Earning money from freelance writing – 8

Ten tips for writing a good query letter

So you’ve decided which publications you’re keen on writing for. Good. But the publications you’ve picked say “No unsolicited contributions”.  So you’re wondering how you could submit articles to them.

Well, no unsolicited contributions just means “Please don’t send us any articles we have not asked to see” and not “don’t send us any articles”. So what should you do? You should send them a query letter.

This online freelance writing tutorial covers everything you need to know about writing a query letter, but let me clarify that there is no magic formula for writing the perfect one (though I’ve included a sample query letter here). The tone and style always needs to be tailored to match the publication you’re targeting. If at all there is a formula you could apply, it is the KISS formula – keep it short and simple! Just tell the editor about your brilliant article idea and about your background. While writing a query letter focus on only that. Nothing else.

Remember the purpose of a query letter is to peak the interest of an editor and make him or her want to see your article. So here’s my 10-point guide to help you write a query letter that will do just that.

10 insider tips for writing a great query letter

1. Research your markets: a) Study past issues of your preferred publications to find out the topics they cover and also which articles they’ve carried in the recent past. b) Study the masthead to find the name of the editor. Sometimes there could be several types of editors listed there. In that case, look for the name of the managing editor, or features editor. Never address your query to the editor-in-chief or executive editor as they are way too senior to check out query letters from freelance writers. c) On their website, check if they have ‘submission guidelines’. Sometimes these could be included in the About Us or Contact Us page. d) If you’re still not clear about whom your letter should be addressed to, pick up the phone and call them to find out.
2. Think of interesting topics to pitch. Very often, what clinches the deal for a writer is an irresistible pitch or article idea. Even if you can come up with a new, interesting slant to a familiar topic, your chances of hooking an editor will soar. For instance, instead of pitching something like “Healthy vegetarian meals”, perhaps you could suggest “Healthy vegetarian meals using just 3 ingredients”. A powerful idea will impress an editor more than a portfolio filled with credits in big name publications.  
3. Preferably use Times New Roman, a normal font, and 12-point font size. Use block style paras without any indentation for the first line of every new para.
4. See that the letter is succinct, to the point, not longer than one page (unless the concept needs to be explained in detail), and professional. This is a business communication. So no “Hi there! How are ya?” type of letter unless you’re a friend of the editor. 
5. Avoid an anonymous ‘Dear Editor’, unless there’s no way to find out the name.  Let’s say the editor’s name is Betty Brown. You could address her as ‘Dear Ms. Brown:’ or in case you can’t figure out from the name if the editor is a man or a lady, use the full name as in ‘Dear Sandy Smith:’ to avoid an embarrassing mistake. Usually, a colon is used after the addressee’s name instead of a comma while writing formal style business letters. All the same, if you go with a comma after the editor’s name, that won’t be counted against you. You could end with ‘Yours truly’ (specially if you have used a colon after the editor’s name) or with ‘Yours sincerely’ or even just ‘Sincerely’. Once you and your editor are on pally terms you address her only by her first name.
6. Start with an irresistible hook to grab the attention of the editor. Take as much care in crafting this opening para as you would in writing the opening para of your article. Many writers begin with the first para of their article so the editor can get a feel of their writing style. Remember it is the hook that will compel the editor to read your entire query letter and sell your article proposal.
7. Highlight your background specially if it is related to the article you’re proposing. This will reinforce the fact that you’re well qualified to write the article.
8. If you don’t have many clips don’t call attention to this by apologizing for not being a widely published writer. Rather emphasize the fact that you have the right background or work experience to write the article, or that you know some experts in the field who are willing to be interviewed by you, or any other point that will work in your favour.
9. Include all your contact details, that is, your address, phone number, email address, and even your website if you have one.
10. Proof read the entire letter for spelling and grammar mistakes.

A sample query letter

Betty Brown

Editor, XYZ Parenting Magazine

Magazine Address

Date:

Dear Ms. Brown, [or Dear Ms. Brown:]

According to a recent survey by ABCD published in the City Times, the incidence of diabetes in school children in India has risen to a whopping DD% from just LL% ten years ago. What was most startling was the steep rise in the age group under 5 years. In the same article, two leading city diabetologists were reported to have said that the main reason for this shocking situation was a faulty diet characterized by fast foods for breakfast, school lunches, and dinner. The doctors warned parents that if they didn’t wean their children away from such harmful food habits, they would be endangering not only their health, but also their life.

Would you be interested in an article on “Healthy lunchbox snacks”? I propose an 800-word article with tips for fun ways of educating little children to eat healthy meals, and innovative variations of fast foods that most children are crazy about, like for instance, whole wheat pizza, low fat chicken burgers, and spinach pasta. I could also include tips from dieticians in the article.

As a mother of two young school going children, I am constantly trying out new ways to get my kids to eat nutritious food and stay healthy. I am a freelance writer and have been published in my local area newspaper Vashi Express, and have also written for the website XXXX, a website for parents of children with special needs.

Do let me know if you like the article idea and want to see the entire article. I could submit it within 15 days.

Thank you for your time.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Sincerely, [or Yours truly]

Your full name

Your residential address, email address, and other details

Remember this sample query letter is not a template and is only meant to guide you. Once you have mailed or emailed the editor, sit back patiently and wait. Editors are busy people and could take two to three months to respond. And yes, cross your fingers and toes and hope for an acceptance letter.

In the meanwhile, don’t sit idle twiddling your thumbs.  Dash off another killer query letter for an article to another publication.

Psst: Just drop me a line at veenawrites16@gmail.com , and I’ll email you my FREE e-booklet titled: Free Online Resources for Writers. It’s a compilation of helpful online resources every writer needs, freebies I found by scouring the internet and which I have personally found to be very useful.

Bye for now… and if you’ve found this useful, don’t forget to ‘like’ this post and pass the word around to your friends who might be interested in freelance writing.