Query Writing Basics

Query Writing Basics: How to Write a Successful Query

Learning how to write a fantastic query letter may be one of the most important things to learn to become a successful freelance writer. Many publications want to see a short one page query letter (basically a sales pitch) to decide if they would like you to write the article or not. It saves both you and the publication time and energy, because you won't have to write the whole article only to have it rejected from every market you try. By writing a query, you've only lost an idea and your sales pitch. You can refine and revise your query letter and resend it later to the same or other publications. The only types of writing you won't need a query for are for essays. Usually, publications will want to see the entire essay. Query letters have three paragraphs, and are usually under one page in length. It needs to be short, sweet and to the point. Editors are busy, and you want to catch their eye with your query letter. It needs to stand out from the others.

The 3 Important parts of a Query Letter:

1. The Introduction
This is the most important part of your query letter. It can mean the difference between getting an assignment or receiving a rejection. Most editors will read just this part to see if you have what it takes to write an outstanding article that fits well with their publication. These few sentences need to catch their eye, make them think - keep them away from the delete button! You need to really sell your article here. Here's an example from a query letter I recently wrote and received an assignment from:


Sure, you take some time out for yourself once in a while: you take a bubble bath, get a massage, watch a movie, etc. But is this really enough for your body and mind? Studies show that this type of inconsistent relaxation does not help you manage stress better. You should be relaxed for most of your day, and make more time for it each day - even 5 minutes can help. Stress and anxiety is a serious problem, causing exhaustion, and even physical ailments over time. Learn how to easily manage your stress and anxiety levels on a daily basis for a more relaxed, better, healthier life!

This was a pitch to a magazine that was looking for various topics, and one of them was health. I chose that category and sent off this first paragraph. Notice how it speaks directly to the Editor? You want them to feel the need for it and that it fits their publication. They also look at your writing skills in this first paragraph. They want to make sure that your writing skills also fit their publication. Always personally start off by addressing the Editor appropriately, such as "Dear Ms. Editor:". If you are not sure of what Editor you should address it to, simply call the publication and get the Editor's name (make sure you spell it right!) and the correct email address.

2. Are You the Right Writer for this Article?
In this paragraph, you want to sell yourself. What work have you done that can prove to them you can write well, and write on this topic? This was my paragraph selling myself and my work:

I propose to you this article, and can write many more. My schedule is open now, and I would be happy to help with articles! If you would like to complete one at a time, that's understandable. However, I can also work on more than one at a time if it's acceptable for you.
Samples of my published works are available for reading at http://nicoleallard.bravehost.com

I am the Editor-in-Chief of Writer's Success, a free online resource and weekly newsletter for freelance writers. I have written on a variety of topics including health, women's issues, beauty, fitness, writing, automotive, animals, and more. I have also written a lot of web content, a business plan, an executive summary, and several e-books.

Since they were looking for many different topics, I made sure they knew I could write to them on a consistent basis. I also included the link to my online portfolio that neatly contains all of my published work. I also told them about the topics I have experience with, and that I write a weekly newsletter and maintain an online resource for writers.

3. The Closing
Once again, short and sweet. Always be professional throughout your query. This should simply state:

I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks for your time and consideration! (Or something to that effect).

Don't forget to include all of your contact information: your name, address, phone number and any other contact information should be at the end so the Editor has different options to contact you. You never know when an Editor may call you!

Resources:

http://www.poewar.com/how-to-write-a-query-letter/

http://www.writerswrite.com/journal/apr98/keegan7.htm

http://www.charlottedillon.com/query.html

http://www.writing-world.com/basics/query.shtml