Letter of Introduction for Book Editors: Making a Connection

A top tip is to use a letter of introduction for book editors to make a connection with potential clients.

Making a Connection with a Letter of Introduction for Book Editors

I’m a big fan of reaching out to potential clients directly to let them know you exist. The letter of introduction (LOI) is a time-tested way to market, and as a freelance editor, I’ve used it successfully to sell my services to book publishers and packagers. I don’t use LOIs to target indie authors as this seems like it would be a lot more work than it’s worth.

But to solicit freelance work from a company that might be worth tens of thousands of dollars to me over the course of a client relationship? Yes, that’s a worthwhile investment of my time and energy.

getting editorial work from book publishers and packagers.

An LOI should create a point of connection between you and the potential client, something that says you are specifically targeting this client for a reason. Ideally these points of connection are customized to the particular person you’re reaching out to:

  • “I just finished reading TITLE, which I know you edited. I loved that book! And I would love to be part of making books like that.”
  • “I saw your call on LinkedIn for a freelance proofreader and wanted to introduce myself.”
  • “I saw your blog post about Stephen King’s new novel and I have to say I’m a huge fan of his, too. As a freelance developmental editor specializing in horror . . . .”

None of this is rocket science and it doesn’t have to take that long. It’s not hard to say something specific and positive.

But if you don’t have time to track down a point of connection or can’t quickly find one, then it’s okay to just state your business:

  • “I’m writing because I’m a freelance developmental editor who . . . .”

But DO NOT do what a recent marketer did to me:

  • “Hi Jennifer! I’m reaching out because I noticed we both follow the same personal finance advisors on LinkedIn.”

No, you didn’t. I don’t follow financial advisors on LinkedIn. I follow (and connect with) book people. So what you’re doing is lying to me.

That is not a good look.

If you can’t take a few minutes to customize your LOI, then don’t try to customize it. And for all that’s good in the world, don’t try to start a business relationship with a lie.


Tips for Editors & Writers

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  • Choosing the Best Marketing Approach

    Many of the freelance editors I know love running their own businesses … except for the marketing part. They love editing, they love their clients, they love the freedom and flexibility of freelancing. But then … they have to get clients. They have to market. And many (probably most) of them hate it. So they…

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  • How to Identify Developmental Problems

    Noticing a developmental problem is only the first step in the editing process. The next step is to explain why it’s a problem for this manuscript. This second step is one that most editors skip at first (and many editors skip forever) but it’s crucial for doing an effective developmental edit. Often, we use generic…

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