One of the keys to writing success - keep submitting your work. It's tedious, I know. When that precious manuscript is returned to you with a curt rejection slip, in the manila envelope that you carried all the way to the post office, carefully weighed and stuck just the right amount of stamps on, the last thing you want to do is start the process all over again!

Nevertheless, if you continually send out everything you write, your reward can be some nice cheques in the mail and your work in print when you least expect it.

I'm going to give you a few guidelines, but keep checking your writer's handbooks, magazines and internet resources for current trends.

Many publications require you to query first, so study the markets before submitting. Check your writer's handbooks for requirements.

QUERIES

Your query letter should be brief and make sure you get the editor's name correct. Check your handbooks or other resources. You can even telephone the publication if necessary. To ask "What is the name of your editor?" is not infringing on privacy, but if the worst comes to the worst, just address your letter "Dear Editor".

The letter should be single spaced and presented in the same style as in "Nuts and Bolts" below.

In your query letter, say what the piece is about and give a little information about yourself; saying why you think you are qualified to write about this particular subject.

If you are published, enclose a few of your clips. If you're not published yet, you'll have to "sell" yourself - tell the editor how long you've been writing or what inspired you to write the piece (don't draw attention to the fact you're unpublished though!). Also enclose a #10 self-addressed stamped envelope (s.a.s.e.) for the editor's reply.

If photos or illustrations are available, mention in your query that these can be provided.

Above all, "keep it simple". Editors have piles of queries and submissions to plough through. Don't be too disappointed if you don't hear back from them at all. Unfortunately, many writers report this is now happening quite frequently. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and try another publication.

Fortunately, email queries are becoming the query of choice among editors, which makes it much easier for most of us writers.

< Home  |  Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6  |  Next Page >

 

This web site will be available in book form at a later date. Please click here if you'd like to be notified when this occurs.