by David R. Chase

Created on: February 07, 2010

You’ve got a fresh article that flows perfectly and offers readers the latest and greatest information on a hot topic, and you know just the right audience – but you need a magazine to buy it.  Many magazines won’t buy an article manuscript based on its ingenuity alone; you’ll need to write a query letter that grabs the editor, shakes him up a bit and makes him need your piece. 

Sometimes writing the query letter is harder than writing the article.  The pressure to get the editor’s attention is greater than that of captivating your audience, and the threat of rejection is very real.  Unfortunately, if you can’t get the editor’s attention your article won’t ever see a magazine stand.

There are vital things a query letter must do: show respect to the editor, outline your proposal, and most of all, it must illustrate your writing style without stifling your voice.  If you have supplemental materials, like photos or professional credentials which would help sell the article, include those in the query as well.

To fulfill these requirements, you need to prepare your query letter like you would an article – except it’s aimed at an audience of one.  Write clearly and concisely without trying to sweet-talk the editor into buying your article, but confidently outline the reasons your piece is the best fit for their magazine.  Don’t write in a tone you’re not comfortable writing in; write it in your normal voice so that the editor can be assured that you’re not trying to send in an article that won’t seamlessly fit in with others he’s purchasing.

You should always address the editor by name.  Never use “To Whom it May Concern” or “Dear Sir,” because it shows that you haven’t even done the minimum amount of research on the publication.  If you don’t read the magazine, why would an editor want you to write for it?  It only takes a minute to check the company’s masthead – that’s where they list the editors’ names for each section.  Address your query to the appropriate editor; if it’s Jane Smith, call her Ms. Smith.  However, if it’s Chris Smith, don’t guess on gender – you could be committing a huge faux pas by addressing Chris as a Mr. instead of a Ms.  It’s not worth it, so skipping the prefix is your best bet.

After you’ve

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