The standard query letter is split into three major parts: the hook, the body and the conclusion.

The Hook: This is your introduction. It should be something that immediately grabs the editor’s attention, usually consisting of a sentence or two. It should include an important fact or main point that will be the central theme of your article.

Example: “When my friend, reality show vixen Chasey Leone, quit A Roar at Love in March 2007, producer John Syphil gave her a parting gift—an incurable sexually transmitted disease.   But Leone never had sexual intercourse with him.”

This is a good hook because it immediately grabs the editor’s interest. She may begin wondering, just after one sentence, how she caught it and if there was a pre-existing situation with Leone and the producer. She may even wonder if it was consensual.

The second line only encourages the editor to read more for the whole story. People commonly get STD’s from unprotected sex, so how did she get it? And how does the writer know she caught it from the producer? You’ll answer this in the body.

The Body: This is where you elaborate. This typically takes up to three to five paragraphs (but keep it as succinct as possible).

The body is split into two parts:

• The Details: Start off with this. Include how long your proposed article is, its title and the main point discussed.

Example: “I would like to propose a 1,200 word feature article called “Why Chasey Leone Really Left A Roar at Love”. It would discuss Leone’s and Sypil’s relationship shortly before she left—and how the illegal sex operations in the production building’s bathroom caused Leone to catch syphilis.”

• The Description: Begin explaining all of the important points in the article, from beginning to end. This can be a couple of paragraphs or more. In the example I used above, I would explain the development of their relationship, their breakup, information about Syphil’s illegal sex practices and how Leone caught it by simply sitting on the toilet (obviously this wouldn’t happen in real life, which is why I’m using this as an example).

Conclusion: This is where you discuss your writing and topic qualifications. You want to explain to the editor why you are qualified to write this topic, backed up by plenty of evidence. Keep it short—a full paragraph at the most. Some things to include:

• Writing experience, preferably through print publications
• Personal experience relating to the topic
• Any academic degrees
• Other professional experience relating to the topic

Now for the ending. This isn’t nearly as complicated as the other parts of the query letter, but you do have to thank the editor. Include a short, one to two sentence paragraph thanking the editor for her time. You may also want to include the projected finish date if the editor accepts the query (such as “I can have the rough draft of the feature article finished within two weeks of your acceptance.”)

Part 3: Common Mistakes to Avoid >>>