How to Write an Exceptional Query Letter

As most writers already know, there's more to getting published than just sending out your submissions and hoping for the best. In most cases, you first have to submit a query letter before an editor will even consider your work.

So, you slave over your query letter, and then send it off. It arrives, taking its place alongside the zillion other query letters already dumped on the editor's desk, waiting to be opened and read.

Because editors are busy people, you have to get to the point of your article in the first sentence. If you don't, chances are your query letter will be answered (in maybe less than a year) with the dreaded form letter. You know the one..."I'm sorry but your article does not fit our needs at this time......"

But, if you first do your homework, you can cut down on the number of rejection letters and start getting more acceptances.

First, get a copy of the latest Writers Market. It's in this book you'll find details regarding publications. For example, you'll learn whether or not a publication requires a query letter. Do they accept fiction? What is the word count? What about rights? What about simultaneous submissions? You'll need to know answers to questions such as these before you sit down and write your query letter. Otherwise, you're telling the editor you haven't studied their writers' guidelines. In other words, you won't appear professional.

You can buy the latest copy of Writer's Market at most major bookstores, such as Borders or Barnes and Noble. But since it's already July, chances are you won't find a copy on their shelves at this time of year. You can order it online, by doing a Google search. What's more, it's usually sold at a discounted price now as it's the middle of the year as you can get a used copy from a prior owner.

It's also good to read at least two past issues of the publication to familiarize yourself with the magazine's style, as well as what kind of articles they publish. Also, search past issues to make sure your topic hasn't been covered recently. Or, if it has, then shoot for another angle.

Here are some other "do's and don'ts" to keep in mind when writing your query letter.

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