Create margins of 1 to 1.25 inches all around for your cover letter and synopsis.
Use standard business spacing and alignment. This means single spacing for the cover letter and synopsis of one page, and double spacing for the longer synopsis, with text flush with the left margin and no paragraph indentions.
Select a plain, easily read font. Twelve-points Times New Roman is a good choice.
Format your cover letter to include your editor's contact information: name, agency and mailing address. Have this flush with the left margin, as in standard business format.
State the date under the editor's contact information.
Create a salutation in the form of a formal business greeting.
Italicize references to your book title.
Use a traditional closing for your cover letter, such as 'Sincerely' or 'Best Regards.'
Include page numbers at the top right of the synopsis, beginning on the second page.
Include your contact information (mailing address, phone, email address) at the top of each page in the header.
Mind your word count. Editors request from one page, five pages, seven pages, 10 pages or more. The smart writer will begin with 10 and edit down until he has a suitable version of each page count. A 4-5 page synopsis is the one that agencies most frequently requested.
Introduce characters in the body of the synopsis with their full names in all caps. Using the active, present voice and write in the third person.
Format email submissions by including the name of the work and the designation "Synopsis" in the body of the subject.
Include the synopsis in the body of the email and as an attachment unless you have been directed to do otherwise.
Include a cover letter in the body of the email, listing only the editor and agency's contact information in business format.
Review cover letter and synopses for clarity, conciseness and proper grammar.