Writing the Query Email (See
formatting instructions below)
1. Before you write:
- Make sure you have as much information
as possible about the magazine--Look for Submission Guidelines on the
magazine web site or masthead. Try to shape your narrative to the
magazine's preferred style.
- Editor or person to submit articles
to
- Email address
- Preferred length of articles:
One double spaced page =200
words; Word count can be found in Word docs
- Preferred topics and style
- Readership (gender, age, race,
class)
- Any other guidelines for
publication available
- Tailor your article and query
letter to fit the magazine and its readers
2. Writing the Query Email
- Dear Editor, X
Magazine:
- 1st paragraph--Lead
with your purpose for writing (to send an article to consider for
publication). e.g., I am sending you my article entitled, "X Y and
Z," so that you might consider it for publication in Big Time Magazine.
- Identify
yourself and your qualifications (if any). NOTE: Unless the readership for the target magazine is college students, it
might be best to leave out the fact that you are a student in a writing
class at Villanova.
- 2nd paragraph--Describe
the context for writing the article (wilderness hike in Idaho); describe how
you have developed the article (beginning, middle and end). Here you
can use some actual language from your article. This will help the
editor get a sense of your style and substance.
- For example, "I
describe the "use
a quote from your piece here"
and point out how "use
another quote here."
- 3rd paragraph -- A closing
paragraph which thanks the editor and indicates your hopes for publication
- Complementary close:
- Sincerely, (Skip two spaces)
- your name
- ATTACH your article!
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Email Format:
Subject line:
Yourlastname MS Query
Message:
(Format: Flush left)
Dear Name of Editor:
Your paragraphs 1,2,3 (see above)
here.
Closing
Sincerely,
Your name, address, email and
phone number here.