Query Letters: Important Tips & Warnings: Part 5 of Query Letters that Work!

November 5, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Blog, Mini-Courses, Query Letters, Resources 

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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:

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.

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

Deanna-Bounds-RossWishing you continued writing success,

Deanna
Founder and Creator
Writers Bra

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Poetry Contest: Writer’s Digest

October 29, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Blog, Contests & Competitions 

A Call to Our Fellow Poets!

Writer’s Digest is hosting its 5th Annual Poetry Awards Competition!

This competition is the only one offered by Writer’s Digest exclusively for poets.

Every style of poetry is welcome.  The only requirement is that your poems be 32 lines or fewer.  And, you can enter as many poems as you’d like!

Just what can you win?

The 1st Place Winner will receive:  $500

2nd Place:   $250

3rd Place:    $100

Wait!  There’s more . . .

4th – 10th Places will receive $25 each.

11th – 25th Places:  A $50 Gift Certificate to Writer’s Digest Books

1st – 10th place winners will also have their names listed in the August 2010 issue of Writer’s Digest, to be followed by a listing on the Writer’s Digest site.  And, as an added bonus, all winners will receive a copy of the 2010 Poet’s Market.

The deadline for entering is December 15, 2009

For competition rules and to enter click here or visit Writer’s Digest and select “competitions” from the menu.

Want some feedback on your poems before entering them?

Visit the Writer’s Bra Community, share your thoughts, your work, whatever’s on your mind.  That’s what we’re here for!

Oh!  When you win, be sure to shout about it through Writers Bra Bally-hoo!

•Keep Writing•

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Never Been Published? What to do! Part 4: Query Letters That Work!

October 18, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
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:

bally-hoo@writersbra.com

bal⋅ly⋅hoo

[n. bal-ee-hoo; v. bal-ee-hoo, bal-ee-hoo noun, plural -hoos, verb, -hooed, -hooing.

–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

  1. Sensational or clamorous advertising or publicity.
  2. 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

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My Secret Creativity Weapon

October 11, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Blog, Books, Resources 

Shhh!  Secret!

Ok.  So, I’m going to break down and share with you a little secret of mine.

It’s something I refer to as my “secret creativity weapon” and I’ve been using it now (very successfully!)  for the past six (6!) years.  And, I have to tell you – I love it even more now than when I first got it!

While I’m sure there are quite a few writers (and others!) who know about and use this great tool, I’ve never really heard anyone else talk about it.  I guess it’s their little “secret” too!

So, if it’s such a great secret, why am I sharing it with you now?

Quite frankly, it’s just been so great to me, and I’ve gotten so many different uses out of it (and still do!) that I want to share it with you!  I want to share with  you what a great tool it’s been in my writing, my businesses and even just for fun.  And, I want to give due diligence to the creator; she deserves it!

When you think of grabbing for a dictionary or thesaurus, you’re probably cool with grabbing whatever’s closest or, if at your computer, keying in dictionary.com or thesaurus.com.  I mean, you may have your favorites, but truth be told, (for the most part) they pretty much all say the same thing; right?

WRONG! I thought so too until I had the chance to flip through the Flip Dictionary by: Barbara Ann Kipfer.

The Flip Dictionary is the coolest thesaurus “style” book I’ve ever used (or seen, for that matter)!  I can literally spend hours (and have) flipping from one word to another, as each one I look up sparks a new curiosity or creative inspiration.

So, what makes the Flip Dictionary different?

Better than just synomyms, the Flip Dictionary offers “clues” designed specifically for writers to:

  • help us figure out that phrase we’re looking for, but just can’t think of or
  • when we know what we want to say, but aren’t sure just how to say it.

But, honestly, anyone can benefit from owning a copy.  I use it in my business all the time.  I’ve even used it to help me decide on what domain names to choose (not Writers Bra though; that was my hubby’s idea  . . .)!

Plus, going way beyond your standard “reverse dictionary”, the Flip Dictionary includes tables, listings of groups by subject, and more.  It quite literally expands your thought processes.

If you get the chance to “flip” through one or are thinking of buying one . . . I highly recommend it!  You’ll “flip” over it!  (Forgive me, I just couldn’t resist the cheesy pun…lol)

Happy writing!

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Query Letters That Work! Part 3: Traits & Characteristics of Winning Query Letters

October 8, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Blog, Mini-Courses, Query Letters, Resources 

mini-course

Welcome to Part 3 of Query Letters That Work! :

Key Traits & Characteristics of Winning Query Letters

A winning query letter has two primary objectives:

  1. To persuade the agent or editor to want more from you
  2. To provide the editor or agent with a way to easily get in touch with you

As we’ve explored earlier in the Query Letters That Work! Mini-Course, following the specific process for writing, formatting and presenting your query letter can go a long way toward achieving these goals.  To further help you improve your chances; you’ll want to pay attention to some of the common traits and characteristics of successful query letters.

Own Your Business

Think of yourself as the owner of your own business; as a writer, that’s precisely what you are!  How would the CEO of your company communicate with other business professionals?  From beginning to end, all of your communication with others in the industry should be polite and professional in tone.  Regardless of the outcome, treat the representatives of the publication or agency you are querying with respect and professionalism.  You never know when they just might be in a position to help (or hold back!) your career in the future; and a positive and professional manner can go a long way.

In business, as in life, never burn bridges that you don’t absolutely have to.

Do Your Homework

A winning query letter always shows that the writer did his or her homework.  Always. Remember, this is a business; your business.  Even if it’s not your full-time “job”, from the very moment you “announce” your intent to publish, your writing becomes a business and when dealing with others in the industry, you need to treat it as such.

  • Would you go to work for a company before knowing the benefits or even what you’re salary will be?
  • In your business, would you spend big bucks to market a product or service without first finding out if the demand exists?
  • Would you spend your time and effort developing a product without knowing if anyone even wanted it, needed it or would buy it?

You don’t want to market your “product” to an audience who may not even be in the market for what you’re selling.  Now, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t send unsolicited queries; by all means, send away!  What it does mean however, is you need to know exactly who it is you are, and should be, selling to.  Never assume you know what a publication is about simply by its name or even something you saw or read on “Joe Blo’s” web site.  Do yourself a favor and do the research!  And, view it for what it is – an investment in yourself and your career.  Now that’s a worthwhile investment!

Before submitting your query, you should know who it is you’re submitting to and have a pretty good idea of what it is they want.

A few tips for researching and getting to know your audience:

  • Review a copy of the magazine or publication
    • Buy a copy or if you can, buy several different issues or editions.
    • Many publications will allow you to purchase a single edition at a special rate for writers.
    • A few (very few) publications will provide a complimentary copy to freelance writers, upon request.
  • Request a media or press kit from the publication
    • A media or press kit is something publications put together primarily for advertisers and includes demographics of its readership.  This kit contains a goldmine of information for writers, such as:
      • Sex and age of the publication’s audience
      • Median household income
      • Upcoming topic issues and submission schedules (Bingo!)
  • Study the website of the agency or publication!

The most successful query letters contain a single pitch only!  Don’t include multiple topic or book pitches in the same letter.  And, don’t send any additional queries to the same publication or agency until you’ve received some type of reply or feedback first.

Another key characteristic of successful query letters is a sound (and sane!) approach.  Don’t embellish!  No fluff. No over exaggerated comparisons.  No empty words.  Excite your audience with sound, skilled writing and by proposing a topic of interest to the readers.

Combining the traits and characteristics reviewed here with all that you’ve learned so far in The Query Letters That Work! Mini-Course, can definitely give you a leg up on much of the competition.

Ready. Set. ACTION!

Keep writing; compose sample query letters and do a step-by-step comparison with what you’ve learned.  Make note of any missing components and areas that need work.  Re-work your letter and compare again.  Keep trying; and always remember . . .

Practice Makes Progress!

STILL TO COME IN THE “QUERY LETTERS THAT WORK!” MINI-COURSE:

  • 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, as always . . .
Keep Writing!

-deanna

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Screenwriting Expert, Jana Williams – Live Interview!

October 7, 2009 by admin · 1 Comment
Filed under: Blog, Resources, Teleseminars & Interviews 

Exciting news!

Listen live to my interview with screenwriting expert and teacher, Jana Williams!

When? Wednesday, October 14th  2p.m. EST

(Can’t make the call?  See below!)

Jana Williams teaches screenwriting at Emily Carr Institute of Art & Design, Vancouver Community College and throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Jana began her writing career writing short stories & novels while employed in the publishing industry, but film has always been her true passion.  Deciding to take the “leap”, she jumped right in to screenwriting, using her photography experience with the Navy to talk her way into the film industry. (You go girl!)

Her love for film; her experience as a writer and teacher; and her years in the film industry, have gifted Jana with the ability to successfully instruct others on both the art and essentials of screenwriting.

Whether you’re a beginning screenwriter or simply fascinated by how movies work you’re going to really enjoy the Wordsmythe: Online  Screenwriting Essentials course.

Get the Scoop!

Learn more about (and from!) Jana and her online screenwriting course by joining me for my phone interview with Jana, live next Wednesday, October 14th!

Questions about screenwriting?

Register for the call and you’ll have access to submit your questions before and even during the call, to be answered by Jana during the live interview!

Can’t make the call?

No worries!  As long as you register, I’ve got you covered!  Everyone registered for the call will be able to access and download the call to listen to anytime!

REGISTER HERE for the Call with Screenwriting Expert, Jana Williams:

Be sure to add:   services@writersbra.com to your contacts and e-mail safe-list!

* Email
* First Name
* Last Name
Web Site
* = Required Field

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Section II of Key Components of Query Letters That Work!

October 3, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Blog, Mini-Courses, Query Letters, Resources 

mini-course

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! :o ))  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

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