These are notes from a writer’s workshop. Any misinformation is the fault of the note taker.

Come up with an idea

Write up the query letter.

If they like the idea, they’ll send an email and sign the contract.

Then you write the article. (Only a personal essay I written before submitting.

Letter:

• Salutation> correct spelling of editor and correct pronoun.
• Good hook and lead paragraph (send to a specific editor) if you’ve met the editor, mention that.
• Establish a connection. Have an engage opening sentence. Catch attention (editors are busy people.

Example of hooks:

• Johnathan Clark has everything a seventh-year old boy cold want–except a beating heart.
• By the year 2023, seven out of ten college students will have a sex diesel.

Article contents

Bad hook:

• Mary smith is a 10-year old girl in Sayville, NY > so what? Change to cont. she has a skill most adults wish they had.
• Everyone want to know how to better communicate with his or her spouse>

Format: what your proposal. Is this for a specific department?  Share key points of the article.  Is it a feature article, is it round up (best 10 water parks in the country)

• What will the reader get from the article?
• Why you: editing experience, explain why you are the perfect person for this article. Work off the strengths you have. Do you have a degree on the topic you are pitching?
• Put in a call to actins like I look forward to hearing from you or ask are you interested.
• Then close with your name. Include a handwrite (screen shot) signature.
• Use a professional email.
• Do not put headers on top of the letter, nor add your contact info at the top