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How to Write a Good Query Letter?


Editors are overwhelmed with solicited and unsolicited manuscripts , and many prefer to see a detailed query for article ideas. If looking to get an editor's attention, it's important to craft an effective and good query letter.

Here are five tips for pitching an article idea.

1. Attention Grabber: What is the problem or solution? For example, if querying a parent's magazine and proposing an article about affordable childcare solutions, you might begin the query by addressing how the high cost of daycare affects working parents.

2. What's the Hook: Next, include insightful information about your proposed topic. Why would the target audience be interested in the subject? Make use of researched facts and statistics.

3. Outline the Article: What will the article discuss? Present the editor with a short three or four line outline of the proposed article. Shorter pieces may only focus on one or two main points, whereas longer pieces may address several points. Include a tentative article title and approximate word count.

4. Credentials: Are you qualified to write the article? Editors request full manuscripts from persons who can write a grammatically correct sentence, and from persons who are familiar with a particular topic. State your professional experience, degrees, specialized training, writing experience, and any other information that may prove useful.

5. The Close: Is the article complete? When will it be complete? Will you submit the ideal to multiple publications?

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