by Laura Backes
Write4Kids.com - The Children's Writing SuperSite
Most magazine editors prefer authors send them a query letter rather than the
entire article. This helps minimize the size of the unsolicited submissions stack towering
over their desks, and allows them to quickly judge if an idea is right for their
publication. Some editors will buy an article on the strength of the query alone,
especially if the author is previously published. So, while you can send out queries
before you actually write the piece, it's essential that you complete your research and
have a good idea of the direction your article will take before committing to it in the
query letter. Also, be sure you can finish the article quickly if the editor writes back
and asks to see the whole piece. If you've never written a magazine article before, I
suggest you do so before sending out queries, just to be sure you can deliver what you
promise.
Like your article, the query letter should be lively, well- organized, and
entertaining. Open with a strong sentence that sets the tone for your article--an
interesting fact about your subject, a question you intend to answer, or a line of
dialogue from someone you interviewed. Complete the paragraph by presenting the five basic
facts about your topic: who, what, when, where and why. Sprinkle in a few statistics if
you have them, and don't forget to list the projected word length. Your second paragraph
introduces the questions you intend to answer in the article, and the slant you'll take on
the subject. This is your opportunity to show the editor why your article is unique. If
you have unusual information or have interviewed experts, include that in this paragraph.
The third paragraph states the market for this topic. Show you've done your
research and explain why your article would appeal to the magazine's readership. You
should know that your particular slant on the topic hasn't been done before (search
magazine databases at the library under subject headings), so tell the editor of your
findings.
Your final paragraph includes any pertinent information about yourself. List
previous writing credits, areas of expertise that are related to your article, writing
organizations to which you belong. Anything that gives you credibility as an author should
be included. If you have no relevant experience, skip this paragraph.
Some magazines request an annotated bibliography of resources used in writing the
article. This can be attached on a second sheet of paper. Be sure your letter also
includes your full address, phone number, and email. Submit with a self-addressed, stamped
envelope for the editor's reply.
It's best to query one magazine at a time unless you are slanting the article
differently for different publications. If two magazines request the complete work, send
to your preferred market first. If they buy the piece, be sure you retain the appropriate
rights to write about the same subject for a different market before submitting a new
article elsewhere.
For more pointers on writing query letters, cover letters and book proposals,
check out "Author to Editor: Query Letter Secrets of the Pros" by Linda Arms
White. Geared to the children's book market, this book includes over 30 actual letters and
proposals successful authors used to sell their work.
Information, plus an excerpt from the book, can be found at http://write4kids.com/a2e.html
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Laura Backes is the author of "Best Books for Kids Who
(Think They) Hate to Read" from Random House. She's also the publisher of Children's
Book Insider, the Newsletter for Children's Writers. For more information about writing
children's books, including free articles, market tips, insider secrets and much more,
visit Children's Book Insider's home on the web at http://write4kids.com/affcbi.html?7875
Copyright 2002, Children's Book Insider, LLC
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