Query Letters

The Mad Scribbler’s post on query letters sums up pretty much all the different advice I’ve read on queries over the years (and I’ve queried a number of publications, some successfully, some not). As to 7, hand signing your name, this may not work with email.

However, if you can send HTML emails, you can place a scanned version of your signature above your name. (Be aware, however, that some readers automatically render HTML emails as text so your signature may simply show up as an attachment.

Personally, I don’t think you need it if the editor prefers email queries.

A query letter is basically a letter to the editor of a newspaper or magazine, inquiring whether or not their print would be interested in your article. Oftentimes it’s sent out before the article’s complete or totally revised. This saves the writer time; if no one replies, then the article’s content is too boring and the writer needs to move on. There are plenty of resources to teach about query letters, and some company’s even provide instructions on the format and content of the letter. But these are seven things writers usually forget before they send their letter.

Make certain you’ve designated the current editor or literary agent correctly. This means researching their credentials. Do they have a PhD or a masters? Are they referred to as Doctor _____ or simply Editor, or Chief of Editing? Double check your spelling and verify the address you put in the header.
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