This document provides steps for writing an effective query letter to pitch article ideas to publications. It advises researching the publication to understand its tone and topics. The query letter should be brief, address a specific editor by name, and highlight the writer's qualifications. The opening paragraph should grab the editor's attention by explaining why the topic is important. Be clear about word count, included photos or experts. Links are provided to sample query letters. It reminds writers not to take rejection personally as editors receive many queries and the idea may not fit that particular publication.

1. How to Write a Query Letter www.hollypinafore.org © Danielle Travali, 2010

2. Pitching your idea When you want to write for a particular publication, you don’t just send them the article and say, “Here, can you publish this?” You have to pitch the idea to them. They can choose to ignore your message, reject it or accept it. Here’s a few ways to help make your idea look more enticing to editors.

3. Step 1: Think of the idea Think about what you want to write Think about who to sell it to (check Writer’s Market and check different publications online) If you’re pitching to a magazine, read the past six months of those magazines The idea you have may have been covered already…so check!

4. Step 2: Follow the format of the particular magazine Reflect the tone of the magazine/website/online publication in your query letter. It’s a sales pitch, so make sure the “voice” you use is very similar to that of the magazine to which you’re pitching.

5. Step 3: Be brief Address the letter to a specific editor of the publication BY NAME Don’t ramble Don’t use promotional lingo Make sure paragraphs are short and readable

6. Step 4: Format the letter step by step Name, address, phone number and email go at the top Use bullets to highlight your qualifications Be professional. If you’re sending via snail mail, use off-white, beige or gray paper and include a SASE (self-addressed, stamped envelope)

7. Step 5: How to write the cover letter The editor is your reader. Do not forget this. “Lead” paragraph: Make sure your opening sentence grabs the attention. If it’s a witty magazine, be sure to write a witty opening sentence. SHOW, DON’T TELL the editor why your idea is important. Talk about current issues on your subject, provide a quotation from an expert, provide evidence of why your particular topic of interest is necessary to the public. Why should people CARE?

8. Cover letter…continued III. Be clear in your letter on how many words your article will be, what photos and which kinds of experts you’ll include. Be specific. Know as much as you possibly can before telling the editor. IV. List your credentials as a writer. What makes you qualified to do this piece? Where have you been previously published? Are you a student? From what institution? If you’re a writer for www.hollypinafore.org, you can (AND SHOULD) include this fact in your query letter!

9. Links to a few sample cover letters: http://www.writing-world.com/basics/sample.shtml http://www.aboutfreelancewriting.com/2009/08/magazine-query-letter-sample/ http://www.preferredconsumer.com/career/articles/winning_query_letter.html

10. A Few Things to Remember Do NOT take it personally if you do not receive a response from the editor. Editors receive hundreds of emails a day and may not even get to yours. Don’t be discouraged if the editor rejects your idea or flat-out turns you down. This doesn’t mean you’re stupid or a bad writer. It simply means you or your ideas don’t fit the style or mission of THIS PARTICULAR PUBLICATION. Just like in dating or buying a car / house / puppy, you may have to try several times before you find your perfect match. Don’t give up! Have faith in yourself and keep writing.