The Query Letter: An Important Skill for Freelance Writers

10 Query Do's and Don'ts

The query letter is the publishing world's equivalent to a resume. It is the means by which you introduce and sell your work to an editor or agent. It is also your one and only chance to make the right first impression.

Writing a query letter is not difficult, but it does come with specific rules of conduct. When thinking about how to write a query letter, consider these query do's and don'ts. 

Query Letter Do's

1. Do keep your letter one page in length. 2. Do address the letter to a specific person, by name when possible. 3. Do start your query letter with a brief statement of why you are contacting them. Include the title of your story, and the genre. 4. Do include a paragraph summarizing your story. 5. Do tell the editor who your intended audience is and why you feel your story fits into their publication. 6. Do add a brief biography and writing credits or reference attached clippings. 7. Do end the letter by letting the editor know you are open to providing further information about the project. 8. Do include a formal salutation, your name, address, email address, and phone number. 9. Do stay on topic. The editor doesn't care whether you have six cats and two children unless it is pertinent to the story you are trying to sell. 10. Do follow the submission guidelines. If the guidelines say to include a copy of the first three chapters of your novel, this means the first three chapters, not the entire novel manuscript.

Query Letter Don'ts