How to Write a Query Letter for Writing Jobs

Writing a solid query letter is the most important skill for any freelance writer, but it also presents the most challenges. It's the first thing an editor reads when you pitch your idea or manuscript, so it must include a few key attention-grabbing elements. Follow these steps to learn to write the best query letter to help you land the writing jobs you want.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Study your market. The first step to writing a winning query letter is to study the publications you're pitching to. Read back issues of the publication for content, style and audience, being careful not to pitch an idea that's recently been covered.
2. Visit the publication's website for current information. Editors and writing guidelines often change in this business, so access the website for the correct editor, department, word count and other guidelines. Sending out a query letter to a former editor only shows the current staff that you don't know how to research basic facts.
3. Grab the editor's attention. Write your query letter much like you would write your article or manuscript, beginning with an interesting fact that will pull the editor in. She sees piles of query letters for each of a few choice writing jobs, so you need to set yourself apart from the crowd.
4. Tell the editor why you should write the piece. This is especially important if you haven't written for the publication before or are a new freelancer. Highlight any experience that uniquely qualifies you to write the piece, and include credentials from similar publications.
5. Tailor your query letter to be very specific. Create a query letter that features a specific angle on your topic, staying away from a broad generalization such as dog training. Instead, focus on one aspect such as "How to Teach Your Puppy to Stop Nipping."
6. Include your contact information. Now that you've created the perfect query letter, let them know who's sending it. Include your name, address, telephone number and email address in addition to the date, word count, enclosures and a SASE.
7. Proofread your work for any grammatical, typographical or informational errors. This is the last but perhaps most important step in the query-letter-writing process. There's no way you'll get that writing job if the editor spots even one mistake on the page.

Tips & Warnings

• For a professional look to your query letter, create your own letterhead with your contact information centered at the top of the page.
• Limit your query letter to one page.
• Never include the fact that you're just starting out or that you've never written this type of article before.
• Don't mention how much your Aunt Mabel loves your work as a means of persuasion.
• Don't call the editor to follow up on your query the week you sent it out. Wait until 2 weeks after their given timeline for queries before you pick up the phone.

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