Never use any of these opening lines.
Credit: S. Thompson | ©S. Thompson
If you've been thinking about sending query letters to magazines for an article you've written or hope to write, then you've probably found an abundance of articles on the Internet about what you should do. However, there is a lack of information regarding what you should not do when it comes to writing a magazine query letter. Following are the seven worst opening lines you could possibly think to use.
Worst Opening Lines for a Magazine Query Letter #1:
"I've never read your magazine, but I think this article will fit."
Rule of thumb: You should always read a magazine before you attempt to query, but even if you haven't, it is never a good idea to admit as much. Editors choose the articles they will use in their magazines based on a carefully judged fit; if they know that the author hasn't bothered to read the magazine, they might just throw his or her query letter in the trash.
Worst Opening Lines for a Magazine Query Letter # 2:
"This article is so amazing that it's been published five times."
Rule of thumb: Magazine editors are looking for interesting, unique, previously unpublished articles. If you're wanting to publish an article in a particular magazine but have already published a similar piece, do both yourself and the editor a favor and rewrite it, adding a different spin or new research. Editors aren't even going to look at an article that's already been published "five times".
Worst Opening Lines for a Magazine Query Letter #3:
"I've read your magazine and this story is ten times better than the ones you publish."
Rule of thumb: Insulting a magazine editor is not a good idea. Although every writer would hope that his or her story is ten times better than any other the magazine has ever published, this is a matter of private opinion. You're much better off not comparing your story to the magazine's other publications at all, unless you are going to give reasons why your article is a good fit.
Worst Opening Lines for a Magazine Query Letter #4:
"My college professor gave me an A+ on this paper, so I know you'll want to buy it."
Worst Opening Lines for a Magazine Query Letter #1:
"I've never read your magazine, but I think this article will fit."
Rule of thumb: You should always read a magazine before you attempt to query, but even if you haven't, it is never a good idea to admit as much. Editors choose the articles they will use in their magazines based on a carefully judged fit; if they know that the author hasn't bothered to read the magazine, they might just throw his or her query letter in the trash.
Worst Opening Lines for a Magazine Query Letter # 2:
"This article is so amazing that it's been published five times."
Rule of thumb: Magazine editors are looking for interesting, unique, previously unpublished articles. If you're wanting to publish an article in a particular magazine but have already published a similar piece, do both yourself and the editor a favor and rewrite it, adding a different spin or new research. Editors aren't even going to look at an article that's already been published "five times".
Worst Opening Lines for a Magazine Query Letter #3:
"I've read your magazine and this story is ten times better than the ones you publish."
Rule of thumb: Insulting a magazine editor is not a good idea. Although every writer would hope that his or her story is ten times better than any other the magazine has ever published, this is a matter of private opinion. You're much better off not comparing your story to the magazine's other publications at all, unless you are going to give reasons why your article is a good fit.
Worst Opening Lines for a Magazine Query Letter #4:
"My college professor gave me an A+ on this paper, so I know you'll want to buy it."
Comments
Great article!
lol this is funny
Very good advice! I'm glad I don't have to query AC every time I write something! LOL
Comments 1 - 3 (of 3)
|
|