Imagine your name on the cover of a bestseller. It can happen. But an author has to make it past the editor's eye first.

Just as publishers have different needs, they also have different submission guidelines. Some ask that you send your complete manuscript while others require a query letter first.

Queries are designed to peak an editor's interest. Think of it as your sales pitch.

But don't just slap a stamp on an envelope and stuff your query letter in the mailbox. There are certain requirements you should follow to create an irresistible offer.

Your query is a complete selling package in one, single-spaced page. Don't use "To Whom It May Concern" or "Dear Sir or Madam."

Take the time to send your letter to the proper person. It could mean the difference between your query getting read...or getting tossed.

If you don't have a yearly guide of publishers and their editors, you can call the publishing house directly. Just ask for the contact person's name. Don't interrupt a busy editor's day by asking to speak with them. That certainly won't win you any popularity contests.

Your letter should get to the point right from the start. Let editors know the title of your book up front. Don't bury your lead several paragraphs in.

Using John Grisham as an example, this is how your headline and subtitle would look:

The meat of your query should paint a picture of your book's characters, plot and subplots. Make an editor's mouth water for more.

Some people are nervous about disclosing too much about their book. They fear an editor will steal their idea. Ultimately, they leave out particular details that could've sold the book.

Trust editors. They're in business to publish books. Not rob from you. Leaving out key components of your book doesn't benefit anyone.

Conclude your letter with any relevant credentials. Your experience isn't as important for a fiction novel as it is for nonfiction. All that really matters is solid construction of your book from beginning to end.

Nevertheless, if you've published other books, articles or short story collections, let a publisher know. And if you're trying to publish a detective novel and you spent 20 years on the force, then be sure to mention that too.

Maybe you don't have published works to brag about. Perhaps you're trying to sell a science fiction manuscript and you're an accountant.

The solution is simple. Just skip this paragraph. Don't mention any experience at all.

In the past, authors have made the mistake of saying, "While I haven't published anything yet..." It leaves an editor on a negative note. Be positive throughout your query. Be confident.

Breathe a sigh of relief. Your query is finished. Only one more step and you're completely through. Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) with your query.

When an editor's ready to give you a decision, she won't have to search for your address, an envelope, a stamp. Plus, it's a professional courtesy and most publishers ask for a SASE in their submission guidelines.

Before you go to the post office, take one last look at what you're sending out. Use these checklists for your own records.

My query is:

Addressed to the right person

Typed on one, single-spaced page

Free of spelling and grammatical errors

Straight to the point

I have:

Apryl Duncan is the founder of FictionAddiction.NET. She's also an author, freelance writer and workshop instructor with more than 15 years experience writing professionally. Her work has been published worldwide and has been translated into nine different languages.