What Editors Want

A query letter is a freelance writer's first chance to impress an editor, so it is important to get it right. There are four questions that editors will expect a query letter to answer. They are:
- What is the article about?
- Why should this writer write the article for me?
- How will this article fit into my publication?
- How can I contact you?

What Is The Article About?

This is an attention-getter. Written correctly, it could sell the story to an editor or publisher. This is the key piece of information editors need to make a decision about a piece of writing.

Example: 'Most self-builders pick out a convenient plot, within easy reach and where they can keep track of what the construction workers are doing. But we like a challenge and decided to build our dream property some 4000 miles away.'

The example above contrasts two situations to suggest that the freelance writer is taking a different approach that will interest readers. Writers should then follow this with a couple of sentences explaining in more detail what the story is about and what the article will include.

Example: 'This article follows a young family planning a permanent relocation abroad. It covers the property search and purchase process, including:
- Choosing a location
- Conducting a long distance property search
- Funding the purchase'

Tip: Freelance writers need to keep a fine balance. Writers should reveal enough of the story to get the commission. They should also keep enough in reserve so no one else can be commissioned to write it instead.

Why Should This Writer Write The Article For Me?

In the next part of the query letter, writers should include a list of any specialist sources they can draw on.

Example: 'The build features an off-the-shelf design by a leading local architect that has been customized to meet our needs, another unique feature. I can also supply suitable illustrations, including photographs of the location, pictures of the various stages of the build and copies of the plans. Interviews with the architect and building contractor and couples who have recently made similar moves will provide added value for your readers.'

Writers can also use this space to give an overview of their credentials for writing the story. This can include the number of years they have been writing or the expertise they may have in a particular related field. Freelance writers should make sure the experience and examples they use are relevant to the publication they are querying.

How Will This Article Fit Into My Publication?

This is where freelance writers can show off the research they have done into the publication they are querying. Writers should show that they have read the publication and know what kind of articles it publishes. Writers should also include an estimated word count for the article.

Example: 'I have been reading Self Build and Design for the past few years and have particularly enjoyed Pick and Mix in your August issue as I have looked at Potton Homes myself in the past. I think this article would appeal to younger readers who have dreamed of building a home abroad.'

How Can I Contact You?

If a writer's query is successful, editors will want to get in touch to firm up the details of the commission. Freelance writers should include their name and mailing address, telephone number and email address. The goal is to make it easy for an editor to say yes.

Additional Tips

Writers should ensure that the letter is addressed to the right person. The best way to do this is to check a recent copy of the publication for the editor's name. Writers can also ring the company to check that the editorial information is still accurate.

A query letter is a formal letter so freelance writers should address the editor formally. The letter should include the name and address of the publication. Query letters should also be short. Writers should make sure their query letters are no more than one page long.

Finally, writers must avoid spelling and grammatical errors at all costs. Writers who make mistakes on query letters may not be asked to write articles for a publication again. However, learning to write a successful query letter will help freelance writers to get published and get paid.