A great query letter clearly and concisely sums up what an article or book is all about while simultaneously making it clear you’re the right writer for the job. I think most writers know this, but what keeps the rejection letters coming despite this knowledge?
Wrong Idea, Wrong Publisher
One mistake I see novice writers make again and again is coming up with an idea, then trying to find a publisher to suit it. Most freelancers find better success doing exactly the opposite: They find a publisher they’d like to work with, examine their work, and come up with an idea they think the publisher will love. This is less true in the book publishing world, but before you go to the trouble to write a book query and proposal, you should have a list of publishers who already sell books similar to the one you wish to write.
Or Simply the Wrong Idea
Sometimes there’s a topic you love, but there’s just no market for it. Sure, you can try to angle it in such a way an editor might find it interesting, too; but ultimately, if she doesn’t think readers are interested, she’ll reject your query.
Too Windy
Even though queries are short (no more than a page and a half long – one page is considered better), you should spend a lot of time polishing them. Rambling queries are sure to get rejected. A good format to follow is this:
Paragraph #1: The hook. Use a statistic, a quote, a terrific description, or an anecdote to grab your reader’s attention. For magazine writing, notice what sort of hooks the editor tends to publish, then use that type for your query.
Paragraph #2: Tell the editor how you’ll cover your topic. Bullet points are a nice touch here and a decent working title is a must. Be sure to mention how the editor’s readers will benefit from your piece.
Paragraph #3: Explain why you’re the best writer for the job. (More on this in a moment.)
Paragraph #4: Close, in one or two sentences, tops.
Keep it short, concise, and to the point.
Make it Interesting
Although queries must be short, they shouldn’t be dry. Also, they should reflect the tone of the publisher. For example, don’t write a perky and casual query for a publisher interested in scholarly work.
Sell YOU
Never neglect to tell editors why you are the best writer for the job. Sure, tell the editor about your most impressive and relevant published writing, but also detail your personal experience. For example, if you’re writing a book about parenting preemies, you’d better be able to say you have experience doing just that. Do you have a PhD in child psychology? Have you conducted seminars for parents of preemies? Do you have special access to a preemie expert? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, let the editor know.
Too Many Details
Although some writing books suggest telling magazine editors how long your article will be, this can give editors an excuse to send a rejection letter. Instead, you could show your familiarity with the magazine, but reveal a willingness to write to the editor’s needs. For example: “I envision this piece fitting into your ‘How I Did It’ feature, but I’m open to writing to any format you need.” Or, you could say nothing about length at all.
Ditto all this for giving yourself a deadline. Magazine editors expect freelancers to write their article as soon as an assignment is given; the editor will give you a deadline. You only need to meet it.
Rejected, Still?
Even if your idea seems perfect for the publisher, even if you’ve stated your case in an entertaining, concise, and professional way, you might still receive a rejection. Look at it this way: If you were an editor with a deadline approaching, which would you choose? A writer you’d already worked with and knew was reliable? A writer you’d never worked with, but had impressive credentials? Or an unknown writer without impressive credits? Of course you’d pick the first writer, if possible. If not, you’d choose the second writer in an effort to save yourself time, energy, and money.
So while it’s great to query major magazines, do expect your rejection rate to be higher. And in the meantime, query small and medium sized magazines, where the competition is less fierce. Think about non-writing ways you can boost your bio, too. Giving talks or establishing a well-read blog on a topic you want to write about are two excellent ways to do this. (“Well-read,” by the way, means thousands of unique hits per day.) If you want to sell a book, this process (called “platform building”) is absolutely essential, but many writers forget it matters for magazine work, too.
Although it can be discouraging to receive rejection letters (or, increasingly, no word from queried editors at all), remember that even the world’s greatest writers receive rejections regularly. Above all, remember this: The more queries you mail out, the higher your chances of success.
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Thanks to Kristina for writing this post! Learn more about her and her coaching services at her website or on our Members page.
I must admit I dread writing titles. I never feel they’re catchy enough. I may come up with something creative, something I think is pure brilliance, but it doesn’t relay relevant information about the content of the piece. It may be too cerebral, too boring or simply a shock-value label.
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