Your mother always told you how first impressions were extremely important. That's why every time you go to meet a publisher, you dress impeccably, walk confidently and talk as if just out of training with Oprah Winfrey.
But as you sit down to write that email query, you forget everything your mother told you and send editors a query that could not have missed even more if it wanted. The subject reads "Query" or something closely with spammers use language "Become Debt Free Today. You write your e-mail and Web address, but leave out other information such as your address and telephone number. And, of course, since it is a query e-mail, do not include clips. After all, the editor explicitly mentioned no attachments, right?
After sending a dozen questions like this, you sit at your computer, reading rejections and crib about the state of the publishing world.
But you know what, there's a better way. You must not be rejected all the time. You can write queries that can melt the toughest of editors and have them begging to write for them.
To start, get the right subject line. You are a writer-so be creative. Instead of writing query or submission or even the name of the magazine, but how you use the title of your article? And I must tell you that the title you choose should be informative, witty and creative. Not always be fun, but it should be interesting. Here is the format usually follow the lines for my argument:
Query: Creative Article Title
Try to avoid titles that read like spam. "Losing weight easily" can be rephrased as "10 ways to keep in shape." Similarly, "Discover Singles in your city" is a line spammers love to use so you can use something seemingly more attractive and less spam as "The Top 10 places to find your soul mate." Notice the difference?
Write your email query as if you were writing a normal query. Induce in it, the same passion, the same commitment and the same confidence you want to project in a query sent by post. Forget the mantra that editors will delete long queries. It is no accident. If you've piqued the interest of a publisher, do you think is going to stop reading simply because it is too long? Nope.
As a query sent to take the time and space to get the attention of the Director. But refrain from hiking. In general, the query (e-mail or otherwise) should fit into two pages or less. More than that, and you're revealing too much. A query page is even better. They are concise, to-the-point, and if you did your job well, you have the editor ask for more. Always include your address, and telephone number should feel the call and giving the editor position.
Remember how editors are busy people? That's why, instead of sending them hyperlinks of all the items you've ever written, send in three or four relevant clips of your best work. And yes, the attachments is strictly prohibited. Instead, include your article as text by email. But as for the beautiful pictures and beautiful fonts, you wail. Well, that's why, on the item, insert a link to this article. If the publisher has the time or inclination, can go online and view it in its full glory. Otherwise, you are sending the material in this message so you should not go around cyberspace in search of the great creations.
e-mail queries are not very different than snail mail. If the query is professional, presented in an original style and makes the editor sit on the edge of your seat, you got a winner. And always remember that mom preached-first impressions count.
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