Query Letters: Important Tips & Warnings: Part 5 of Query Letters that Work!
Filed under: Blog, Mini-Courses, Query Letters, Resources
mini.course
Welcome to Part 5 of the Query Letters That Work! Mini-Course
A Word to the Wise: Important Do’s and Don’ts – Tips and Warnings
So, far in Query Letters that Work! a mini-course, we’ve covered:
- The purpose of the query letter
- Key Components of Query Letters That Work Part One and Part Two
- Key Traits and Characteristics of Winning Query Letters
- What to Do if You’ve Never Been Published and Don’t Have Any Writing Credentials
Now, we’re going to take a look at some important things to remember when writing and submitting your query letters:
Note: For more in-depth explanations of the tips, warnings and things to remember – see Parts 1 – 4 of Query Letters that Work!
- Keep your letter to a single page!
While it might seem like a good idea to include more (and more!) information, doing so will actually hurt your chances rather than working to your advantage. (This doesn’t include attachments, such as: clips).
Editors and agents want to (and expect to!) see your ability to write concisely and effectively and to not have to spend a lot of time reading to determine that! Remember, they are inundated with queries on a regular and ongoing basis. Why bother with 2 and 3 page queries, when they have a stack of 100, single page ones that effectively show topic, subtopics and the ability to connect with the reader? (Hint: they won’t!)
- Include relevant published clips if you have them (unless the publication specifically requests otherwise).
- Always, make sure the tone and the topic fits the publication and the readership!
Click here for tips on researching and getting to know your audience.
Do your homework!
- When querying by mail, always include a SASE (self-addressed, stamped envelope).
You won’t always receive a response, but doing this encourages the editor or agent to respond and enables them to do so easier and faster.
- Don’t submit the same idea to multiple publishers at the same time!
The only exceptions to this are when a publisher specifically stipulates that this is acceptable or when you notify all of the publishers you are submitting to that you are doing this. In general though, it is best to wait for a response from one publisher before submitting the same idea to another.
As freelance writers, we need to make money from our profession to survive; we can’t wait forever to hear back from one publisher before pitching our awesome ideas to another. So, what do you do if you haven’t heard back, but you really need to move forward? Stay tuned to Writers Bra! I will posting soon all about proper follow-up etiquette with publishers, editors and agents.
- When using qualifications and experience in lieu of writing credentials, make certain that experience is relevant and viable!
If your background has no relevance to the topic you are pitching, leave it out of your query letter altogether. Click here to learn more about how to use your life experiences in place of writing credentials. (Hint: This is excellent for someone who has never been published!)
- Make sure your query letter is in business format and has the appropriate look!
Click here to learn more about how to format your letter and exactly what it should (and shouldn’t!) look like.
- Always address editors and publishers professionally and with a business tone.
This is a business; you are the owner of your business; and you need to treat publishers with the respect and professionalism that their position warrants. After all, they are the gatekeepers to your publishing world.
- Always, always, ALWAYS have someone else proofread your query letter for you!
Writers make terrible proofreaders of their own writings. Why? Quite simply, we see what’s supposed to be there instead of what’s really there.
Now, I’m not talking about creatively; most of us do a pretty darn good job with that part 
. But, grammar and spelling; especially spelling… trust me; if the word is supposed to have an apostrophe, we’ll see an apostrophe. If the word is supposed be spelled “too” and not “to”… we’re going to see “too”.
Don’t get me wrong; we’ll likely catch a lot of our own mistakes, but we’re just as likely to leave behind a few too (especially if we’ve read the piece dozens of times during the writing process!).
Anyway, why even take that chance? Do you really want your idea tossed out simply because you made a few typos? Threw in an extra “the”? Wrote “good darn”, instead of “darn good”?
While these may not seem like such a big deal, they can be… particularly when an editor already has 75 other query letters sitting on his or her desk.
I’m not saying typos and grammar issues will exclude you from the running; if your idea is good enough and the mistakes are minimal, you just might make it through. But, why take a chance?
Be safe! Have a friend or colleague proof your query letters and other important work before putting it out there…
- Quality matters!
This kind of goes without saying. Most of the tips above are all about just that; quality.
Your query letter needs to be your “best foot forward”. This is precisely how editors and agents will view it.
If your query letter is not in the right format, doesn’t follow the standard process, is sloppy in appearance, addresses the publisher too casually, etc. etc…. it’s going to hurt you as a writer. What the editor will take away from that is, “If that’s their best effort, what can I expect the finished “product” to be like?” Common sense.
And, with that . . .
I hope your query letters are going well! Don’t forget to shout-out your publishing and writing successes through Writers Bra Bally-hoo! We want to hear all about it and we want to help you get it out to the world!
Stay tuned. Still to come in Query Letters that Work! A Mini-Course:
- A Word to the Wise: Important Do’s and Don’ts – Tips and Warnings
- Sample Query Letters
- Final Thoughts: Bringing It All Together & Things to Remember
Plus! I’ve added a topic:
- A Few Key Differences When Querying to Publish Your Book
Wishing you continued writing success,
Deanna
Founder and Creator
Writers Bra
Never Been Published? What to do! Part 4: Query Letters That Work!
Filed under: Blog, Mini-Courses, Query Letters, Resources
Part 4 of Query Letters That Work!
mini-course continued . . .
What to Do if You’ve Never Been Published and
Don’t Have Writing Credentials
So far in the Query Letters That Work! Mini-Course, we’ve explored:
- The Purpose of the Query Letter
- Key Components of Query Letters That Work
- Key Traits and Characteristics of Winning Query Letters
Whether you have published pieces or not, you should always approach writing your query letter as if it’s the one and only thing standing between you and publishing success. Quite often, it is!
Now, let’s talk about what you can do to make your query letter work even if you’re brand new to publishing and don’t yet have published clips you can share or writing credentials to include in your letter.
Yes, the competition is fierce, but it may not be as hard as you think. Now more than ever, the doors to becoming a published writer are wider and easier to walk through. But!… right along with the increase in opportunities, the competition has grown increasingly large, as well. That’s just it though… the competition you are facing is more about the number of people you are competing against than it is about published writers with credentials beating you to the punch.
Don’t get me wrong; there are a lot of accomplished, published writers out there. But, they are mostly dominating in certain arenas; publishing in the bigger publications. To snag your first publishing credits, you’ll want to start with the smaller publications and this is where your topic and writing can help you get noticed over other writers seeking first time publication.
The best way to establish yourself and get that first publishing credit under your belt is to pitch a topic you have some background experience with or for which you have some qualifications.
Taking another look at my swine flu article query from earlier in the course, as an example:
“As a Nurse Practitioner, I am exposed to and work with flu sufferers on a regular basis. Every year, for the past four years, I have helped educate our local community about the various types of flu and ways to protect themselves throughout the flu season. This season alone I have personally assisted in the treatment of three patients who contracted swine flu.
Please find enclosed two clips; one from Healthy Peeps Magazine and the other, a local news article I recently wrote on regional flu statistics.”
Strip away the writing credentials found in the second paragraph and, as you can see, our Nurse Practitioner still has some viable qualifications and experience for pitching this particular topic. Because of this, she is much more likely to be taken in to serious consideration than someone with no relevant background just pitching the topic blind.
Tie your topic in with some related background or qualifications and you can show your potential writing abilities through your query letter itself. This combination of topic related experience and effective writing skills are a great way to break in to the world of publishing and snag that first published writing credential.
Chances are you are already reading publications that cover topics you can relate to. So, begin to think about why you relate to those topics; what in your background or past draws you to that particular topic. Do this and you just might find you have some relatable experience that you can draw from to write about.
Another way is simply to list your skills, training, and volunteer and job experiences. Then, start brainstorming on some ideas for articles.
Everyone has skills and experience in something! So, just take your time and give yourself a good thorough background assessment. Stretch yourself; you’ll be surprised at just how many things you have experience with and have accomplished in your life!
If you’re still having a tough time, here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Did you ever babysit?
- Are you a parent?
- Do you have, or have you had, pets?
- What was your first job?
- Are you married?
- Do you budget your household?
- Are you always critiquing the books you read; the movies you see?
- Have you taught a teenager how to drive?
- Are your friends always coming to you for advice?
As you can see, you can find experience just about anywhere. During the process of self-discovery, don’t limit yourself. List everything. Afterward, once you have it all down, you can go through it, choose the strongest and most comprehensive and fine tune it.
Once you’ve documented your experience and qualifications, start looking for publications whose subject matter and audience relate to your background. Start with smaller, less known publications and work your way up. By the time you get to the “big boys”, you should have a few writing credits under your belt with clips you can include in your new query letters.
Don’t forget to share your publishing successes with Writers Bra! I do post about our members! You can send your publishing announcements to:
bal⋅ly⋅hoo
[n. bal-ee-hoo; v. bal-ee-hoo, bal-ee-hoo] noun, plural -hoos, verb, -hooed, -hoo⋅ing.
–noun
1. a clamorous and vigorous attempt to win customers or advance any cause; blatant advertising or publicity.
2. clamor or outcry.
–verb (used with object), verb (used without object)
4. to advertise or push by ballyhoo. n. pl. bal·ly·hoos
- Sensational or clamorous advertising or publicity.
- Noisy shouting or uproar.
“ballyhoo.” Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 18 Oct. 2009. <Dictionary.comhttp://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ballyhoo>.
Stay tuned . . .
STILL TO COME IN THE QUERY LETTERS THAT WORK! MINI-COURSE:
- A Word to the Wise: Important Do’s and Don’ts – Tips and Warnings
- Sample Query Letters
- Final Thoughts: Bringing It All Together & Things to Remember
Plus! I’ve added a topic:
- A Few Key Differences When Querying to Publish Your Book
I can’t wait to receive the news at bally-hoo@writersbra.com all about your publishing successes!
Keep Writing! xxoo
Section II of Key Components of Query Letters That Work!
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Welcome to Section II of Key Components of Query Letters That Work
Part 2 of Query Letters That Work!
mini-course continued . . .
To stand out from the massive crowd of query letters that agents and editors receive on a regular basis, your query letter needs to attract the attention of the editor or agent, and in a good way.
We’ve gone over the purpose of the query letter and what it says about you; and we’ve identified the essential key components of all properly formatted query letters. Now, we’re going to dig-in to the very heart of the query letter, break down each component and take a look at what you should (and shouldn’t!) include to help yours stand out from the pack.
First let’s talk a bit about the look of your query letter. Following are a few things to keep in mind when first preparing to compose your letter:
- No colored paper! The only exception to this is a soft linen color like that of typical business stationery.
- No fancy designs and no big, colorful artwork or graphic art. Use simple, tasteful letterhead with a small, clean looking logo.
- No fancy fonts! Choose an attractive, easy-to-read font, such as:
- Times New Roman
- Tahoma
- Arial
- Verdana
- Helvitica
When choosing your look, just remember that a query letter should be written using a formal business format. Keep it simple, tasteful and clean looking.
Keep it simple.
Keep it tasteful.
Keep it clean.
With that in mind, let’s move on to the actual writing of the letter.
You have exactly one page to introduce yourself and the article you are proposing; four –to-five clean, tight paragraphs, each with its own specific purpose.
Your first paragraph, the introduction or “hook”, is your one opportunity to catch the editor’s attention and show that you are able to quickly and effectively connect with your audience. There are several styles of introduction you can use to successfully accomplish this:
- Pose a problem with a corresponding solution
- Inform your audience by providing useful information of value to the reader
- Share a personal anecdote or experience
All have proven to be successful approaches. Just be sure whichever one you choose fits in with the style of that particular publication and its readership.
Some introduction mistakes to avoid:
- “Hi, my name is . . .” Don’t do it!
- Sharing personal information irrelevant to the editor. The editor doesn’t want to hear about how much it would mean to you to be published or that you’ve always dreamed of being a writer.
- “I just love your magazine.” Don’t tell the editor how much you love the publication or even that you’ve been a subscriber for the past ten (10) years.
Instead, show the editor that you are familiar with the magazine by submitting a query that is appropriately in tune with the publication’s readership.
- “I’ve never been published, but . . .”
- “I really need this assignment or . . . they won’t publish my book” . . . I can’t pay the water bill” . . . I won’t eat this month” . . .
Even if it’s all true, don’t include it in your query! No attempts at gaining sympathy.
- “I have the perfect idea for your magazine!” or “I have just what you’re readers want!”
Prove how ideal your piece is for the publication through effective writing and appropriateness of topic, never by telling the editor it is or by “talking yourself up” as a writer.
Reminder: I’ll be posting sample query letters later in the course so you can see how this all comes together.
Normally the second (2nd) paragraph, your “pitch” is where you tell the editor precisely what it is you are offering the publication. Here you will provide a brief summary of your proposed article and, if you can, a working title and word count.
If you’ve made it this far with the editor still reading your query letter, congratulations! You’ve done a good job at capturing your reader’s attention and the editor sees potential in both the topic you are proposing and in you’re writing as a good match for the publication.
A good “body” can seal the deal for you! (And, no, I’m not talking about a great figure in a bikini! 
)) Between two (2) and four (4) paragraphs, the body continues to sell your idea by providing the details of your proposed article. Here you will want to be specific, yet concise.
Be specific, yet concise.
Develop an outline of your article, dividing your topic into subtopics. These subtopics are what you will touch on in the body of your query.
Using a 1200 word article on the swine flu as an example, the description of the article might read as follows:
“The article covers the warning signs and symptoms of the swine flu, as well as discusses the most effective preventive measures and current treatment options.”
Note: With a 1200 word article, by choosing a maximum of three (3) subtopics, I’ve allowed myself 400 words per subtopic, which is a good general rule-of-thumb to follow.
When determining the number of subtopics to include in an article proposal, divide
the total number of words by four hundred (400) as a guide.
Moving on to “credentials” . . .
First, don’t panic if you don’t have any! I will be covering what to do in this case a bit later in the course.
Your credentials help to assure the editor that you are the best person to write the article you are proposing and should make up the paragraph immediately following the body and just before the “close”.
Using the same article about the swine flu as an example, your credentials might read as follows:
“As a Nurse Practitioner, I am exposed to and work with flu sufferers on a regular basis. Every year, for the past four years, I have helped educate our local community about the various types of flu and ways to protect themselves throughout the flu season. This season alone I have personally assisted in the treatment of three patients who contracted swine flu.
Please find enclosed two clips; one from Healthy Peeps Magazine and the other, a local news article I recently wrote on regional flu statistics.”
Whenever possible, you will want to include, and highlight, credentials and qualifications that directly relate to the topic of your article.
In your final paragraph, the “close”, you should thank the editor for his or her time and consideration. This is also an opportunity to give the editor one final boost toward accepting your proposition. One really good way to do this is by indicating a time-frame, such as:
“I can have this article completed and in your hands within ‘X’ days.”
This is a great way to let the editor know he or she can count on you to finish the job and in a timely manner. It also creates a sense of urgency, yet in a passive and indirect manner and could very well be the final nudge the editor needs to go ahead and pick up the phone instead of setting your query letter aside (with others!) for further consideration.
A lot covered today! Next, I’ll be going over some of the key traits and characteristics of winning query letters to help you further refine your query writing process and ensure your query stands out from the masses.
Be sure to join me for Part 3 of the Query Letters That Work! Mini-Course
- Key Traits and Characteristics of Winning Query Letters
A bit about grammar . . .
While they are important, your grammar skills are not the most important consideration for an editor or agent. Your idea and your ability to effectively connect with your audience carry far more weight.
That said, it’s not likely you will be able to effectively pull in and connect with your reader without having a fairly good grasp of the correct usage of punctuation, prepositional phrases and all those other fun things that fall under the heading “grammar”.
The key is to combine basically sound grammar with conversational style writing. Conversational style writing goes a long, long way!
So, yes, an editor does want to see that you have fairly sound grammar skills and they aren’t likely to work with a writer they are going to have to spend a huge amount of time editing. But! . . . the good news is this –> If you’re writing is strong and effective, you can fix the grammar!
I recommend the following:
The Gregg Reference Manual
by: William Sabin
I just love what the author has to say about punctuation:
“Punctuation marks are the mechanical means for making the meaning of a sentence easily understood…” -William Sabin
That is just so true!
to be continued . . .
STILL TO COME IN THE “QUERY LETTERS THAT WORK!” MINI-COURSE:
- Key Traits and Components of Winning Query Letters
- What to Do if You’ve Never Been Published and Don’t Have Writing Credentials
- A Word to the Wise: Important Do’s and Don’ts – Tips and Warnings
- Sample Query Letters
- Final Thoughts: Bringing it All Together and Things to Remember
Stay tuned!
and
Keep Writing!
Blessings,
-deanna
Query letters that work! mini-course: Part One
mini-course
QUERY LETTERS THAT WORK
Part One
As writers, one would think this would be easy; right up our alley, so-to-speak. But, the fact is, writing a query letter is a very specific and formal process; one that can leave many writers frustrated and unsure.
I’ve worked with many talented writers who have been tripped-up by or struggled with the process of writing query letters, myself included! We’ve all been there.
The good news is that query letter writing is a process and processes can be learned.
Every writer who hopes to see their work published needs to know how to write a smart and effective query letter.
The #1 purpose of the query letter is to promote.
Here is where the entrepreneur in you needs to come out. And, as a writer and freelancer, you are an entrepreneur. As a matter of fact, the connection is so intimate that I’m currently in the process of writing a piece for my home blog, dbRoss Enterprises, called “Writers and Entrepreneurs – A Marriage!”.
Your query letter is your opportunity to sell yourself and your writing. It’s your pitch. To get your writing “in the door”, you first need to get the attention of someone who is in a position to take it all the way to print, such as an agent or an editor.
While occasionally it works out that a writer is able to accomplish this through networking or an already published writer, most often the query letter is the writers only means of introduction. And, chances are, even if you are fortunate enough to establish connections, you will still need to submit query letters many times throughout your writing career.
While there is no guarantee you’ll sell a number one best seller with your first query letter upon completion of this course, you will have the knowledge and information you need to learn how to write smart, effective query letters, thus increasing your chances of getting assignments with those publishers with whom your writing is a good fit.
Just remember – Practice makes progress!
Coming up in Part Two: The Key Components of Query Letters That Work
Now for a bit about rejection . . .
Know that all writers deal with rejection. ALL writers!
No one likes it. It’s not pleasant. But, rejection is a normal part of the process in any writing career.
Just take a look through Rotten Rejections: The Letters That Publishers Wish They’d Never Sent
Celebrate your 1st rejection . . . and every single one you receive thereafter. After all, each one just puts you one step closer to your next published work!
I, myself, decoupaged an antique table of mine with the letters I’ve received over the years. ( . . . even before Augusten Burroughs told of his mother doing this, in his book Running with Scissors: A Memoir
Don’t ever let a rejection slow you down! Keep writing and keep submitting!
Some rejections can even be a good sign; encouraging and valuable . . .
to be continued . . .
STILL TO COME IN THE “QUERY LETTERS THAT WORK” MINI-COURSE:
- Key Components of Query Letters That Work
- Key Traits and Characteristics of Winning Query Letters
- What to Do if You’ve Never Been Published and Don’t Have Any Writing Credentials
- A Word to the Wise: Important Do’s and Don’ts – Tips and Warnings
- Sample Query Letters
- Final Thoughts: Bringing It All Together & Things to Remember
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Deanna: Regularly Featured Expert
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