not a cloud in the sky....

We'd better enjoy it, cause it won't last...!

Thanks
Shazza

[Bumbadum]

I bought a laptop in Ashford yesterday! Small world