By Cherrilynn Bisbano @bisbanowrites

When I first heard the phrase, “Query letter” I was confused and embarrassed.  I did not know what a query was or even how to pronounce it.  Google to the rescue.

     The definition of query from Dictionary.com  

 An inquiry from a writer to an editor of a magazine, newspaper, etc., regarding the acceptability of or         interest in an idea for an article, news story, or the like: usually presented in the form of a letter that      outlines or describes the projected piece.

     The query is your calling card; it is also called a pitch.   It is your sales letter that includes the subject of the article, who you are, and why you are qualified to write the article.

There are necessary steps to take before you write your query letter.

• Read 3-5 issues of the magazine to get familiar with the voice and audience of that magazine.  Many magazines can be read online or at your local library.

• Go to website or call the magazine to get the name of the correct editor before you send the query letter.  Make sure the name of editor, magazine and address are spelled correctly. 

• Gather all the research and education that makes you the expert on this topic. 

• Always check the website or call the magazine for guidelines. 

General guidelines for formatting your letter.

• Times New Roman and 10- or 12-point type.
• One-inch margins.
• Single-spaced page.
• Block paragraph format (no indentations).
• Include your name, address, phone number, e-mail address and web site, if possible.

The body of the query should:

• Hook the reader -Grab the editor’s attention with the first line.  It is a great idea to begin the query exactly how you will begin the article.
• Be specific. – The topic should be precise.  Note where the information will come from.
• State your qualifications – This is your biography.  Why you know what you know; why you are the one to write about this topic.  Be yourself.  Don’t compare your writing to others.  
• Thank the editor for considering your query.
• Exclude the discussion of rates in the query letter.   

 Include self-addressed, stamped envelope when sending query by mail.

There are many informative web sites with examples of a good query.  To avoid reinventing the wheel, my friend Vonda Skelton has allowed me to share her blogs on query letters.   Please check out her bio while you are at the page.  She is one amazing woman.

http://www.vondaskelton.com/2008/10/14/taking-the-question-out-of-query-letters-part-1/

When it comes to your query letter, don’t over think it. Sell it.

Cherrilynn Bisbano is an award-winning writer, coach, editor, and speaker. As former managing editor of Almost an Author, she helped the website earn the #6 spot on the Top 100 best writing websites for 2018 by The Write Life and Top 101 Websites for writers with Writers Digest. Cherrilynn is a speaker with Women Speakers. Her topics include leadership, book proposals, and the Bible.

She is a two-time winner of Flash Fiction Weekly. Her work in progress, Accidental Findings, won the first 10 pages award with, When Words Count Retreat. You can find her published in Blue Ridge Writers Blog, Southern Writers, More to Life (MTL), Christian Rep, Christian Voice, Refresh, and other online magazines. Cherrilynn is a contributor to award-winning, Get to the Margins-Author Anthology; Breaking the Chains; Heart Reno, Kiss Guilt Goodbye; and Chicken Soup for the Soul-Miracles books. Her latest book, Shine Don’t Whine, released October 2020. Cherrilynn proudly served in the Navy and Air National Guard, earning the John Levitow Military leadership award.  She lives with her eighteen-year-old son, Michael, Jr., and husband of 22 years. Cherrilynn loves Christ, Chocolate, coffee, and Cats. You will often find her on the beach sea glass hunting.