What's a Query Letter?
BY KRISTI SAYLES
Do you know what a query letter is? If
so, you are of a rare breed-a writer. Most people don't. I discovered
this when I created “Instant Query Letters” software. “What's a queer
letter?” they ask. The sad thing — they aren't joking.
Query letters are a major part
of your life if you are a freelance writer. Almost every
request for magazine articles includes the statement to “query
first.”
We know that this means to
send a detailed summary of the article to the publisher. You
should never send the completed manuscript until it’s
requested.
I decided to ask a few editor
friends about their preferences when it came to querying. They
told me that a great query letter must do five main things:
- Grab attention immediately.
- Summarize your article or
book idea in the most compelling fashion.
- Emphasize why YOU are the
best one to write about the topic.
- Show your professionalism.
- Display your writing
credits.
First, I highly recommend
beginning your opening with the first line or two of your
article or book. It immediately draws the editor or agent’s
attention to your idea. Since you’ve probably sweated over the
perfect beginning anyway, why not let it do double duty?
Second, make your points
quickly, yet concisely. Don’t drag out your story idea. Build
excitement in your recipient to WANT to read more about this
fascinating story.
Third, tell why you are so
knowledgeable about the topic. Why did you choose the topic?
Are you querying about an article about dogs? If you are a
professional trainer, then say so. Are you suggesting a “How
To…” book? Tell your qualifications.
Fourth, you should always
present yourself as an intelligent professional. Be sure that
your writing tone is confident without sounding arrogant.
Always double-check your grammar and spelling. Many editors
have stated that they will not deal with writers that do not
show enough pride in their work to use a spell-checker!
Finally, toot your own horn!
This is where you get to brag about your writing
accomplishments. Most editors will appreciate the fact that
you’ve written something that has been considered good enough
to be published.
If you are a new, unpublished
writer, there’s still hope for you. Many editors are looking
for new talent. Don’t mention that you have not been
published. Simply make it clear that you have enjoyed a
particular article recently published, then name the article
and state how your article idea would mesh with the magazine
as well. Actually, that’s a good idea for all queries to
include!
Now that you’ve gotten a
handle on the five important query letter components, what are
you waiting for? Find a magazine that publishes your kind of
writing, query it right, and spend the time waiting for your
response by creating new queries. That way, no matter what the
reply, you can always have fresh ideas to send out.
The author, Kristi Sayles, is
a professional writer, teacher, writing coach, and creator of
Smart Author Instant Writer Software.
SEE ALSO:
10
Steps to a Magazine Query
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