Query letters are probably the most misunderstood of all the writing we are required to do as freelance writers or authors. That\u2019s probably because most writers are artists\u2014or lean in that direction. And a query letter is a marketing tool.<\/p>\n
Most of the query letters I see from new writers are lacking in the very elements that are most needed in order to successfully pitch their projects. Newby writers tend to describe their article or book idea in as few words as possible while filling the rest of the one-page space with unnecessary information. A writer might say, for example, \u201cMany children overeat and sit around too much. I propose an article that explains how I handle this problem.\u201d Then she goes into the fact that she has enclosed a sample of her writing from the local PTA newsletter and enclosed a stamped envelope for a response and can be reached at blah, blah and that her aunt loves her writing. <\/p>\n
What\u2019s an editor going to do with that? Sure, it\u2019s a good subject, but the editor needs to know, who is this person? Can she write on this topic? What angle is she going to take? Will she involve expert quotes? What sort of research has she done on this subject? Does she understand our editorial requirements? Is she accustomed to adhering to submission guidelines? Is she familiar with our magazine? <\/p>\n
That editor receives way too many query letters\u2014good ones and bad\u2014to spend any time chasing down the answers to these questions. If they aren\u2019t in the initial query letter, she will move on and continue looking through her stack of query letters until she finds one that looks promising. She\u2019ll wade through maybe 150 letters that day (or more) in search of couple that give her the assurance she\u2019s is seeking. What does she hope for?<\/p>\n
\u2022\tA familiar name.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tA proposal for a good topic with a great angle presented with clarity.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tArguments as to why this is a good and timely topic.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tStatistics and expert comments showing the value of this idea.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tAn indication that this writer knows his\/her audience for this piece.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tAssurance that the writer is familiar with the magazine and the type of articles they use.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tEvidence that this writer can write this piece and will follow through. (Clips on similar topics from other magazines.)<\/p>\n
I know, I know, it is impossible to prove yourself when you are just starting out. That\u2019s why I often suggest to writers that they consider some of the smaller\u2014maybe regional\u2014publications before they knock on the doors of the majors. Make friends at this level. Become known. Prove your ability to produce as promised. Here\u2019s where you can gain some credibility to flaunt in front of editors of the larger magazines. <\/p>\n
When I suggest this, writers often say, \u201cBut I want to sell this great idea to AARP<\/em> or Reader\u2019s Digest<\/em> or Family Circle.<\/em>\u201d <\/p>\n Do you know what I recommend? \u201cThen save that idea.\u201d<\/p>\n Yes, set the great idea that you believe has huge potential aside and come up with a whole bunch of other ideas you can write about in your quest to get your foot in the door\u2014to build some credibility and to gain some experience.<\/p>\n I’ve told many people this–I made my living writing articles for magazines for many years and a whole lot of the magazines I wrote for few people had ever heard of. <\/p>\n Unfortunately, this concept totally stymies many new writers. They have this one idea and can\u2019t seem to look beyond it. What you need to know, if you have your heart set on becoming a freelance article writer, is that your biggest job will be coming up with things to write about. It\u2019s rare that an editor will give you an assignment\u2014it happens, but it\u2019s rare. Being an article-writer means that you come up with the idea, you locate the appropriate magazine, you put the right angle on the article and pitch it to the editor. And you do this over and over and over again.<\/p>\n For those of you who need help with ideas, my little book, A Writer\u2019s Guide to Magazine Articles<\/em>, has a great section on how to come up with article ideas. And it\u2019s only $6.50 at my website (see below). How about if I devote tomorrow\u2019s blog to this topic\u2014how to come up with article ideas? I\u2019d like to hear some of yours, as well.<\/p>\n http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com<\/a> Query letters are probably the most misunderstood of all the writing we are required to do as freelance writers or authors. That\u2019s probably because most writers are artists\u2014or lean in that direction. And a query letter is a marketing tool. Most of the query letters I see from new writers are lacking in the very […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[13,17],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t
\n http:\/\/www.patriciafry.com<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"