Tag Archives: queries

Does Your Query Letter Look Like This?

writing advice

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?

Writers: Time Is Money

timeby Catherine L. Tully

After reading Yo’s post today on how to manage money, I realized something. Many of the things that we talk about on blogs are things we see writers doing wrong. Sometimes they are mistakes we have made ourselves, but more often than not, posts relate directly to actions we see writers taking (or not taking) that can hurt their career. The one I see most often is… Continue reading Writers: Time Is Money

Writers: Take A Risk

by Catherine L. Tully

sign

(Like the sign? What grabbed you–the idea–or the word that is spelled wrong?) 

Ever hear the expression, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained”? It may be a bit cliche, but it has a solid ring of truth to it. In your career as a freelance writer, if you don’t take risks, it will be very difficult for you to move forward. Staying in your comfort zone may feel good, but let’s face it–that isn’t what is going to get you paid. Here are some things to consider that will help you get rolling… Continue reading Writers: Take A Risk

Top 5 Things You Never Knew About Editors

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by Joe Wallace

Ever wonder what it’s like on the other side of the desk? Here’s a little list of things you never knew about editors, written from my own personal experiences as one. I won’t presume to speak for others, but you can’t tell me some of these things aren’t common experience among my peers:

5. Sometimes we read queries, cover letters and resumes before coffee. On Mondays. Try to connect the dots here.

4. Stephen King on Harlan Ellison; “The man and his work have become so intertwined that it is impossible to pull them completely apart.” Editors get like that, too. Especially when reading the malformed prose of people on the Internet.

3. We make more than you. Sometimes. Did you know some editors actually look at their freelance staff with envious eyes because the freelances actually make more than the editors harassing them? Again, try to connect the dots here. Envy, jealousy, and then…we read your work. Are we LOOKING for an excuse to use our red pens? Sometimes, hell yeah.
Continue reading Top 5 Things You Never Knew About Editors

Querying an Unknown Editor

pen-and-paperOne of our recent comments mentioned not knowing how to address an editor when you don’t know the name. In the past, the short answer would be “do your homework” but this advice, while short and snarky, is a bit behind the times.

I’m discovering more and more websites which simply ask freelancers to send queries and story ideas to a general e-mail address. In some cases this might be specifically aimed at weeding out people who haven’t done their homework, but in others it’s a legit time-saving measure aimed at letting multiple editors handle a busy inbox.

My take on this is simple. If you don’t know the editor’s name, simply omit the salutation and get right into the body of your letter. When I have to do this, I try to be extra polite at the END of the letter just to show that I do have SOME social skills. It’s also a good idea to drop a reference or two to the publication’s recent material just to give the editor a hint that you’re actually familiar with the publication and aren’t firing blindly into the Internet looking for work.

How To Query Magazine Editors

wiredmagazine

When I started as a freelancer, I studied query letters to see if I could learn “the secret” to getting an editor’s attention when pitching a freelance article. I figured there must be some kind of industry standard to formatting the query letter to let the editor know I’m capable, hard working, knowledgeable, and full-time freelance.

Turns out I was doing it all wrong. But only because there IS no standard query letter. They’re as individual and varied as the editors you send ’em to.

If you really want to know how to write a good query letter, try these on for size:

1. Learn the editor’s name. If you can’t get it, leave out the salutation altogether. It’s more professional.

2. Be direct and to the point, but don’t leave out crucial details. If you’re an expert in the topic you’re querying, be sure to mention it. If you aren’t, let the editor know what expert you might have lined up to supply quotes for the piece.

3. Give an approximate length but let the editor know you’re flexible. “I can give you 1200-2000 words on topic XZY.”

4. Try to pitch to a specific part of the magazine. “I’d be happy to submit this for consideration in your Grumpy Traveler section.” This tells the editor you’re familiar with the publication.

5. Don’t write about any shortcomings, weaknesses, or non-article related issues. “I’m a young writer but eager to learn” is a bad thing to include in your letter. So is “While I don’t have any personal experience in this area, my subject matter expert says…” Just tell the editor what your subject matter expert says.

6. Don’t over use adjectives, but remember that you are SELLING your article to this editor. Make a sales pitch. “Doctor Jerry Casale has invented a device he says can prevent traumatic flashbacks in war veterans.” The word “traumatic” isn’t strictly necessary, but it does make a stronger presentation.

7. Be personable, but not over-familiar. Be friendly but respectful. Confidence without arrogance is a good sign in a query letter.

8. Always include an e-mail addy and phone number even if you’re writing an e-mail query.