by 5 people |
So, how the heck do you write a query letter?
If you want to write for magazines and newspapers, you need to learn how to write a query letter.
Your first step is to find a market to submit your work and to come up with ideas. Then, you will write a query to pitch an idea to the publication.
This is one of the things that frightened me in the beginning ... until I developed a system. So, I decided to put together a lens that could help you, too!
Here are the steps...
Learn How to Write a Query Letter Contents
Paragraph 1- The Teaser
This is where you set the scene. For example, if your article is about your local state fair, spend the first paragraph talking about what you see around you.
This paragraph can become the first paragraph of your article so write it with that in mind.
Books about Writing
The Writers Digest Guide To Query Letters
Amazon Price: $10.19 (as of 11/11/2009) 
How to Write Irresistible Query Letters
Amazon Price: $11.04 (as of 11/11/2009)
How to Write Attention-Grabbing Query & Cover Letters
Amazon Price: $10.19 (as of 11/11/2009)
Paragraph 2 - Article Details
- Word count
- Article title
- Subject of article
- Supporting details - things that the article will cover
- Any interviews you will need (or already have)
- Anything else you think is important.
How Many Queries Do You Need?
Paragraph 3 - Why the Article Fits in the Publication
You can start this paragraph by saying, "I understand that your magazine targets the 18-35 demographic. My article, Making a Career Change, targets all aspects of this demographic because ..." You get the picture.
Six Figure Freelancer Can Help You Boost Your Income
One thing I've learned is that making a complete living writing queries is not entirely possible, at least for me. I have to supplement that with writing for businesses.I learned of a writer who makes a Six Figure Salary as a writer and explains in plain English how to go about doing that. Six Figure Freelancer tells you exactly how you can increase your earnings and make a Six Figure Salary as a writer.
Paragraph 4 - Your Qualifications
If your article is about Oktoberfest in Munich, for example, this paragraph could start out - "When I lived in Munich, I made it a yearly tradition to visit Oktoberfest at least once during the festivities. In addition, I am a freelance writer and my work has been published in..."
You get the picture. :)
Random Musings of a Creative Person
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byWhat do you think?
kohuether wrote...
Hey guys, thanks for the positive feedback. :) This is such an important skill - and you're right, it is a lot more work but the pay certainly is a lot nicer!
Posted May 01, 2009
WritingforYourWealth wrote...
Nice article. It's a lot more work getting gigs with offline venues, but they usually pay more than websites. ;)
Posted July 30, 2008
qlcoach wrote...
Yes, bravo! Aspiring writers need to learn the science and skill of sending out query letters. Please feel free to interact with our lense too:
http://www.squidoo.com/groups/publishingclub
Sincerely: Gary Eby, author and therapist
Posted July 10, 2008
by kohuether
My name is Katherine Huether and I am a writer, editor, and herbalist. I have a BA in Engish from the University of New Hampshire and a Diploma in Her...
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