The Perfect Check-in

Dear ___________,

I hope your holiday was filled with mistletoe, gourmet tea and all other types of deliciousness to prepare you for 2010. I just wanted to check in on my manuscript, ____________.

Please let me know if you need me to resend it.

Thanks so much and Happy New Year!

[Author name]

[Author email]

* * *

A+. Friendly, warm, thoughtful.

Think of it this way--you're checking in with an agent who may, in just a few short weeks, be your agent, your friend and confidant. You'll feel rather silly if they take you on and your previous correspondence was somewhat terse.

Also, if you start treating us now like we're a friend and correspondent, it'll show us that you'd fit well into that role.

Happy 2010, everyone!