Comments on: Free Advice Friday: The Killer Query Letter

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 16:29:41 +0000

Good advice, Paula. I used to say rough word counts, but I don't anymore. I work with the same people in magazine land, so they tell me.

But great idea for new-to-you pubs!

By: Paula

Paula — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 18:41:55 +0000

I use a similar format, but have been indenting my URLs in the body of the letter. From now on I think I'll put the URLs at the end of the query (or LOI). It's more streamlined.

It's also a good idea to state a rough word count. Some writers guidelines will state the publication's preference, otherwise look at some recent features and estimate the length.

If photos are available, or you can get them from a source, say so. I've never met an editor who doesn't love photos.

Years ago an entire paragraph of my queries was the "me-me" paragraph, but now it's pretty much just a sentence naming a couple relevant titles and adding a link to my LinkedIn page. I like that because it keeps the focus on the editor, publication and article and not on you.

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 16:42:51 +0000

Anne, you're right. Without knowing the magazine, you're just spitting into the wind, so to speak.

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 14:53:59 +0000

I like to start queries as you suggest, with the opening 'graph of the article... as long as it packs a punch.

As you suggest the secret is knowing the magazine... good example.