query letter

[luvzminis]

What exactly is a query letter? I have a general idea, but would like some specific info. Thanks in advance!

(am new at this, can you tell??)

[wordnerd1982]

It is a letter pitching your idea for an article to an editor. It is mainly used for magazines and other periodicals.

How To Write a Query - Write a Query or Pitch Letter

[writermomtomax]

There are a ton of good books on how to write query letters. When I started in print, I had zero clips. I had never done anything online even, so a good query was very important.

My queries usually follow a standard format. I start with a hook or opening to get the editor’s attention. For example, a startling statistic or interesting fact or scene.

Next paragraph I say something like, in my 800 article entitled _____, I will ( and than I write what my story will be about, what experts or people I will interview and any sidebars or photos which can be included.

In the third paragraph I state my qualification for writing. Now I state publications I have been published in. However, if you are new to print, you can state websites you have been published in, or experience, certifications and education which relates to the query topic. (If you don’t have any of this, don’t give up, just leave this part out.)

Last paragraph I state why this would be of interest to the readers of this particular publication.

I would highly recommend keeping a query short. One page should do.

Get writers guidelines for the publications you want to pitch to. Some like an email query, some regular mail. Magazines and newspapers may only have certain sections open to freelancers so it pays to get the guidelines.

This is likely more than you wanted to know, but I think print work is a great addition for freelancers to get involved in, so I get talkative.

[plastix]

That is great advice, writermom. I just want to add that if you don't have an existing relationship with the editor, don't be surprised if you don't hear back at all. This can be frustrating, especially if you want to pitch the idea to another publication (be careful with pitching to several places at once... can get you in trouble), however, these editors are inundated with emails. Not to discourage you, just to say you should quickly develop a thick skin if you don't already have one

[FlyingA]

I second that - good advice writermom! I would also stress that you need to get the editor's attention right away and let them know how the topic is relevant to their audience right away. As a former publisher/editor, I've been on the receiving end of some very bad query letters. The worst ones were the letters that left me going, "What does this have to do with my audience?"

And ditto on the building a relationship with editors. If there is a magazine you hope to write for regularly, try emailing the editor before submitting a query. Tell them why you like the pub (we're suckers for flattery and that you have some ideas you would like pitch but wondered if there was something specific they were looking for, etc. If the pub doesn't have their editorial guidelines on the website, ask for them. If they are listed, ask for verification on something. Anything to establish a rapport. This is the SALES part of being a writer

Good luck!

[wife2mikejh]

That is great advice writermom!

[LeighaMarie]

I am in the process of playing the literary agent game at the moment. Everyone has a different idea of a great query letter formula. After researching and rewriting and perfecting for over a year now the best formula and break down (basically query letter for dummies) is found on a page I follow. He has a lot of wonderful information on his blog. I would reccomend starting here. Normally if you have a question it can be answered on his page.
Good luck!

This is the link to the query letter formula
Nathan Bransford - Literary Agent: Query Letter Mad Lib

The link to his home page is:
Nathan Bransford - Literary Agent