Don Durant on Blog Talk

Writing Query Letters and getting published is easier than you might imagine.

Getting published  is so easy nowadays.  Just start a blog and in a couple of minutes, Bam! You’re published.  If you mean to publish your work in a more traditional way, with a publisher, website, or article in a magazine, then you need a killer query letter.  It is a letter that will hook an editor or agent on your article or story idea. 

Focus on your pitch.  Many writers make the mistake of explaining who they are. Or  explaining the story behind the story in their novel. A sentence or two is all that is required, if it defines what your story is about. Keep it short. The purpose is to create excitement and incite reaction from an agent or editor, to request more on your manuscript or the full manuscript.  Mail it to the correct person, call ahead to make sure your letter is addressed to the right person. Don’t bring up your shortcomings, such as age, experience, just focus on communicating through your pitch. Keep careful track of where you send your query letters if you send to more than one location.  It can help you save time while waiting for a response, and will keep you from sending to the same editor or agent twice with the same  submission.