Marketing and Writing the Magazine article THE QUERY LETTER

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Marketing and Writing the Magazine articleTHE
QUERY LETTER

• Chapter 8

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The Idea

• Must be matched to a specific market
• Theme and focus must be determined
• Must be crafted carefully to show off both idea
  and freelancers ability to deliver on it

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The Market

• Check out the markets that might be interested in
  your idea
• Refer to Writers Market, etc

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The Query Letter

• Most crucial step in marketing article
• Forces you to consider your story idea
• Bring it to sharp focus
• Probe it for weaknesses
• Pick a tentative theme
• Its your sales pitch to the editor

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How to write query letter

• Write it clearly, persuasively
• Slight flavor of personal writing style
• No grammatical errors, misspellings

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Format of query letter

• No set format!
• Best are 300 to 500 words
• Typed on a single page
• Three stages
• Brief, opening paragraph
• Fuller middle section
• Brief, closing paragraph

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Opening paragraph

• Summarizes general theme of article
• Attention-getting introduction

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Middle section

• Briefly, but with more detail, give some
  specifics (this is a good chance to show the kind
  of material that will appear in anecdotal form)
• A little about yourself

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Closing paragraph

• Brief paragraph says why you should be the one to
  write it
• For experienced writer, partial listing of
  credits will quickly prove to editor that writer
  is dependable and can deliver
• For beginner writer, say you have access to facts
  or persons, personal experiences, background to
  write story

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E-mail elements

• Use appropriate subject line
• Salutation
• Attention-getting introduction
• Details
• A little about yourself
• Closing paragraph niceties
• Contact information beside email

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Winning query letter

• Fits in with the market
• Is quick and to the point
• Is convincing
• Shows youre right person for article
• Is professional
• Promises something you can deliver
• Encloses SASE for prompt reply

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Query letter checklist

• Does my idea fit the magazine?
• Is query tailored to fit the magazine?
• Is it one page long?
• Is it quick and to the point?
• Does it catch the editors attention?
• Is it interesting to read?

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Query letter checklist

• Does it accurately say what article will cover?
• Does it provide factual info. about article?
• Does it show why I should write article?
• Is it accurate and professional?
• Have I double-checked for any mistakes?
• Does it have a sell in the last paragraph?
• After reading, does editor need to buy article?

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Waiting game

• 4 weeks, then follow-up letter
• 2 more weeks, then letter to withdraw
• If topic is timely, less waiting time
• Keep copies of everything
• If you query more than one market, then tailor
  each letter to fit that market

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Results of query letter

• Nothing
• Rejection
• A Go-Ahead (not confirmed acceptance)
• A Firm Assignment