How to Write Quality Query Letters: Offer them what they don’t have
December 15, 2008 by John Hewitt
The best way to convince a publication to purchase an article from you is to offer them something new and interesting. If you pitch them an article that sounds similar to a previous article in their publication, or something similar that ran in a rival publication, you probably aren’t going to make the sale. Most publications aren’t in the business of repeating the same material over and over again.
It can be difficult to come up with truly original ideas, especially when you are dealing with a publication that caters to a narrow topic. A magazine about model trains or a web site about search engine optimization doesn’t have much new ground to cover after a while. Still, if you consider yourself a knowledgeable writer about one of those subjects, you should be able to find a fresh approach to the material. You may not come up with an idea that has never been used before, but at least try to find a new way to present the material. Often, it is a good idea to get more specific. There may be many search engine optimization articles about using keywords, but if you take the time to discuss a small part of a specific technique, you might find some ground that has not been covered.
When you do have a new idea, or a new take on the subject, make sure that you emphasize that early in your query letter. The fact that you aren’t offering the same old story should be one of your key selling points in your query letter. Your goal is to stand apart from everyone else. It is worth spending a little extra time thinking about how to make your idea original. Another good way to do this is to add a little personal experience to your pitch or to pick an overriding metaphor that hasn’t been used before, such as comparing model train enthusiasts to politicians. No matter how you go about it, find something new to say if you want to make a sale.
Related links
- How to Write a Query Letter (0.821)
- 10 Ways to Make Editors Hate You Before They Even Know You (0.539)
- How to Write Quality Query Letters: Write a Great Headline (0.539)
- How to Write Quality Query Letters: Be real, specific (0.539)
- How to Write Quality Query Letters: Give yourself credit (0.539)
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Hey Humans;
I have one quick question. Do you need a query letter when submitting something like, say, a short story to Analog? (not that I’ll be doing that anytime soon…)Or is this only with technical writing? And does having such an magical-looking car help you write such a letter? Because if so, it would make a good excuse to go get one…
I’ve never had to write a query letter, but I still enjoyed your suggestions on coming up with an original approach. Your ideas could work with a lot of writing tasks (such as essays for school).
In general, query letters are used to sell articles, not short stories. For the most part, short stories are submitted directly, although you will still want to provide a cover letter that tells them who you are and why you think the short story would fit their needs.
Good tips!