Query from a newbie - a little advice please

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Queries

Started by Tommy Le Plume at 12-18-2006 7:02 PM. Topic has 3 replies.

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12-18-2006, 7:02 PM

Tommy Le Plume

Joined on 12-19-2006
Posts 1

Query from a newbie - a little advice please

	Hello everyone, I've never actually sent a query letter so I'm a little stuck. While I understand the concept of a query/cover letter, what I'm not sure about is do I include a sample of my work or do I wait for the editor to respond with a request for more information? A little assist on how to go about going about the process would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Tom
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01-10-2007, 5:53 AM

buckeye_beth

Joined on 01-10-2007
Columbus, OH
Posts 1

Re: Query from a newbie - a little advice please

	Tom, The general advice to submitting queries is to follow what the guidelines say. Some editors request a writing sample/clip or two and others don't. If the market you're targeting the query to doesn't have it listed but you'd like to verify before sending (a good idea if you have any reservations), don't be afraid to give the editor or editorial assistant a quick call and ask. Keep it short and professional and don't pitch your article--just ask if they prefer samples/clips with the query submission. Happy Writing & hope that helps, Beth ===== www.bethmorrow.com www.writer-in-progress.blogspot.com--my take on the writing life =====
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01-16-2007, 11:12 AM

kgbg

Joined on 01-29-2005
Posts 1

Re: Query from a newbie - a little advice please

	I agree with Beth--follow the guidelines. Many publishers have a website these days with a section on writer's guidelines. Follow the guidelines to the letter. Editors aren't impressed when you send the first 100 pages instead of the first 10 pages. Fancy paper, ink, and fonts also don't impress most editors. What does? A clear, concise, and interesting query. Preferably addressed to a specific editor and with no misspellings. Good luck, Tom. Karen members.cox.net/kbgibson
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02-11-2009, 4:56 PM

T. R. Harmon

Joined on 02-12-2009
Posts 2

Re: Query from a newbie - a little advice please

	Tom, One of the books written about Query Letters is titled "GUIDE TO QUERY LETTERS" by Wendy Burt-Thomas published by The Writer's Digest ($ 14.99). It gives you many good samples of different types of Query Letters, plus the best advice. Try it. Being a new Poet, it has helped me, with great success. It also provides other websites, to research. I wish you the best of Luck. T.R. Harmon (Dover, New Hampshire)
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