Acquisitions Department - Query Letters

[Prof. Sky Alton]

One of your first roles is with the acquisitions department, the people who are in charge of deciding which books the publishing house will publish.
When you arrive, you find several people up to their knees in bits of parchment. As you watch, more owls cruise in, dropping yet more envelopes on the hapless staff.
Once you’ve made everyone a strong cup of tea, the rather frazzled head of department explains that there’s so much paper because as well as a short sample of their manuscript, each person sends a covering letter (sometimes called a query letter). This includes a brief description of the book and an author bio – it’s essentially a sales pitch to convince the publisher they want the book.
“Some people get rather… creative with it,” the head explains and shoves a pile of query letters at you to read.
Task:
Come up with an idea for a book that would fit in the wizarding world and write a brief snippet of a query letter the author might send to pitch it to the publisher (don’t be afraid to get creative). Then, switch sides and evaluate it as though you were a member of the acquisitions department.
In total, your write-up should be 100 words or more.
Post your write-ups below by 11:59 PM HOL-time on the 26th of October. You'll earn 20 beans for this task.

[Janne Halla]

Esteemed Editors,

I'm excited to share my children’s novel, Auroras and Antlers. This magical adventure follows a young wizard called Väinö, who journeys north to live among the reindeer herders of Finnish Lapland. Väinö discovers a hidden world of previously unknown magical creatures, such as the frost elk whose breath freezes rivers, aurora foxes that chase the northern lights across the sky, and mischievous snow sprites. Alongside these wonders, Väinö also faces dangers. Shadow-wolves born from endless polar nights and an ancient spirit stirring beneath the ice.

The book is intended for readers aged 8 to 12 years and mixes Nordic folklore with our wizarding magic. Through Väinö’s eyes, children will explore themes of courage, curiosity, and respect for the natural world. I've drawn inspiration from my own family’s roots in Lapland, as well as years of study into both Muggle and magical folklore traditions.

Thank you for considering this manuscript. I believe Auroras and Antlers will captivate young readers with its combination of magical creatures, enchanting landscapes, and a brave hero whose heart belongs to the wilderness.

With warm regards,

Aksel Korhonen

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This submission presents a strong candidate for our children’s fiction list. The premise of a wizarding adventure set in Finnish Lapland is original and expands the geography of our publishing program. Children’s readers will be immediately drawn to the mix of magical creatures and more threatening forces.

The author’s personal connection to Lapland is a strength, grounding the story in an authentic atmosphere and folklore. There is strong potential for beautiful illustrations (e.g. northern lights, magical animals, snowy forests) that could make the book stand out visually. We would want to review a full manuscript to ensure pacing and character development remain consistent, but the initial concept has the basis of a successful children’s fantasy.

I recommend moving forward with a request for sample chapters.

[Aisling Lestrange]

Dear Bramble Publishers,

I am pleased to submit a sample of my manuscript, Whispers Beneath the Waxing Moon, for your consideration. This work is a collection of folkloric tales gathered from wizarding communities across the northern fens and moors. Each account preserves not only the ghost stories themselves, but also the cultural practices – charms, tokens, and enchantments – that families have used for generations to protect themselves from what haunts the night.

Readers will encounter spectral horsemen whose phantom hooves thunder through stormy skies, wandering spirits lured by moonlit marshes, and a curious tradition of charmed lanterns that either protect travellers or mislead them deeper into danger. While many of these stories have circulated informally for centuries, they have never before been collected in a single, scholarly yet accessible volume.

My hope is that this work will appeal equally to academics with an interest in magical history and folklore, and to general readers who enjoy a well-spun ghost story by the fire. In preserving these traditions, Whispers Beneath the Waxing Moon ensures they are not lost to time, but continue to haunt and inspire new generations.

Thank you kindly for your time and consideration. I would be delighted to provide the complete manuscript at your request.

Sincerely,
Elsbeth Graeves

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The query presents a strong and marketable project. Ghostly folklore continues to be an enduring interest among wizarding readers, particularly when presented with both historical rigour and narrative appeal. The author demonstrates an awareness of the audience, balancing scholarship with popular storytelling, and this dual focus could give the book a wide readership.

Potential Concerns: The manuscript may require editorial oversight to ensure consistent tone between the folkloric narratives and the academic framing material. Some stories may overlap with existing collections in the field, so attention should be given to highlighting what is unique in this work.

Recommendation: Strong potential for acquisition, particularly if released as a seasonal autumn or winter title to align with readers' appetite for ghostly tales. Marketability is high, with crossover potential between academic libraries and general readership. Proceed with conditional acceptance, pending sample review.

[River Fenwick]

Dear esteemed publisher,

I am excited to submit The Mystic Menagerie, a young adult fantasy novel set in the magical community of modern-day London, for your consideration. This book follows Natasha Blackwood, a young witch who accidentally stumbles upon a secret zoo of magical creatures, hidden from the wizarding world and attracting strange patrons. When she learns that the zoo isn't as innocent as it may appear, Natasha must do everything in her power, both magically and through connections, to save the magical creatures of the zoo, all while facing challenges posed by the owner and the zoo itself.

With the consultation of a Magizoologist, this story contains accurate representations of magical creatures, despite its fantasy element. It will appeal to those seeking a compelling and heartwarming coming-of-age journey.

I appreciate your consideration of my novel.

Best regards,
Eliza Wheelsburgh

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This query has the potential to engage the wizarding community, especially those with an interest in magical creatures. While we're seeing an influx of queries with a similar concept, the idea of a secret zoo could set it apart from the others.

I'd consider it of interest, but I'd like to explore a more unique hook or deeper world-building to solidify a more unusual concept that could elevate it to capture more interest.