Query letters are probably the most misunderstood of all the writing we are required to do as freelance writers or authors. That’s probably because most writers are artists—or lean in that direction. And a query letter is a marketing tool.
Most of the query letters I see from new writers are lacking in the very elements that are most needed in order to successfully pitch their projects. Newby writers tend to describe their article or book idea in as few words as possible while filling the rest of the one-page space with unnecessary information. A writer might say, for example, “Many children overeat and sit around too much. I propose an article that explains how I handle this problem.” Then she goes into the fact that she has enclosed a sample of her writing from the local PTA newsletter and enclosed a stamped envelope for a response and can be reached at blah, blah and that her aunt loves her writing.
What’s an editor going to do with that? Sure, it’s a good subject, but the editor needs to know, who is this person? Can she write on this topic? What angle is she going to take? Will she involve expert quotes? What sort of research has she done on this subject? Does she understand our editorial requirements? Is she accustomed to adhering to submission guidelines? Is she familiar with our magazine?
That editor receives way too many query letters—good ones and bad—to spend any time chasing down the answers to these questions. If they aren’t in the initial query letter, she will move on and continue looking through her stack of query letters until she finds one that looks promising. She’ll wade through maybe 150 letters that day (or more) in search of couple that give her the assurance she’s is seeking. What does she hope for?
• A familiar name.
• A proposal for a good topic with a great angle presented with clarity.
• Arguments as to why this is a good and timely topic.
• Statistics and expert comments showing the value of this idea.
• An indication that this writer knows his/her audience for this piece.
• Assurance that the writer is familiar with the magazine and the type of articles they use.
• Evidence that this writer can write this piece and will follow through. (Clips on similar topics from other magazines.)
I know, I know, it is impossible to prove yourself when you are just starting out. That’s why I often suggest to writers that they consider some of the smaller—maybe regional—publications before they knock on the doors of the majors. Make friends at this level. Become known. Prove your ability to produce as promised. Here’s where you can gain some credibility to flaunt in front of editors of the larger magazines.
When I suggest this, writers often say, “But I want to sell this great idea to AARP or Reader’s Digest or Family Circle.”
Do you know what I recommend? “Then save that idea.”
Yes, set the great idea that you believe has huge potential aside and come up with a whole bunch of other ideas you can write about in your quest to get your foot in the door—to build some credibility and to gain some experience.
I’ve told many people this–I made my living writing articles for magazines for many years and a whole lot of the magazines I wrote for few people had ever heard of.
Unfortunately, this concept totally stymies many new writers. They have this one idea and can’t seem to look beyond it. What you need to know, if you have your heart set on becoming a freelance article writer, is that your biggest job will be coming up with things to write about. It’s rare that an editor will give you an assignment—it happens, but it’s rare. Being an article-writer means that you come up with the idea, you locate the appropriate magazine, you put the right angle on the article and pitch it to the editor. And you do this over and over and over again.
For those of you who need help with ideas, my little book, A Writer’s Guide to Magazine Articles, has a great section on how to come up with article ideas. And it’s only $6.50 at my website (see below). How about if I devote tomorrow’s blog to this topic—how to come up with article ideas? I’d like to hear some of yours, as well.
I get some of my best ideas by reading the markets and trying to match what I know something about with what they say they want.
Great idea, Kathleen. I did the same when I was doing more freelance article-writing. I’d spend my days in my office writing and my evenings in the living room with the Writer’s Market (especially before computers). I’d write down ideas as they came to me–based on the listings. The next day, I’d begin formulating a batch of new query letters reflecting these new article ideas.
I also collected magazines from everyone I knew every month and I’d scan those for ideas.
A successful article-writing business takes one full attention, wouldn’t you agree?
Patricia
Especially so in this crazy economy with old favorite markets folding and new ones popping up, almost on a daily basis.