The Golden Pencil: The Freelance Writer’s Resource

How to Write a Query Letter in 9 Steps

by Anne Wayman on April 14th, 2008

The query letter is how you catch the attention of an editor, agent or publisher. The query is a short, pithy sales document that demonstrates your writing skill and your specific idea in a way that makes the reader want more. It’s not terribly difficult - here are the basics:

1. Read two or three issues of the magazine, or the publisher’s book catalog (order one) or the agent’s list of credits (ask). You want to be sure what your proposing actually fits - they know their readers; it’s up to you to fill their needs.
2. If you’re writing a query to a magazine, read the masthead - it will tell you which editor to address and may offer guidelines.
3. Find the company’s website… almost all magazines, publishers and even agents have one these days. The site will often give you specific guidelines - follow them to the letter.
4. Create a great title.
5. If you’re writing a query for an article, write the first ‘graph and open your letter with that. This can also work for a book for a query to an agent or a publisher. Make sure the opening is a grabber.
6. Write a sentence or two on why readers need and want your article. Understanding who the reader is and what, exactly they need and want, then meeting those needs and desires is the secret if there is one.
7. Write a sentence or two showing why you’re the best person to write the article.
8. State exactly what you’re offering - an article on spec, a book proposal, etc.
9. Pull all this into a letter of a single page… two if you must, and mail with an SASE.

Don’t write just one query and wait. Keep several queries going at all times. How many depends on your writing business, but queries are one way to keep the income flowing in.

Write well and often,

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POSTED IN: Business of Freelance Writing, Freelance Writing Tips and Ideas