Writing for Magazine Publication is a great way to monetize your writing and test your topic for readership interest. This series offers tips and ideas for magazine publishing: a list of genres or categories and where we find ideas (posted 5.25.18), research tips (posted 6.25.18), standard templates for essay and article pieces (7.25.18), query letters (informal known to editor 8.25.18) and (formal query tips 9.25.18), formatting for submission, and copyright definitions.
Essays are all about the writer, but articles are all about the reader. An essay is an opinion piece: an analytical or interpretative work with a limited point of view. However, an article is non-fiction text presenting information to the reader.
In prep for writing our query letter, be sure to revisit your research of the particular magazine you want to pitch. To gauge how you approach the magazine and determine their audience, you’ve:
1. Thoroughly read a few copies of the magazine, including advertisements
2. Found the editor to address your query in the masthead.
3. Copied the submittal requirements and reviewed them point by point.
4. Visit and read the magazine’s website.
5. Read the market listing in Writer’s Market
Today, let’s talk about a formal query written to an agent or editor new to you.
Do Tips:
• Our goal is to present a query letter in a professional manner that is clear and concise. It should be one single spaced page with block paragraph format.
• Use customary typeface and font: Times New Roman, 10 or 12 point, and one-inch margins.
• Demonstrate you are knowledgeable about the specific magazine you are contacting.
• Query letters are a call to action, so be specific from the first line of your letter, thus honoring the editors time.
• Include some biographical information to show your personality and voice, but don’t go overboard.
• Always follow the submission guidelines specific to the magazine you are querying.
• Thank the editor for considering your query and always include your contact information (name, address, phone number, email address and website if you have one).
• Wait the noted response time before contacting an editor to follow up on your query. (refer to the submittal guidelines)
Not for the Query Letter Tips:
• Discuss pay rates
• Mention that your work is copyrighted
• Don’t hint you are willing to rewrite the piece
Kerrie Flanagan’s new book and Informative Links:
5 Things You Need to Know to Write for Magazines: http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/42-FE2-WriteforMagazines.html Know the Reader, Know the Magazine, Know the Style, Know the Submission Guidelines, Know How to Write an Effective Query Letter.
and her new book -- “Writer’s Digest Guide to Magazine Article Writing” by Kerrie Flanagan
http://www.writersmarket.com/assets/pdf/Query_Letter_Clinic.pdf *includes good and bad letter samples
https://www.writersdigestshop.com/query-letter
Deborah Lyn Stanley is an author of Creative Non-Fiction. She writes articles, essays and stories. She is passionate about caring for the mentally impaired through creative arts.
Visit her web-blog: Deborah Lyn : My Writer's Life
Write clear & concise, personable yet professional.
Know your reader.
Use quotes & antidotes.
No comments:
Post a Comment