Comments on: Writing Banging Queries

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 12:09:08 +0000

To your other question, if you don't have established sources (and plenty of times I don't, either), look to ProfNet or look at other articles involving similar or the same topics. There are people being quoted, which means they're willing to talk and someone knows them to have a particular expertise. Also, as you're researching, pay attention to associations and other organizations that cover that particular area. Plenty of expert sources in those places.

When in doubt or at loose ends, ask the editor for some suggestions. Editors are there to help you get it right -- I still ask editors for sources if I'm stuck.

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 12:06:26 +0000

Ashley, great questions. I don't worry about whether they'll be willing or have time. Instead, I phrase it this way: "I'll talk to experts such as...." That way, it's not a promise, but a suggestion that I can provide my own expert sources. And yes, I've ended up using different sources on occasion.

It's never happened yet that an editor has expected me to follow through on exactly those experts I've named. It has happened that one or two editors have asked for specific sources instead or have assigned articles with their own sources in mind.

By: Ashley

Ashley — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 02:26:19 +0000

Paula, as a former newspaper person, I use "lede" too. For me, it is because it comes up in spell check as a misspelling -- so that you catch it in case you have a blank space with filler text saying "lede here" or something. Also why I use "subhed" and things like that. There may be other explanations, but that's why I do it.

Lori, great post! I've always been unsure what's the best way to go about presenting potential sources for the article. If you don't talk to them ahead of time, are you sure they'll be willing/have time to be interviewed for the article? Do you occasionally end up using different sources? Since you have an established niche, I'm sure you're already familiar with loads of sources. What would you suggest for those of us who aren't as established with sources?

By: Paula

Paula — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 17:22:50 +0000

Precisely why I'm trying to expand into more corporate work, Anne. Time to put all this article writing experience to use in ghostwriting articles for higher pay!

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 15:23:38 +0000

Lori and Paula, I just looked up lede… first introduced in 1976! Figured it had to be much earlier than that.

http://blog.bleacherreport.com/2013/05/22/at-the-risk-of-burying-the-lead-were-going-to-spell-it-lede/

There was a time I thought I could make a living writing magazine articles… it happens, but not for many.

By: Paula

Paula — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 15:06:48 +0000

I've always wondered by editors, of all people, write "lede" instead of "lead." Whatever the reason, I'm guessing it dates back centuries.

All great points, Lori. I like to tell editors why their readers would/should be interested in the topic, too, just to show I know a bit about the intended audience.

I follow the same format your do: teaser/lede; potential sources and questions the article would raise; and the me-me section.

In the old days the me-me section would be a full paragraph plus at least three full clips. Today it's a couple URLS embedded between sentences. The first sentence offering some relevant info about my experience, and the last one directing them to view my LinkedIn page for more information and recommendations. I close by saying I'd love to discuss this idea with them soon.

When researching markets, I prioritize which places to contact by listing info (easily found in Writers Market and other sources)including: frequency of publication; percent of freelance articles per issue (if it doesn't say, compare bylines with the masthead and you'll get a good idea); how far ahead they work; stated fee; terms of payment; rights purchased, etc.. You can save a lot of time eliminating markets that are less than 20% freelance, or at least save those for last.

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 14:54:21 +0000

KeriLynn, it's the toughest thing at first because of exactly what you say -- over-analysis. Just write it like you're talking to a reader or a friend.

Then definitely hit Send. :)

By: KeriLynn Engel

KeriLynn Engel — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 14:50:57 +0000

Perfect timing, Lori! This is what I'm working on now, and I'm hoping to get out several more queries before the end of the month. I tend to over-analyze and worry too much about getting it perfect, but I like your advice to just keep it simple. I just need to hit "send" and get them out there!