Comments on: Best Query Advice

By: Freelance Advice from the Blogosphere | Freelance Parent

Freelance Advice from the Blogosphere | Freelance Parent — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 21:50:45 +0000

[...] M. Clark also has something to say on the subject with her post Best Query Advice over at Freelance Writing [...]

By: Diana

Diana — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:07:18 +0000

I use a variety of methods to get writing offers online like bidding for jobs in Freelance web sites and checking out forums. It works well for me.

Diana @ http://www.DianaTan.net

By: Kathryn

Kathryn — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:23:39 +0000

That was one of the most creative queries I’ve read.

1. Keep it brief.
2. Spell the name of the editor and the magazine correctly!

By: Cynthia

Cynthia — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 07:26:21 +0000

1. Let your personality and style shine through. And make sure your style suits the publication.

2. Do your homework. Don’t pitch a story that they just ran in the last issue. I did this once and got called on the carpet like a real fool. (Of course, two years later I developed a long term relationship with the editor so I guess I made an impression!)

By: Terreece Clarke

Terreece Clarke — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:40:55 +0000

Ha! Springtime would be a good time to revisit Smurf safety – absolutely. No but seriously, great point Susan. No point in pitching Christmas in November.

By: Susan Johnston

Susan Johnston — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:17:31 +0000

I would add to that that your query should be timely (taking into account the lead time of the publication). So, if you were pitching a magazine that plans its stories 6 months in advance, you could say something like “as temperatures thaw and children spend more time playing outside, springtime is the perfect opportunity to discuss Smurf safety.”