Freelance Writing: Outline of a Query Letter

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

21 Apr 2006 05:51 AM

Create a professional query letter by including relevant information, ways in which you can be contacted, and keeping it less than one page in length. Use the following or a similar outline.

Use the Appropriate Salutation

Locate the editor's name and always address your letter to the editor. There may be different editors for different topics, so be sure you're writing to the appropriate one.

Example: Dear Ms. Smith,

If you cannot ascertain the person's gender by the name alone, look for clues in the guidelines. If the editor's name is Pat Smith, and there is no indication if Pat is a man or a woman, use his or her first initial.

Example: Dear P. Smith,

Paragraph One

State your name and the working title of your article. Include the word count, as well as the reason you feel it will be beneficial to readers. Keep it short.

Example: My name is Sue Jones. My 500 word article, "The Joys and Challenges of Parenting Multiples," is filled with information that is valuable to your largest demographic, mothers of twins and triplets.

Paragraph Two

This paragraph is a synopsis of your article. Hit the key points, but don't overdo it.

Example: The Joys and Challenges of Parenting Multiples is an in depth guide based on research and firsthand experience that offers tips for becoming more organized, setting aside one-on-one time for each child, making time for your marriage, and squeezing in some time for Mom to take care of herself. It is written in a friendly, conversational tone to engage readers. This article also contains related humorous anecdotes.

Note: If many points are covered, you may want to include a numbered list of key elements.

Paragraph Three

Use this paragraph to describe your knowledge, experience, and/or expertise. Also, be sure to note if clips or links to published works are included. List your education, professional or personal experience, previously published titles, relevant memberships, and anything else that you feel is pertinent.

Example: I have been writing a personal blog for the last six months on the subject of multiples and I am including links to two of my favorite articles. These pieces are a combination of research, networking with other parents of multiples, and my own personal experience as the mother of triplets. I am a member of the Association for Parents of Multiples, for which I have written an informational article, entitled "Bringing Home Triplets." I have included the link and the first paragraph of this article for your review.

Closing

Write an appropriate, friendly closing along with your name (or signature), and your contact information.

Example:

Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you at your convenience.

Sincerely,

Sue Jones

Email: Phone: Address:

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Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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Heather Long (16954) 21 Apr 2006 01:04 PM

Query letters are the bane of my existence. Or they used to be. I could never think of a great way to encapsulate the information so that not only would it entice an editor, but actually make them want to see the article. The best advice an editor ever gave me is think about what you read on the back of a book. Does it make you want to pick it up? That's what you have to do in your query.

Sherry Holetzky (11404) 21 Apr 2006 01:57 PM

Exactly. That is great advice. Thanks for sharing. I used to shiver at the thought of writing a query letter, and while it can still be challenging at times, I am far more confident now.

Kelly K. (2277) 21 Apr 2006 05:03 PM

Great article. I think everyone hates the idea of querying. I still do.

Sherry Holetzky (11404) 23 Apr 2006 04:07 PM

Thanks, Kelly. It is a challenge, but this simple format makes it a little easier. I used to just sit and stare at a blank page, not knowing what to write, but this break down makes it simpler.