How to Write a Query Letter for Magazine Articles
For a freelance writer, taking the leap to pitch your assignment ideas to magazine editors can be frightening. The payoff is substantial, though, having content published through a major medium to be seen by a large, specific audience of readers. Such a goal isn't attainable without strategically marketing your talents to the needs of the magazine and its reader market. Writing a strong query letter is the key to launching yourself into the freelance magazine writing industry.
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Instructions
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Identify the person to whom you must address the query. Look at the masthead on the most recent issue of the magazine you're querying to locate the editorial board. Find the area-specific editors and call the magazine to confirm the name of the area for your particular subject area. Do not send queries to the editor-in-chief.
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Be simple and concise. Limit your query letter to one or one-and-a-half pages. Include an introduction regarding your interest in that magazine, your knowledge of the subject and an explanation of your proposed idea. Close with a summary of yourself and your writing.
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Differentiate your letter from the hundreds of others that the editor will receive. Use your letter as an opportunity to showcase your writing style. Use original, eye-catching formatting to display important points.
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Explain the article. Include specifics that will make the editor understand the type of article it is and why it would fit seamlessly into his magazine. Summarize the plot or topic and give a clear idea of your intentions for the piece, but don't give everything away. Leave the editor wanting more.
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Study the magazine you're querying. Take note of the style of the current content, the length of articles and the audience to which the pieces are catered. Tailor the idea you're suggesting as much as possible to the specific magazine's niche market. Never make assumptions in a query to an editor since it demonstrates a lack of professionalism on your part.
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Don't call attention to your lack of published work. Present yourself as capably as possible and let editors assume you are an experienced professional. Never tell publishers outright in your query letter that you have not been published before or mention trivial published works such as local newspapers. Give reputable credentials if possible, though, including writing groups to which you belong, online publications and a link to an online portfolio.
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Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your letter. Show the editor that you know her time is valuable by not expecting her to address a response on her own. Increase your chances by ensuring postage is included on your envelope. Editors are unlikely to want to absorb that cost themselves and will be less inclined to respond at all without a pre-stamped envelope included. Don't try to substitute an addressed and stamped envelope with a phone call out of convenience for yourself or the editor, as she is unlikely to take your call unless you are being hired and this may come across as rather presumptuous.
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Use tact when relating to editors. Don't assume to have connections with him, and don't be a nuisance. Always wait at least two weeks past any announced deadlines before following up with an editor regarding your query.
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Sell yourself to the editor, but don't brag. Make it clear to the editor why you are the most qualified person to write this piece for her magazine, but only include on-point information presented in a professional way. Avoid using superlatives to describe yourself or your writing.
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Be professional. Never write in caps or boldface type, and don't use exclamation points to show emphasis. Proofread your letter, add the date, include your contact information at the top and add publishing details such as word count and genre. Pay close attention to submission guidelines. Submit the query letter without the article or send your query by email if requested. List the enclosures at the bottom of your letter.
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Tips & Warnings
DON'T TELL EDITORS YOU HAVE NO EXPERIENCE - The pitch is not the place to make announcements about "who you aren't," and "what you can't."
DON'T USE THE OPINIONS OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS AS PROOF OF YOUR TALENT -they are naturally biased and not experts, so leave this little tid bit out
DON'T USE EXCLAMATION MARKS, BOLD, OR CAPS - These are tools of an amateur.
DON'T PESTER THE EDITOR - if their guidelines stat that they respond in two to three months, believe them. Calling and emailing won't make you seem ambitious - only like a nuisance.
References
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