In the first two posts of this series, I hounded folks about the importance of getting all the pieces of the puzzle in place for the all important query letter. This third and final chapter of the query letter story will discuss the outline of the letter itself.
Now that you’re ready to go, let’s look at the elements of a successful query letter.
First Line: Today’s date
4 hard returns and then,
Editor Name, Title
Publication Name
Publication Address
Dear: Unless you are certain of gender, use the full name
First Paragraph:
If you’re going to sweat over any of the paragraphs in your query letter, it better be in this paragraph. This is the hook. This is the paragraph where you capture the interest of the editor and demonstrate a little of your writing style. Think of it as an excerpt of your article that contains the essence of the whole piece. It does NOT have to be pulled directly from your article but it should have the flavor. Remember that it is a hook, so make it sticky. Make it so lively and interesting that someone would HAVE to continue reading the rest of the letter. As if that’s not challenging enough, try and keep it down to two – four, short – medium sentences.
Second Paragraph:
Tell the editor what this article is about. Make certain that this is written from an angle that demonstrates you have read the submission guidelines and you are familiar with the publication and the readership. Brevity is important here. Remember you want to give a taste, not set up a buffett.
Third Paragraph:
Describe where and how you believe this article may fit in the publication. If you believe it fits in a particular section, outline why you believe so. This demonstrates again that you have done your home work and are familiar with the publication. Use this paragraph to put forth the anticipated word count and any ideas for possible side-bars. If you have photographs, let the editor know that in this paragraph.
Fourth Paragraph:
Yay me paragraph. Describe previous publications that have accepted your work. If you don’t have any clips then that’s ok. Don’t dwell on it, don’t plead and don’t beg. C’mon. Get off of your knees and stand proud. This query letter speaks for itself and gives the editor a fine feel for your capabilities.
Closing: Short and sweet. Thanks for your time and consideration, I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely, Best, Regards – Whatever you like.
Your name
Address
Phone number
email address
That’s all there is to it. I know there are a lot of ways to skin this cat, but this format has garnered a positive response each time I’ve used it.
I hope you enjoyed this series. Query letters are very important and it’s important that you understand the concepts presented here. If you have any thoughts about what you think makes a great query, then comment and let’s start a discussion.
I have a confession – I thought this series had something to do with batman. doh! anywho, I am trying to write an ebook, and I stress the word trying. I need another 5 hours in the day or another day in the week or better yet, I need to quite my day job! that would work. I can’t imagine trying to find time to write a novel, it would take me 10 years! Stumbled blogger buddy!
Hehe.
Dee you are a hoot! I love your comments! I am so excited about your e-book. I’ve been considering the same but I’m a little intimidated.
I’ll be looking forward to reading it when it comes out – could I get an autographed copy?
George
Hi George, I agree, The Title is misleading:) Dee, your not paying attention!!!
E-book, bring it on, I can’t wait!
Webesi3´s last blog post..CSS for Forms
Sorry about the title, folks.
I’m showing my age. It’s from the original “Batman” TV series, kind of a famous quote from the Riddler: “Riddle me this, Batman”
Cheers. I’ll keep the superheroes in the closet from now on, as soon as my cape gets back from the cleaners…
George
I have seen/read a lot about queries, but none so clever (your title is a riot) and dead-on with advice. Good work, keep it up
Hey Jessie. Good to see you here. Thanks for the kind words about the query post – I had a blast writing it as well. And now…
“To Infinity… and Beyond!!”
Oops. Wrong Superhero
Cheers!
George
Good post, I like your writing style! I’ve added http://tumblemoose.com/ to my feed reader, and will be reading your posts from now on. Just a quick question – did you design your header image yourself, or have it done professionally? If you had it done by a professional, who was it?
Hi John,
Thanks for dropping by and the kind words. Sorry it took a day or two, Askimet apparently doesn’t like Swashbucklers
This theme is pretty much straight out of the box, and it is a free one! It’s WP Bliss from http://wpremix.com/
I hope to keep you informed and entertained, John. Heading over to Squidoo right now to check you out. Are you on Twitter?
Cheers!
George
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