How Not to Pitch An Article Idea to an Editor

Many new writers (and some experienced ones) make simple mistakes that keep them from gaining success in the writing business. Queries, which are introductory letters in which writers try to interest an editor in buying an article, are often filled with problems that make editors toss out the query without even considering it. Here are a few errors to avoid when pitching an article idea to an editor.

Don't Address Your Query Letter to 'Dear Editor'

Always include the editor's name in your query letter. Including a generic heading may be considered an insult.

Don't Include the Wrong Editor's Name on Your Letter

Editors change jobs often. Don't rely on the name of an editor you received from a magazine or book on writing. Call the magazine and confirm the name of the editor and the correct spelling of his or her name.

Don't Include Spelling or Grammatical Errors

Be sure to spell correctly and write proper sentences in the first interaction with an editor. This will make a good first impression.

Don't Pitch the Wrong Article to the Wrong Magazine

Editors send out many rejection letters to writers who simply don't pay attention to what types of articles the magazine runs. Pitching an article about dogs to a cat magazine adds frustration to an editor's day, especially since so many people do it. As a freelance writer, it's never good to make an editor frustrated.

Don't Point Out Inexperience

Leave out any mention of never having been published or otherwise lacking writing experience. Query letters sell both the writer and the idea. Don't accentuate the negative.

Don't Lie

Don't take credit for someone else's work. Don't pad your resume. Don't say you can get quotes from a celebrity unless you are sure you can. Don't promise anything you don't intend to do. Lying might get you one job, but it certainly won't get you another with that editor or any of her editor friends.

Don't Be Messy

In today's computer age, there are no excuses for correction fluid, eraser marks, or sloppy typing. Turn in neat work.

Avoid editors' pet peeves and you will have a better chance of your pitch leading to success.