The query letter is an introduction
Query letters are a much-debated practice in the writing community. The majority of writers swear by them, but others feel they are a waste of time. There are many successful writers who stick to sending completed manuscripts or informal, ultra-brief queries. This practice has especially grown in the age of email, where a less formal writing style has taken root. See this article for more help.Here are some advantages
A well-written query letter helps prove to an editor that you are qualified to write the piece.
Sending completed articles blindly can indicate to an editor that you either failed to sell the article before, are submitting an article that was not written specifically for their publication or are attempting to resell a previously published article.
Short, informal queries will often go unread or will be given less weight by an editor if they are a stickler for the formal process.
A formal, detailed query gives you the opportunity to do preliminary research for a piece that can then be quickly converted into an article.
When submitting a query to an online publication, your query will look better than 90% of the other queries being submitted to that publication.
In the age of email, much can be said for the ability to quickly send off a brief query. This is very possible these days, and may result in more sales than writing a formal query for each publication you wish to write an article for. Still, if you want to impress an editor, online or otherwise, a formal, well-written query letter is a way to do it. Below is a point-by-point description of how to write a query letter.
Know your target
* Study any publication before you submit a query letter.
* Get writer’s guidelines for the publication if they are available.
* Study the publication’s masthead to identify the appropriate editor for your query. Do not rely on Writer’s Market. Editors change jobs frequently.
* You may send the same subject query to more than one publication, as long as they do not compete and you have taken the time to make sure the subject is appropriate for both publications.
Your query letter should have a professional look.
There should be no spelling or grammar errors.
Be sure to include the date on your letter. This can be important if you feel later on that your idea has been stolen.
It should be addressed to the appropriate editor. Use their full name and do not use Mr. Mrs. or otherwise. The exception to this rule is Dr. or other professional title. * The publication name and address should be correct.
The salutation should be formal.
If mailed, the paper and the letterhead should be clean and professional. Standard 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper should be used.
Single-space your paragraphs and double-space between paragraphs.
If mailed, the Query should include Self Addressed Stamped Envelope (SASE)so that the editor can return your article or reply to you conveniently.
Include your name, postal address, email address and phone number in the letterhead or at the bottom of the letter.
Your query letter should be interesting
Your query should introduce a fresh idea/topic/angle.
The idea should be set off in the type so it is easily viewed.
Your idea should be presented at the very beginning of your letter.
Your lead-in should excite the editor.
Your query letter should be specific
Keep your query letter to a single page in length.
Lay out exactly what you intend to include and exclude from your article.
Give a proposed article length. Round to the nearest 100 for under 2000 words and to nearest 500 for articles over that length. The length should be appropriate for that publication.
Identify which section of the publication you believe your article fits within.
Your query letter should be persuasive
Include writing samples that are appropriate to the publication, article topic, and writing style you believe the publication is looking for.
Present any credentials or awards you have that show you are qualified to write, especially about this subject.
Identify other similar publications that have published your work.
Identify any sources you have that you feel would help persuade the editor.
Your article should show why you are the best and only person to write this article for them.
Close your letter with a phrase such as: “I look forward to hearing from you. Please write or call if you have any questions.”
Respond promptly when a query is accepted
When an editor expresses interest in (solicits) your article, send it to them promptly. In your cover letter, remind them of their request.
You do not need to enclose an SASE when sending your article.
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