As you research writer’s guidelines, you’ll see notes such as “please query first.” This means that the editor prefers to learn a bit more about you and about your proposed article, before agreeing to read your complete manuscript.
A query letter is a way to introduce yourself and an opportunity to make a good impression. The best way to make a good impression is to keep the query letter short and to the point. Editors are very busy and prefer brief, informative queries. Keeping your query under one page in length, shows that you can convey your message in as few words as possible and shows respect for the editor’s time.
The query letter must be professional. It is similar to a resume. It should briefly describe your education, your experience if any, and any other qualifications to write the article. Do you work in the field that your article will discuss? Have you researched the issue exhaustively for another purpose? Do you have expert contacts that you can interview? Have you written on this subject before? If so, include clips.
An editor wants to examine your writing skills, so never send a query letter that contains spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. It’s also wise to avoid using exclamation points. Convey emotion through descriptive writing instead of punctuation. Use a spell checker and grammar checker before sending your query, but don’t rely completely on these tools. Try reading aloud to catch mistakes or locate awkward phrases or have someone else look over your work.
An editor also needs to determine what pertinent information you have to offer readers. A query letter gives the right balance of necessary information, without being too personal. In other words, don’t write your life story, or you letter will probably go into the “slush pile.” The slush pile is the query/submission graveyard.
Something that editors do not appreciate is ending your summary (synopsis) with a teaser or cliffhanger in an attempt to pique their curiosity. They want to know exactly what to expect so they know if it is a good fit for the publication.
Always include contact information so an editor can get in touch with you if necessary. An editor isn’t likely to spend time trying to locate you if he or she has questions or wants to use your work. He or she will simply move on to the next query in most cases.
*Next Article: Outline of a Query Letter