One of the things that I need to learn is how to write query letters. I have been naive enough on a couple of instances to send articles without so much as a proper letter accompanying them. I was clueless about the proper procedures for querying articles. I cringe now at the obvious amateurism displayed in those correspondences.
I have learned somewhat since then. I’ve been immersing myself in various books, specifically studying how to craft query letters and book proposals. While I don’t think I would have written any of those bad “hire me, I’ll be the greatest writer in your stable” letters, I’ve learned that there are specific formats to be followed when pitching an idea to an editor.
The query letter is the foot-in-the-door that will get an editor to request a proposal or assign an article to be written. It needs to be captivating, straight to the point, honest and concise.
Lesson 1 in freelance writing: Learn how to craft effective query letters.
