After spending several hours today catching up on submissions to write-from-home.com, I’m feeling inspired to offer up a few essential tips for writing a decent query letter. If you’re new to freelance writing, a query letter is your letter to the editor pitching an idea you have for their publication.
1. Your chance to tell your sob story.
I’m kinder than most editors probably are. I have a heart, and I care about people. That said, if your query letter begins by telling me your piece has been rejected 27 times and you really need me to accept it so you can pay for your daughter’s braces, that’s a little more information than I really need to know.
2. A great place to flaunt every publication credit from everyplace you’ve ever written.
I run a website for writers. I don’t care that you write great articles about the environment, table tennis or the stock market. Gear your letter toward the publication, and only mention the most impressive credits as related to the publication’s subject matter. Don’t go nuts and list 45 links to online clips. No editor is that bored. A few of your best clips will suffice.
3. An opportunity to plug your latest product.
I’m happy to know you’ve created what you believe to be the next best software in internet dating. I wish you much success, but I’m not going to invest. Your ability to create software for the dating market tells me nothing about what you can bring to my readers. Even if your product is related to the publication, no editor wants to read anything that sounds like a sales pitch.
1. What you’re going to write about.
This might sound like an obvious point, but you’d probably drop dead if you saw all the emails I get titled “Query” that don’t include a pitch. Telling an editor you’re a freelance writer interested in writing for the publication doesn’t give an editor what they need. Editors need not only the topic you plan to write about, but some points on how you plan to cover the topic. Telling me “I’d like to write about balancing parenting and writing” isn’t enough. I need to know how you’re going to cover the topic. I’m nice enough that I’ll generally write back and ask for these details. “Real” editors will trash your letter.
2. A brief bio.
Let me emphasise the word brief. Editors do care about your relevant experienced and/or where you’ve been published. They don’t care about every single class you’ve ever taken, your entire publishing history, or the life story of how you became a writer.
3. What you can bring to the table that others can’t.
As an editor on a budget, I look for articles that bring something unique to the table. If I’ve got the full article in front of me, it’s fairly easy to judge. If I’m reading a query, I want to know what will make your article better than the twelve other writers who have already queried on the subject. If you have a very unique idea, you’re already bringing something new to the table. If you’re querying on a common topic, you’d better make a convincing argument.
Have more query letter tips? Leave a comment! I’d love to hear what’s worked for you or what hasn’t.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Amy,
I’m always astounded by the emails you receive. It’s just unreal!
I seriously doubt I’ve ever written a perfect query letter, but I do try to adhere to the basics, be kind, and include a few relevant clips. I learned that the hard way, though.
One editor replied to my query that she could clearly see I had talent by reading my clips, but that I had failed to provide relevant ones and really speak my voice as to why I wanted that assignment.
Since then, I’ve tried my best to step it up and come up with the best query possible, with a few clips that relate to the publication I’m trying for.
I think we should treat the query letter like a manuscript. Write it, rewrite it, proofread it, spell check it, let it sit for a day or so, go back to it, and be sure it’s the best we can do before we hit send (or seal the envelope).
Indeed, you are much kinder than most editors, and I do hope I’m not the only writer that appreciates that!
Have a great day, Amy. Can’t wait to read November’s e-zine! I’m sure it will be awesome ;0)
Smiles,
Michele
Hi Michele,
I’ve never taken the trouble that you do with my queries. I don’t take them seriously enough to do major re-writes or let them sit and go back to them. Not saying that’s wrong. You probably take a more detail-oriented approach than I do is all.
Thanks for calling me kind. I’m not always kind, but in general I do try to be.
Please do comment and discuss.
We love a good conversation!
Please use a name when commenting. Does not have to be your real name or full name. But responding to folks calling themselves "Make Money Writing Online" and such kinda sucks. Calling yourself keywords will likely get you thrown into my spam filter.