Querying 101
EchoinngMemoriez
http://diaperstodeadlines.typepad.com/my_weblog/2006/02/ill_admit_it_i_.html
I'll admit it: I hate querying. My ideal gig involves a handful of
editors at my dream markets having my contact info memorized so they
can tap me for stories on my specialties. Or we'd be so familiar that
I could send out a simple two-liner describing my idea and land a
feature assignment.
Sadly, it doesn't work that way for most freelancers, at least not
initially. And even seasoned pros with solid "bread-and-butter"
gigs still have to pitch new-to-them markets.
So if we must query, we may as well enjoy it, right? Learning the art
and craft of good query writing will increase our chances of nailing
those dream gigs. Plus, it does get easier with time and practice.
Today's post details some of the basics of crafting good queries, with
a seasoning of tasty tips from The Renegade Writer to help you kick it
up a notch.
The most important thing to remember about querying is that it's much
more than a request for work: it's a chance to show off your writing
style. If your queries read like a dry cover letter for a resume,
you're not going to get much work. Capturing the style and tone of
your target market will show the editor that you've done your
homework and will make a great fit for their magazine.
One key area where it doesn't pay to be a renegade: grammar and
spelling. You really have to nail this aspect in your queries, and if
you need a second pair of eyes to double check your work, don't be shy
about asking. A caveat to this is that if you do make a mistake, don't
sweat it, and definitely don't write the editor to point out your
mistakes after hitting "send."
There are variations on this theme, but all queries should include
three basic elements:
The intro - here's where you grab the editor's attention. If your
first few sentences bore the editor, why should he or she bother to
keep reading? You want to engage your reader immediately - remember
the phrase, "Life isn't a dress rehearsal?" Well, your queries
should read like a final, polished product. This is the first sample of
your writing the editor will see, and your chance to shine. Querying is
not the time to be timid or modest!
Not only should you write the intro to your query as your article would
read, but it's also a great idea to cite statistics or use a quote from
a source here, too. This shows your editor you've done your homework
and given some thought to your idea.
The scoop - this is the meat and potatoes of your query, where you
let the editor know the scope of your article and include lively quotes
and research to make it come to life. Traditionalists advise that no
query should be longer than one page, and in general, writers should
structure their queries to match the length of the article. But
"Renegade Writers" kick this up a notch and consistently nail the sale.
Part of this really depends upon the publication and the editor. Some
are sticklers for tradition. Others will entertain a 4-page query
because it means less work for them in terms of fleshing out and
defining the assignment with the writer. The main body of your query is
where you sell the idea, or "hook," and share research, statistics, and
even quotes from experts or everyday people who experienced things
first-hand.
Your intro - this is the least comfortable area for new writers, but
if your credentials are thin, don't advertise it. "Golly gee, I'm
a new writer, and I've only written articles for my church newsletter
but I love your magazine and have dreamed of writing for you for
years" is not the way to wow your editor.
First of all, a savvy editor will realize you haven't written for
Better Homes and Gardens and Family Circle when you don't mention any
big names like these in your pitch. But, having thin clips isn't an
automatic deal breaker. In fact, The Renegade Writer discounts the idea
that you have to start with smaller markets and earn your dues. Second,
calling attention to your shortcomings is a surefire way to tank any
marketing scheme, and make no mistake: querying is marketing your
writing skills to editors. For those uncomfortable about marketing
yourselves because it feels like selling out or seems phony: get over
it. The only way out is through here, folks. It's been my experience
that those who lament "sell-outs" don't tend to be terribly
successful in general, and who has time for that? Shake off that
position of insecurity and pitch from a position of power and
confidence. Nutshell: don't sweat newbie status; if your querying is
smart, savvy, well-researched and in keeping with the magazine's
style and history, even the newest of newbies can and do score
assignments.
Finally, how to send your query? One of the most helpful tips The
Renegade Writer offers is to enter the electronic age. Sure, the online
writers' guidelines and the blurb in The Writer's Market tell you where
you can put your SASE. What most writers starting out don't know is
that often those snail mailed queries end up in a slush pile that may
never see the light of day. By networking with other writers (another
thing you're simply going to have to get over in the writing business
is a fear of networking) and joining professional writing sites such as
Freelance Success [http://www.freelancesuccess.com/] or Media Bistro
[http://www.mediabistro.com/], you will net essential scoop such as the
e-mail formats and contact names of magazines' editorial staff. Find
this info, and use it.
For more info, I recommend you run, don't walk to pick up a copy of
"The Renegade Writer" by Diana Burrell and Linda Formichelli and
also Lisa Collier Cool's classic-but- still-useful "How to Write
Irresistible Query Letters." Both offer a solid understanding of good
structure and form.
We'd love to hear about your successes and missteps, as writers learn
best by doing. Please come and post on our message boards
[http://www.diaperstodeadlines.com/bbs] about your experiences sending
out queries, and ask any questions you might have, too.