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The Stuff E-mail Queries are Made of
But as you sit down to write that e-mail query, you forget everything your mother told you and send editors a query that inevitably brings home rejection. The subject line reads Query or something in close proximity with the language spammers useBecome Debt Free Today. You write your e-mail address and Web address, but leave out other information such as your postal address and phone number. And of course, since its an e-mail query, you dont include clips. After all, the editor explicitly mentioned no attachments, right?
After sending out a dozen queries of this sort, many writers sit in front of their computers hoping that some editor will respond. When no one does, they wonder why their queries aren't getting enough response, even though they did everything right.
But you know what-- there's a better way. E-mail is the way to go today, so your queries should hit the mark right away. Here are some tips that will melt the toughest of editors.
For starters, get the subject line right. Youre a writerso be creative. Instead of writing "query" or "submission" or even the name of the magazine, how about using the title of your article? And I dont have to tell you that the title you choose should be informative, witty and creative, do I? It doesnt always have to be funny, but it has to be interesting. Heres the format I usually follow for my subject lines:
Query: Creative Article Title
Try to avoid titles that read like spam. Lose Weight Easily can be rephrased as 10 Ways to Keep Fit. Similarly, Discover Singles in Your Area is a line spammers love to use, so you could use something more attention-grabbing and less spam-seeming such as The Top 10 Places to Find your Soul Mate. Notice the difference?
Write your e-mail query as if you were writing a normal query. Induce in it the same passion, the same commitment and the same
confidence that you would like to project in a query sent by snail mail. Forget the mantra that editors will delete long queries. Not a chance. If youve sparked the interest of an editor, do you think shes going to stop reading simply because it exceeded her one page limit? Nope.
As in a mailed query, take the time and space you need to get the editors attention. But refrain from rambling. Generally, your query (e-mail or otherwise) should fit into two pages or less. More than that, and youre giving away too much. They should be succinct, to-the-point, and if youve done your job well, youll have the editor asking for more. Always include your address and phone number should the editor feel like calling and giving you the assignment.
Remember how editors are busy people? Thats why, instead of sending them hyperlinks of all the articles youve ever written, send in three or four relevant clips of your best work. And yes, attachments are strictly prohibited. Instead, include your article as text in your e-mail. But what about the pretty pictures and the beautiful fonts? Well, thats why, above the article, include the link to the article. If the editor has the time or the inclination, she can go online and view it in its full glory. If not, youre sending the material in the email so she doesnt have to wander around cyberspace looking for your great creations.
E-mail queries arent much different from snail mail ones. If your query is professional, presented in an original style and makes the editor sit on the edge of her seat, youve got a winner. And always remember what mom preached first impressions do count.
* This article was originally published on WritersCrossing.com (http://www.WritersCrossing.com)
About the Author Mridu Khullar is the editor-in-chief of www.WritersCrossing.com, a free online magazine for writers. Sign up for the free weekly newsletter to get a complimentary e-book with 400+ paying markets. Also check out her e-book, "Knock Their Socks Off! A Freelance Writer's Guide to Query Letters That Sell," available at http://www.writerscrossing.com/queries.html
