Intro. As I've written more free-lance articles, I've discovered a good query letter does the same thing an outline used to do for me in academic writing - it helps me plan the article as I start researching and writing it. In some ways, the query is just as important as the finished article. Usually, it's the first thing a prospective editor will see of my work. And it has to answer the question - why should he, or she, buy my story on kumquats, Maine coon cats or Zen meditation and not somebody else's.
In advertising and sales they call the answer to that question a unique selling proposition, and when I write a query I'm in advertising and sales. The query is a sales document. Plain and simple.
So let's cut to the chase ...
Your assignment: Write a query letter. In order to get a feel for the process, let's do a dry run in class first after we've looked at the sample queries in the Writer's Digest Handbook and my blog post immediately below.
- Choose one of the topics we discussed Tuesday - Zen meditation, Maine coon cats, the Japaneese tea ceremony, artichokes, whatever - and help me write a query. I can put it on the projector in Microsoft Word.
- In groups of two or three, write the first two paragraphs of another query and post your draft as a comment to this post. Then we'll look at your drafts.
For next week: read the Writer's Digest Handbook, Chapter 7 ("Avoiding Problems"), and 8 ("Writing Techniques and Revision"). Also Iris Lamott, "Shitty First Drafts" (PDF file at http://www.humnet.ucla.edu/humnet/english/wwwroot2/TA/hyperteach/PDFs/shitty.pdf).
IMPORTANT TANGENT ON CLASS ATTENDANCE: Beginning this week, we're shifting gears in COMM 337 and doing more in-class exercises that involve brainstorming and small-group discussion. By its nature, writing for publication is usually a collaborative process; that means it's nearly impossible to make up the dynamic of our class discussions and exercises regarding the process of writing. Your grades so far have depended heavily on your written analyses. Now they will depend on: (1) your 1,500-word story; and (2) your participation in the exercises designed to get you up to speed on writing the story. So it pays to come to class. Capice?
9 comments:
November 10, 2011
Kaitlyn Keen
Benedictine University
500 North 5th St.
Springfield, IL 62702
Dear Whom it May Concern,
Thousands of kittens and cats nationwide need good homes and owners every day because they have been given up on. As it gets colder, more and more cats are given away, thrown out, and killed in shelters every day. The hopes and dreams of these cats are significant, and it is important to allow those hopes and dreams to come true.
In Fancy Cat I have noticed the features on homeless or harmed cats, and the numbers are ever-growing. I believe that many of your readers will continue to want to help in any way possible to make the dreams of the cats come true. The readers want and need a guide to help them develop their knowledge and plan to help the cats prosper. The 2,000-word article I will propose to you would be exactly the guide people are looking for to follow when helping give homeless, harmed, and forgotten cats a home.
• How to approach the cat; differentiating between circumstances
• The needs of each different cat
• How to help the cat adapt to a new environment
• How to keep the cat safe and healthy
I would include a 250-word sidebar on how to find information the experts have given to also guide potential cat owners in making a good life for desperate cats.
I have been a writer for non-profit organizations for eight years, writing for such publications as Adoption, Family Circle, YourHealth, and American Family. Within two weeks of notification I will be able to provide an exceptional manuscript in which will fit in with your magazine. Enclosed with this letter are some of my clippings and a postpaid reply post card.
I appreciate your time and look forward to hearing from you.
Respectfully,
Kaitlyn Keen
Benedictine University
Last summer I came across a copy of your magazine “Farmers Market Today” while lounging in the waiting room at my dentist’s office. An article I found very interesting was on the health and diet benefits of tomatoes. It reminded me of the many health benefits and rich history that I knew of the artichoke. Ever since I have been an avid reader of the magazine, however, I have yet to find that anyone has written on the matter. I have dedicated much time to learning more about artichokes and even spent my summer on a vegetable farm on the central coast of Chile, growing them myself.
I have enclosed an article, 2 side-bars, and several photographs that I think your readers would find very interesting. As I did not know that tomatoes were cancer fighting fruit, I think readers would be interested to find that artichokes are the highest antioxidant source among all fresh vegetables. Not to mention the fascinating groups of farmers that have dedicated their lives to the production of the artichoke. Artichoke farming is a way of life that is often overlooked by the American farmer who does not venture into this crop. I think the readers of “Farmers Market Today” would greatly enjoy the rich cultural background of the artichoke.
-Stacie and Missy
Christina Ushman
Benedictine University
Whom it May Concern,
I have recently written an 1,500 word article recipe on artichokes. I have also written articles on artichokes for ''Healthy Magazine.'' This recipe would be great for your magazine because it shows you exactly how to prepare and make the artichokes. This recipe will also show your readers on how to measure, and the quality of the artichoke.
I have also looked at the last issue of your magazine about ''how to stay healthy.'' This recipe article would greatly interest your readers because your
readers are consistantly asking about food recipes on healthy diets. I also read in the magazine that your magazine is greatly interested in new ideas of preparing your food. This recipe will make your readers want to increase there healthy lifestyle.
Best Wishes,
Christina Ushman
November 10, 2011 3:28 p.m.
Allison Ladage and Tyler Lewis
Benedictine University
500 North 5th St.
Springfield, IL 62702
Dear Sir or Madam:
The Maine Coon is a part of a distinct breed of long-haired cats and has very good hunting skills. It is said that this cat was bred with an unknown long-haired cat, however, it is possible it was with a Turkish Angora and a short-haired domesticated cat that established this new breed. Maine Coon cats were founded along the coast of Miane and they have been an important part of history. Their ancestors, the Turkish Angora cats, belonged once to Marie Antoinette. People enter them in cat shows and they are very stunning looking.
Maine Coon cats can be wonderful companions. They are kid friendly and have been known to have lovable personalities. Although known for their amazing size, Maine Coon cats are gentle creatures.
To whom it may concern
Adam Pemberton
Dylan Hardin
Tabitha Bock
Dave Maziarz
Benedictine University at Springfield
500 North 5th Street
Springfield, IL 62702
Dear to whom it may concern,
One of the oldest living breeds of cats, the Maine Coon Cat which is a breed of a domestic cat that has a distinctive physical appearance and they also have unique and valuable hunting skills. This breed is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America, and specifically native to the state of Maine. The Maine Coon is noted for its large bone structure, rectangular body shape, and a long flowing coat. The breed can be seen in a variety of colors and is known for its intelligence and gentle personality it has.
The readers of your magazine will be interested to know about the type of cat that they may be receiving or buying. Any possible animal owner would like to know how their future pet is with people, children or other animals.
Mike Timoney
Benedictine University
500 North 5th St.
Springfield, IL 62702
To whom it may concern:
Tens of thousands of Americans travel the waterways of the midwest every year. As the weather gets colder and the water fills with debris, many lake-fiends make their way down south to continue their favorite past time. Whilst reading boating Magazine, I have noticed the rich plethora of travel information you provide regarding summer boating destinations, such as exotic lakes in Utah and California. However, it seems that your publication might appreciate the addition of alternate boating destinations during the cooler months. I have been researching winter boating destinations for years in hopes of planning a fall boat trip down the Mississippi River to the Gulf Coast. I would like to offer you an article that will detail a boater's experience taking this trip. I will provide information as to what food and entertainment destinations one should stop at on the way. I will also cover all safety precautions that one would need to take before embarking on such a journey.
I have been writing for all of my educational life, as well as professionally. In addition to this, I'm sure I held a boat throttle even before I ever held a pencil. Boating is a part of my life. Within two weeks of contact, I will be willing to provide you with a very unique and informative article that would fit perfectly with the pervue of your publication.
Subject line: Castroville Artichoke Festival / John Doe
Date: Thursday, November 10, 2011, 7:58 PM
To: John Doe, editor
California Agriculture Magazine
From: Rachel Seaver
The Artichoke Festival in Castroville, “The Artichoke Center of the World” is home to a great food, art, and entertainment experience. I have written an article on the festival, detailing the impact it has had on local farmers and the economy of Castroville. I have interviewed John Pezzini of Pezzini Farms. I believe this article will be of interest to your readers. It should fit in very nicely as many of your previous articles have included features on local farmers and agricultural business. I am a farmer myself and have had many articles published in Agriculture Times as well as Farmer’s Market Daily.
SOME THINGS I LIKE - AND A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS
Kaitlyn - this is well thought out ... of course once you decided on a market, you'd find the editor's name on their website.
Stacie and Missy - your first graf is unorthodox, but might be effective especially if it's shorter and more to-the-point ... I was so excited by your magazine in the dentist's office I went out and got a job in Chile, here's the article. Nice specific angle!
Allie, Adam and all the cat lovers in the cheap seats - good start ... but what are you going to say that's new and fresh and exciting about Maine coon cats? In other words, what's your angle?
Mike - great angle. I love the bit in your 2nd graf, "I have been writing for all of my educational life, as well as professionally. In addition to this, I'm sure I held a boat throttle even before I ever held a pencil."
Rachel - you've got the idea. I especially like you called "Editor John Doe" by name. Now how would you redo an article on the Castroville festival for oh say Illinois Times?
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