Anyone care to look over the body of the cover letter I'm going to send with my partial to HarperCollins? While I'm also including a 5-7 page synopsis according to the editor's instructions, I included some of the brief synopsis Deb helped me with in the cover letter because it just seemed like the smart thing to do. Hook 'em a little from the start, y'know? Anyway, here goes:
I enjoyed meeting you at the Emerald City Writers Conference in early October. Enclosed for your consideration are a synopsis and the first 100 pages of my Regency-set historical, Lucy and Mr. Wright.
Lucy Jones is a poor relation, raised to be a governess. She is ready to do her duty, but dreams of marrying her cousin Julius, a handsome cavalry officer temporarily home from the war. She is a dutiful niece to the aunt who raised her, and a loyal sister determined to ensure that her many younger brothers and sisters have a chance at a decent start in life.
When her wealthy relatives face a sudden reversal of fortune, Lucy’s only option is to marry James Wright, a handsome and wealthy young man she has known for less than a month. James is arrogant and impulsive, and Lucy is certain he does not have the steady character and good principles that she so admires in Julius. After all, before his impulsive proposal to her, he had given every evidence of trying to seduce her engaged cousin Portia.
Before this Cinderella and her Prince Charming can find their happily ever after, James must learn to compromise and to admit that he occasionally makes mistakes. Lucy must open her eyes and recognize that love is not always a simple and sweet emotion.
I have begun work on a sequel featuring James’s sister Anna and her adventures behind enemy lines in the Peninsular War, and I plan a third book about Portia.
For your convenience, I have enclosed a reply envelope. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.