If you want to submit an article or story to a well-known publication, chances are the editor will want you to send a query letter first. The query letter, adapted from "inquiry," is a well-developed suggestion for a written piece proposed by an author.
To develop a compelling query letter, follow these suggestions that are taken from successful letters written by published writers:
1. Find the editor's correct name and mailing address and use a suitable greeting. The first thing that editors will see when reading your letter or e-mail message is the use of their name and address. Misspellings, incorrect or outdated information, or careless mistakes may cost you the reader's good will. Some writers submit simultaneous queries, changing only the contact information that is sent with a duplicate message. If you do this, double-check the person's name to be sure you haven't inadvertently left the former name on a new letter. Don't greet an editor by his or her first name unless you have an established relationship or you are invited to do so.
2. Write a compelling introductory statement. This may serve as a one-sentence description of the work you are proposing. Or it may be a cliff-hanger question or lead-in that will grab the reader's attention and make him or her want to know more. Use limited adjectives to avoid "stuffing" your sentence with unnecessary detail:
NOT THIS:
The poor, mud-spattered dog picked its way carefully across the railroad tracks and darted into a faded, tumbled-down shack.
BUT THIS:
The muddy dog trotted over the tracks and dashed into a deserted shack.
When you actually write the story or article, you can add a little more detail, but for now work on getting the point across as clearly and succinctly as possible.
3. Write a specific proposal. Make sure you have a goal for your written piece that will coincide with the editor's publishing plans. Include an estimated word count, tentative completion date, and genre (such as short story, novella, or feature article) that will give the reader a clear idea of how the work is to be used. This information typically appears in the second paragraph or mid-section of your query letter.
4. Include your credentials. Explain your educational background, previous writing experience, and a few sentences about why you are the best person to write this piece. Marketing information would show that you are aware of possible readers for the work, which might help to sell your idea to the editor. For example, if you host a Web site or publish an e-zine, you may be able to advertise the piece, if published, to promote it to potential readers.
5. Proofread carefully. As a writer, you will be judged especially harshly if you make several spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Everyone gets careless on occasion, but a query letter may be your only chance of publishing a great idea with a skeptical editor. When in doubt about how to spell an editor's name, call the company and find out. Use a style guide to check your grammar and punctuation usage.
Send your query in a clean 9x12 envelope so you don't have to fold the letter. If forwarded by e-mail, keep it short and simple, yet exciting and readable. Then sit back and wait to hear from your reader!
