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 …

The query letter is usually a one page letter, addressed to the editor, that quickly summarizes the article you want to sell to them. It’s your ticket to getting published in a magazine, print publication or even a book.
Some publications only accept queries–meaning your only way to get paid is to craft a well-written query letter first. Others may accept queries and completed manuscripts, but you’re more likely to have your article accepted if your query first. Plus, it’s probably a better idea if the editor approves …

Skirt! Magazine is seeking personal essays covering interests pertaining to women, including family life, health and spiritual issues.  Although they ask for an emphasis on topical women’s issues, it is not a feminist or pro-woman magazine.
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Requirements: 900-1,200 words in rich text format (.rtf), detailing your personal experience dealing with a woman-oriented topic.  A short two to three sentence biography is also required.  Humor and thought-provoking essays preferred.  Increase your chances of acceptance by writing an essay that fits under one of their monthly themes.
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Query/Manuscript: Queries are preferred by email but …

Smithsonian.com
Smithsonian, a national monthly magazine that chronicles popular culture, the sciences, history and art from an American perspective, is looking for humor pieces to fill The Last Page, their monthly humor column.  They are specifically looking for stories, ideally from the writer’s own experience, about a typical event that had a surprising or humorous twist.
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Requirements: 500 to 650 words, detailing a short but humorous story from a writer’s own experience.

Query/Manuscript: Do not query.  They only accept completed manuscripts through their online submission form.

Payment: $1,000 per accepted article for first North …

Redbook is looking for news stories, essays, articles or interesting reports dealing with women–more specifically, women moving from single to married life and wives transitioning to motherhood.  Redbook is a national magazine, meaning they expect the best, pay better than other lesser known publications, and will look excellent on your writing resume.
Who They Are: A national magazine that regularly publishes features on women transitoning through important life stages, such as motherhood or marriage.
What They Want: Smart articles about new or exciting trends, information about relationships, inspiring stories, and important news …

Personally, I do not and will never smoke marijuana.  This is just my personal choice–I don’t make any judgments on anyone who does.  But if you do and want to get featured in a well known marijuana magazine, here’s your chance.
High Times is looking for articles, features, and news stories relating to cannabis, including growing techniques, articles covering cannabis in the media, reviews, and commentary about current events relating to marijuana.  Photographs are highly encouraged for marijuana how tos or growing advice.
Who They Are: High Times is a very well …

This magazine is not for the lip gloss smacking divas who think women shouldn’t run for president, a la creme of Brooke Hogan.  Bitch Magazine is for pop savvy feminists who can dig deep into the undiscovered meanings of pop culture and its relation to feminism.
Being a feminist is not a requirement, but you should have some knowledge about feminism and pop culture.
Who They Are: Bitch Magazine is a quarterly magazine (read: they only produce four magazines a year) that regularly publishes lengthy features, interviews, and columns about pop culture.  …