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The ability to write a good query letter is a skill that can make or break a writer’s chances for publishing his work. Query letters are basically a shout out to publishers asking them if their magazine would be interested in publishing an article about a subject which you have laid out for them, but it isn’t just as simple as saying, ‘Hey! Want this?” Since editors look at hundreds of queries, you have to be able to catch their eye and look like a professional at the same time. There should be no second guessing for the editor to do when he looks at your story idea: it should all be there in black and white, no confusion allowed.
An editor will know if you have never laid eyes on his magazine, so it is a good idea to pick up a few issues at your local library or newsstand to get an idea of what it is that they publish. Read the articles, notice their lengths and check to see if most of their articles are done by staff members or freelance writers. Note the subject matter and level of vocabulary. Are these articles for the average Joe or are they meant for connoisseurs? If you don’t get a good feel for a magazine, you will simply be wasting the editor’s time and yours and you will come off looking unprofessional as well.
Once you know your forum, you need to choose the best possible story idea you can find. Go at it from a different angle and be sure to explain your different angle to the editor in your query. Note any articles that you found interesting in past issues to show that you have actually read the magazine and tell the editor how you think your article would fit in. Be sure to note if you will be able to provide quotes from sources or photographs, these extra things will score you points with an editor. Mention a proposed article length for the editor to use as a guideline.
If you haven’t already written the article, simply say that you are working on an article about subject X, and are wondering if they would be interested in it. Don’t ever say that you are thinking about writing an article or that you want to write an article, this will give the impression that the editor may have to wait for the piece to be finished if you are starting from scratch. Unless you are hoping to be sent on assignment somewhere to do an article, it’s always best if you give the impression that you have already started work on it.
You may want to include some writing samples with your query letter so that your editor can see if you are up to the task. These samples should be on separate pages and your query letter should fit on one page. If the editor doesn’t like your idea, they probably won’t take the time to look at your writing samples: don’t force the issue and keep them to the back of your submission, simply mentioning in your letter that they have been included.
Above all, always include a SASE for the editor’s response, or you simply will not get one. Editors are not in the habit of supplying envelopes and postage to writers whom they do not plan to publish. Keep the style of your letter formal and polite and before long, you’ll be selling articles!
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