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6 Things To Do Before Sending Your Query
By Susan Johnson
We've all been there: precisely 2.5 seconds after you click
"send" on your email query you wish you could take it all back
and start over. Unfortunately, most email programs don't have
this feature, so you'll have to get it right the first time.
Here's a little check list to help ensure that your query
hits the mark.
1. Find out if your idea has been done. Before you start
searching for stats or crafting your query, check if the
publication has covered the topic in the past year. Unless
you have a really creative angle, it's best not to pitch an
idea that's been covered recently. Instead, focus on finding
other ideas or creating new twists on those evergreen ideas.
You can browse back issues at the library or search online
(use this formula – "article idea" AND site:yourmag.com – if
the website doesn't have a search bar).
2. Write a strong subject line and opening paragraph. I
generally use the formula "Query: Name of Proposed Article"
as my subject. "Query Letter" or "Story Idea for X Magazine"
is boring and tells the editor very little about your idea.
Write a compelling subject line and an attention-catching
opener so they'll want to read more. Many freelancers write
the opening line of their query as if they were writing the
opening to the actual article. Then they'll give a short
overview of what the article will include.
3. Check your spelling, but don't rely on spell check.
Some will argue that good content is more important than
good spelling, but that doesn't excuse laziness (especially
if you're querying a monthly magazine that doesn't churn
things out at the same pace as a blog or online news source).
If nothing else, be sure that you spell the editor's name and
the name of the publication correctly!
4. Remember to include writing samples. You'll look pretty
silly if your query says "I've attached a few writing samples
for your perusal" and you forget to upload the attachments. In
fact, a lot of writing experts recommend that you use links to
articles instead of attachments so you don't get caught in an
editor's spam filter. Best to double-check the links first,
though. If you don't have writing samples, then don't say "I
don't have any samples." Just gloss over it and focus on why
you can write this piece.
5. Add the editor's email last. This tip comes from a book
on writing cover letters, but it holds true for queries, too.
Avoid embarrassment by composing your email first and reading
it over before you add the email address.
6. Don't obsess. We've all made email blunders, but it's
best to let them go. After all, a flawless query still doesn't
guarantee an assignment. If you spend a whole evening searching
for that perfect, poetic turn of phrase or the too-good-to-be-
true stat, then you're missing out on personal time or time that
could be spent developing other ideas. Get your ideas on paper,
let them marinate overnight, and move onto the next one.
BIO
Susan Johnston is a freelance writer who has contributed to
The Boston Globe, DailyCandy.com, Self magazine, and
WomenEntrepreneur.com, among other places. She blogs at
UrbanMuseWriter.com.
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