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.
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
-
How to Make More Money as a Freelance Editor
If you’re trying to build your freelance business, you’d probably like to know how to make more money as an editor. One way to do that is to offer a wider variety of services to meet client needs. Expanding the services you offer is also a great way to add some variety to your day.…
-
Finding Clients Who Pay High(er) Fees
A newer freelance editor reports that she’s having trouble booking clients for developmental editing at the fees she’s asking. She wants my help to figure out what to do next. The Problem “Most clients [who decline booking a DE] tell me that the reason is the high fee (for them) for the service. Some of them choose…
-
The Stages of Book Editing
Not long ago, I came across this question (paraphrased) on a site for freelance editors: “A potential client has written a science fiction novel (350,000 words) and is asking me to proofread the manuscript, offer inline fact-checking on the scientific accuracy, and provide overall feedback about the project. How should I price a project like…
