Look at this spam e-mail I got in my inbox today and ask yourself if your query letters & other communication with new editors looks anything like it. There are many things wrong with this e-mail. When you read it, you’ll see that the sender didn’t bother to get the editor’s name or even LOOK at the website to see if our subject areas are compatible.

Many new writers make this mistake–they don’t research their target publications to see if their articles, style or tone fits the audience.

Another thing you’ll notice is that there’s a high degree of B.S. here. The writer says he and the site have “years of experience” but fail in the most basic noob pitch tactics. Here’s a hint for you, new writer; if you are new to this game, your query letter will reveal that in some way.

That’s NOT a BAD thing–but don’t try to pass yourself off as an old hand at the writing business. Your style and tone give you away. Instead, just get down to the business of selling your article idea. Continue reading Does Your Query Letter Look Like This? →