ARTICLE WRITING - PART 26

• A few more points to keep in mind - Query letters

• If you haven’t written for this publication before, you might want to include a resume on a separate sheet, some tear sheets of previously published articles in this field, or the first four pages of this manuscript, so they have a sample of your writing.
• Realize that a go-ahead from an editor on a query does not mean he is buying it—only that he has agreed to look at it. Your letter should indicate that you are offering it “On speculation, of course.”
• Some top markets will give a firm assignment, especially if you have written for them before or are well-known in the field. If it is definitely an assignment, and they subsequently decide not to use it, some will pay what we call a “kill fee,” which means they will pay you a fee NOT to publish it (to “kill” the piece). That fee is usually 10-50% of the regular payment. The market guide indicates which publishers pay a kill fee and what percentage.
• When you submit an article as the result of a go-ahead from an editor on a query, mention that fact in the cover letter that goes with your completed article. Say something like, “Here is the article you asked to see in your letter of May 3^rd.” You could also include a Xerox copy of the editor’s go-ahead letter, and write “Requested Manuscript” on the outside of the envelope.
• Include a self-addressed stamped envelope with every query.
• You will usually send a query to one publication at a time, unless it is a timely topic or seasonal. If you are submitting it simultaneously for those reasons, include that information in your query, “Because of the timeliness of this topic I am sending simultaneous queries, but will submit the finished article to only one publication at a time.” You may send simultaneous queries to any publications that indicate in the market guide that they will accept simultaneous submissions.
• If a publisher accepts queries only, it usually means you must send a query even for poetry, fillers, and fiction. Some publishers require a query only for feature or major articles, and a complete manuscript for everything else. Their guidelines will usually clarify exactly what they want.