If you want to be a successful freelance writer, you need to know how to write query letters for magazine articles. The following tips are from a great “Query Letter Clinic” from Writer’s Market 2009; I’ve also included a sample of a strong nonfiction magazine query letter.

Before the tips, a quip:

“Write while the heat is in you. The writer who postpones the recording of his thoughts uses an iron which has cooled to burn a hole with. He cannot inflame the minds of his audience.” – Henry David Thoreau

It’s the same with writing query letters! I’ve realized dozens of fabulous ideas for articles while I’m running through the forest on my island…and then I let them get cold because I don’t write them down. Then they’re dead. Useless. Don’t “postpone the recording of your thoughts”, fellow scribes!

Read on to learn how to write query letters for magazine articles — and click on Writer’s Market 2010 for more detailed info on successful freelance writing.

How to Write Query Letters for Magazine Articles

“The query letter is often the most important piece of the publishing puzzle,” say the experts in Writer’s Market 2009. “In many cases, it determines whether an editor or agent will even read your manuscript. 

1. Be convincing. Since your goal is to sell your article or manuscript, you need to be enthusiastic (but don’t use too many exclamation marks!!!!!). Focus on being persuasive, professional, and realistic.

2. Get specific immediately. “The most effective query letters get into the specifics from the very first line,” say the experts in Writer’s Market 2009. “It’s important to remember that the query letter is a call to action, not a listing of features and benefits.” For a sample query letter for an online magazine, read A Successful Query Letter to MSN Health.

3. Include some biographical information. Here’s what I say at the end of my query letters to magazines I’ve never written for before: “I’m a published writer; visit The Adventurous Writer  for links to my most recent articles. My credits include MSN Health, Woman’s Day, Health, Reader’s Digest, Glow, alive and sometimes More. I’m the Feature Writer for Psychology Suite101; my degrees are in Psychology and Education.”

4. Don’t mention money. Your goal is to get paid at least $1 per word (okay, that’s my goal) – but don’t mention money in your query letter. The experts in Writer’s Market 2009 say, “This step comes after an editor has agreed to take on your article or book. Besides making an unprofessional impression on an editor, it can also work to your disadvantage in negotiating your fee. If you ask for too much, an editor may not even contact you to see if a lower rate might work. If you ask for too little, you may start an editorial relationship where you are making far less than the normal rate.”

5. Follow the rules. When you’re writing a query letter for a magazine article, use a normal font and typeface (such as Times New Roman, 12 point), address a specific editor (such as the managing editor or assigning editor), and limit your query letter to one page. Include your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and website. Learn as much as you can abou thet “rules” of writing query letters for magazine articles; for more info, read Pitching Your Freelance Article to Magazines.

6. Follow up. Okay, I’m the worst writer in the world for following up. I never contact an editor after emailing a query letter – though I have heard that writers get assignments when they do! The experts in Writer’s Market 2009 recommend following up after the magazine’s response time has lapsed. “Then, send a short and polite e-mail describing the original query sent, the date it was sent, and asking if they received it or made a decision regarding its fate.”

“The importance of remaining polite and businesslike when following up cannot be stressed enough,” say these writers. “Making a bad impression on an editor can often have a ripple effect – as that editor may share his or her bad experience with other editors at the magazine or publishing company.”

Here’s an example of a ”Good Nonfiction Magazine Query Letter” from Writer’s Digest 2009:

Editor’s Name

Editor’s Address

Dear Editor (insert real name here),

There are 87 varieties of organic crops grown in the United States, but there’s only one farm producing 12 of these – the Morganic Corporation.

Located in the heart of Arkansas, this company spent the past decade providing great organic crops at a competitive price helping them grow into the ninth leading organic farming operation in the country. Along the way, they developed the most unique organic offering in North America.

As a seasoned writer with access to Richard Banks, the founder and president of Morganic, I propose writing a profile piece on Banks for your Organic Shakers department. After years of reading this riveting column, I believe the time has come to cover Morganic’s rise in the organic farming industry.

The piece would run in the normal 800-1,200 word range with photographs available of Banks and Morganic’s operation.

I’ve been published in Arkansas Farmer’s Deluxe, Organic Farming Today, and in several newspapers.

Thank you for your consideration of this article. I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

Your Name, Address, E-Mail

Fellow scribes, what have I missed? If you have any questions or tips on writing query letters for magazine articles, please comment below…