The Beginning Writer: Query Basics

Your Query: Five Mistakes That Scream-Amateur!

by Catherine L. Tully & Joe Wallace

Getting started in non-fiction freelance writing is not a simple task. Once you have gotten a few articles published, you begin to get a feel for what to say and how to submit query letters.  In the beginning however, it is easy to make simple mistakes that can brand you as an amateur in an editor’s eyes. You don’t want to get a bad reputation before you even get an assignment! Here are five things that would let an editor know immediately that you have little or no experience in the writing field:

1.  Not including a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) with your query/submission.

You may have already heard this one, but it bears repeating. If you send something out via “snail mail” don’t forget the SASE–it is unprofessional.

Tip:  Always double-check that you have actually enclosed the SASE before sealing the query into the envelope. (It may sound like unnecessary advice-but even seasoned writers have been known to make this mistake-not mentioning any names, of course!)

2.  Making the query letter too general.

Don’t be satisfied with a brief summary of your piece. Sell it.  Write something that the editor can get excited about. Better yet, write something you can get excited about! Put yourself in the editor’s place-would you enjoy getting your query?

Tip: Get an honest opinion from a friend or fellow writer on the query before you send it. Do they find it compelling–or do you see them glazing over as they read?

3.  Not telling the editor why you are the person who should write the article.

Naturally, editors want people who know what they are talking about to write the story, so be sure to mention your qualifications. When you write a piece you, try to show one or more of the following:

a) You are an expert in the field you are writing about.

b) You have interviewed an expert in the field you are writing about.

c) You have consulted expert sources to get your information.

Tip:  Keep the list of qualifications brief, and make sure that they relate directly to what you are writing about. Mention being published if you have been, and in what magazine.

4.  Sending the wrong idea.

This one is huge.  Make sure that you send the editor a story that their publication would print. Sounds like common sense right? Well, seeing as that it is a big pet-peeve of editors all over, people are obviously not looking at magazines carefully enough! Don’t make this mistake–take a very close look at the magazine before you query. Make sure that your article
has the tone and kind of topic that the articles have in that particular publication. This can set you apart from the competition and land you the job.

Tip: Read part of an article out loud from the publication.  Afterwards, read your article out loud. This can help you hear if you are picking up the right tone for the magazine.

5.  Impatience.

When you send a query, check the writer’s guidelines to see how long the magazine takes to respond. Then-wait. Most editors will get back to you within the given time frame. If they do not, there are three good possibilities: they forgot, or they are seriously considering your idea for their magazine or they are not interested. Rejections usually come more quickly than acceptances do.

Tip:  Wait until at least two weeks after the time listed in the guidelines. If you still have not received a response, send a quick postcard or e-mail reminding the editor. Be polite, and wait for a response. Don’t call.

Knowing some of the things that could point to your being a beginning writer can help you to avoid them. In this business, professionalism is so important. Just remember to take your time, keep practicing and sending out queries-your day will come!