Recently I received a query letter from a freelance writer interested in working with us. Along with his article idea he sent published clips—which were in another language. While I appreciate that he had experience writing for other magazines, these clips weren't very helpful because I couldn't read them! So I thought it might be useful to discuss why many editors ask for clips from a writer they haven't worked with before and what kinds of clips you should send.

Well, first I'll note that editors are not simply looking for proof that you've been published. The right clips will show an editor that you can write an article similar to one in her magazine. Ideally, if you propose a service article, you'll furnish clips of other how-to pieces. If you want to do an interview, send other published interviews. Also, "stay on topic": If, for example, you're targeting a fitness magazine and you've written other fitness articles, send those relevant clips. Your best articles will showcase your writing style, and the clips you send will assure the editor that you were able to follow through on your assignment.

Now, I realize that you may not always have relevant clips, so you can offer to send writing samples or to write on spec. But writing on spec means that an editor can turn down the piece if it's not up to snuff, so you have to determine if you're willing to put in the time without a guaranteed check.

It's also important to read a publication's guidelines thoroughly before querying or submitting. These will tell you if a publication expects a writer to send published clips and how the editors prefer to receive them. For example, some editors don't want a lot of attachments clogging their in-boxes, so they may indicate that you should only send clips if they request them.

If you're just starting out as a freelancer and are having trouble getting your first clips, look for Debbie Swanson's "4 ways to get your first clips" in the September issue. Happy querying!

--Sarah C. Lange, associate editor

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Hi Dan,

Thanks for your post! Clips are samples of your previously published work--articles that you've written for other magazines or newspapers. The idea is that you clip out your work from these publications and put together a clip file of your published articles to share with potential employers and clients. Of course, now that there are so many online markets--and even print markets often post some of their articles on their Web sites--you could just as easily provide links to your work if you're submitting an electronic query.

If you're just starting out, you're probably running into the problem of not having any clips to share. Don't worry, though. There are editors who will take a chance on a new writer, especially if you write a great query that shows why you're qualified to write the article that you're proposing. I hope this clears things up.

Good luck to you!

--Sarah