Be specific and professional when submitting inquiries

All writers face the dreaded query. Did I put enough information? Did I put too much? Did he have a big hook? Am I sending to the correct publisher?

These are just a few questions that go through a writer’s mind when they send an email or click the Send button for the query. So how do you answer these questions and the many others that go along with the work of building a query?

Well, the first simple answer to this question is to READ the publisher’s or agent’s guidelines. Okay, that’s not exact – you need to STUDY and FOLLOW those guidelines precisely.

Items to keep in mind when reading those guidelines:

1. What genre does that particular publisher, agent, or magazine publish?

2. Does the publisher/agent accept simultaneous submissions?

3. Is there a specific word count if articles are consulted?

4. Does the publisher accept unmanaged queries?

5. Does the journal only accept specific topics? If so, is your item on target?

This list is not complete, obviously there are more items to consider. So, we return to the main rule to consult: FOLLOW THE RULES!

But following the guidelines is only part of the consultation process; you also need to know some inclusion essentials.

Six rules to use to help you create a winning query:

1. Be professional. Writing is a business like any other, treat it as such.

2. Be sure to include your contact information: address, phone number, email address, and website.

3. If you were referred by someone, include them in the query. Anything helps, but make sure it’s a recommendation from someone the editor really knows.

4. Write accurately – Be specific and start right away. You want to provide enough information to ensure the publisher wants more, but you should limit yourself to a single page.

5. The first paragraph is the tone: within a couple of sentences you need to hook the editor or agent. The second paragraph is about you, again be brief and include your credentials. The third paragraph is your conclusion; thank the editor/agent for their time and mention if you are attaching a SASE and if the query is a simultaneous submission.

6. Regarding your biography: Please limit personal information unless it adds to your credentials as a writer qualified to write for this publisher.

A good way to practice for queries and pitches is to write a sentence outside of your manuscript overview. This will help you think and write well and choose the perfect words to engage the reader and convey the essence of your story.