Writing query letters is one of my goals. I have been reading a lot about the process. Up until now, I have been approaching writing a query much the same as I would a cover letter to apply for a job. As I understand it, my queries are probably not quite hitting the mark. So, I am going to try a new format.
Here is how I am going to try and write my queries:
- Address to specific editor. Absolutely no generic queries. I always knew this one, but it is worth mention.
- Two to three sentence “eye catcher” paragraph. A bit of an attention-getter.
- Meat and potatoes of the article. Specifics on length and sub-topics.
- Credentials (hopefully clips when I have some more)
Formatting the whole thing in an easy to read package is just common sense.
I will let you know when this is successful.
1 Comment
March 4, 2008 at 2:07 am
Peggy,
I have a 14 Point Query Letter Checklist that I like to follow when I write and submit query letters to magazines. Let me know if you’d like a copy.
Good luck with the new format of your query letters, your brief description is right on.
Bill