Editors are a busy lot, always deciding what goes into a publication and what does not. Hence, it’s no surprise that many print magazines do not encourage unsolicited submissions. But if you are an ambitious writer dreaming of making it big in the publishing world, you may need to use this path to get yourself noticed.
The problem is, there is a lot of substandard writing out there, and it is cramming your entrance. Therefore, editors have decided to make the search process a little easier – for them. They want submissions to come with query letters.
What is a Query Letter?
A query letter can help convince an editor to give your writing a shot. Hence, you shouldn’t write it in a too-casual tone. It is not an application, and you should never write anything that remotely amounts to begging them to consider your manuscript. It is, however, a picture of your writing skills and achievements. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but you can use it to showcase your creativity and appreciation for humor. Overall, it should be short and concise.
Editors read query letters to get an idea of whether the writer understands the publication’s needs and style. Having your grammar rules right is definitely not enough. Editors are also looking for a professional approach, which will be reflected in your work. They want writers who are committed to fulfilling the needs of what they would consider ‘a good piece’.
Writing Your Query Letter
Consider the contents of your query letter a sales pitch. Every aspect of a query letter holds significance and should contain sufficient information to allow the reader to gauge if the writer is qualified to write on the subject.
Impress from the Start
Begin the letter by addressing the editor. Be formal, and never use a first name – be it yours or the editor’s. Your introduction must attract the editor’s attention and give them enough motivation to read the whole letter. Make it short but effective, ideally no more than four sentences long. The first part is generally an attention grabber. Some writers ask questions or identify a need, then propose solutions, bringing their services into the picture.
Pitch Your Ideas
The second paragraph should tell the editor how the article will be written. Include the title of the subject to give the reader an idea of the topic you intend to cover. The pitch is essentially a brief proposal.
Explain Your Ideas
Include a paragraph that defines the work. It should contain a full account of how you intend to present the topic. Include the sub-headings, complete details, and the flow of the topic. Even at this stage, it is important to figure out suitable sub-headings for the end product. Explain each sub-heading briefly.
Image source: Ellen Brock Editing
Highlight Your Achievements
List your achievements in the writing world. Present brief details of your past work, and if possible, links to articles available on the web. Name only the pieces that will help your cause. Briefly touch on published work in magazines or books to enhance your standing. Mentioning any academic degrees you have, especially in a field related to your writing, will help establish your credibility.
Conclusion
The conclusion should carry a note expecting a positive response from the editor. You may also use it to mention the time frame by which you will submit your article if the editor chooses to publish it.
A query letter should be written with honesty and must be formatted well to persuade the editor to read your actual piece. This is not the time to make spelling mistakes or grammatical slip-ups, so make sure you spell-check your query letter before sending it. Take your time with it and do revisions to minimize errors. It could possibly make or break your writing career.
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