Sample Query Letter to Pitch an Article to a Music Website
QUERY TYPE: E-mail query
PITCHED TO: Editor
SOLD TO: Music Website selling classic music CDs
AUDIENCE: Classic music enthusiasts
TYPE OF PITCH: Full article, 750 words
COMPENSATION OF SOLD ARTICLE: $115.00 (US)
PITCHED TO: Editor
SOLD TO: Music Website selling classic music CDs
AUDIENCE: Classic music enthusiasts
TYPE OF PITCH: Full article, 750 words
COMPENSATION OF SOLD ARTICLE: $115.00 (US)
STEP 1: ADDRESS YOUR QUERY LETTER
From: Your Full Name (with e-mail address)
Subject: To [Editor's Full Name], [Job title] : Re: Submission query for a unique Sinatra piece
Subject: To [Editor's Full Name], [Job title] : Re: Submission query for a unique Sinatra piece
Date: Today's date. ( Click here for Comments )
(Comments: If you are e-mailing this query, then you do not need to include a date since your e-mail account will automatically insert a time and date)
To: [Editor's e-mail address] ( Click here for Comments )
(Comments: Always get the e-mail address of the editor or the person in charge of accepting submissions, such as NancyWilliams@nameofmagazine.com. Never e-mail a query letter to a general e-mail address such as "editorialstaff@nameofmagazine.com." Always include the Job Title, such as Editor, Managing Editor, Editorial Assistant, etc. )
STEP 2: START YOUR QUERY LETTER BY ADDRESSING THE EDITOR
Hello [Insert editor's First Name, Last Name],
STEP 3: PROPOSE WHAT YOU: 1) INTEND TO WRITE OR2) WHAT YOU WANT TO SUBMIT
Some months back, I wrote the most unique of pieces on one of the most overdone subjects: Frank Sinatra. I wonder if you would care to evaluate it for "[insert website's name] and/or catalogue? My article runs [insert word count], a perfect sidebar for your website's Sinatra page at [insert website's URL].
( Click here for Comments )
(Comments: Website editors prefer to know how long your article runs in number of words, such as "700 words.")
(Comments: In the opening paragraph, this writer tries to grab the editor's attention by pinpointing a specific spot at the editor's website where his readers would be interested in reading this article. The editor is now able to visualize this article with his collection of other Frank Sinatra content.)
(Comments: In the opening paragraph, this writer tries to grab the editor's attention by pinpointing a specific spot at the editor's website where his readers would be interested in reading this article. The editor is now able to visualize this article with his collection of other Frank Sinatra content.)
STEP 4: EXPLAIN—BRIEFLY—WHAT YOUR ARTICLE IS ABOUT
( Click here for Comments )
(Comments: Explain the concept of your article in one paragraph. Remember: this is an e-mail query. The editor expects brevity. This writer could have expanded on his article's topic with 2-3 more sentences.)
Entitled "[insert the title of your article]," the quasi-article is a stylized, categorized, and sequenced list of sixty Sinatra songs that are superlatives-- the 'most' in some shape, way or form.
STEP 5: EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE and/or UNIQUENESS OF YOUR ARTICLE
Each song is keyed by a relevant descriptor which itself plays off the descriptor(s) before it and is pertinent to the category; and everything's nicely categorized into complementary and contrasting etc. The piece has a brief intro and several footnotes (providing clarifications and tidbits about some selections).
( Click here for Comments )
(Comments: An editor wants to know what makes your article important and/or unique than other articles that cover the same subject. This is often called the article's "Unique Selling Point." Remember: you are trying to SELL your article; to do so, you must convince the editor that your article is unique, important, and in-demand. You may also decide to include a few important points that your article covers. Use a bulleted or indented list of important points that your article covers.)
STEP 6: EXPLAIN HOW THE WEBSITE'S READERS WILL BENEFIT FROM READING YOUR ARTICLE
I do think that my piece may convert the hesitant, newbie Sinatra fan into an 'all the way' Sinatra style, and the seasoned, old-time Sinatra fan will surely 'get a kick out of' it.' And most all music lovers will find it an enjoyable read; perhaps even a bit captivating.
Also note that sixty songs makes for a swell, ring-a-ding-ding 3 CD set. And, in all seriousness, the style of presentation, the selections and sequencing, and categorization of the songs would make for an eminently listenable and even big-selling CD set.
Also note that sixty songs makes for a swell, ring-a-ding-ding 3 CD set. And, in all seriousness, the style of presentation, the selections and sequencing, and categorization of the songs would make for an eminently listenable and even big-selling CD set.
( Click here for Comments )
(Comments: This writer makes a statement that he knows the editor would want to hear: the writer believes his article will convert new, hesitant Sinatra fans into full-fledged Sinatra fans. The editor knows this will result in new purchases of Sinatra merchandise.)
(Comments: Why did this writer use "ring-a-ding-ding" for an adjective? "Ring-a-Ding-Ding!" is a 1961 album by Frank Sinatra -- it reached No. 4 on the music charts in 1961. The editor will probably smile at its reference.)
(Comments: Why did this writer use "ring-a-ding-ding" for an adjective? "Ring-a-Ding-Ding!" is a 1961 album by Frank Sinatra -- it reached No. 4 on the music charts in 1961. The editor will probably smile at its reference.)
STEP # 7: HOW DOES YOUR ARTICLE FIT INTO THE WEBSITE?
I have reviewed your submission guidelines and website content and strongly feel that my article would interest your readers, bring more visitors to your website, and convert Frank Sinatra enthusiasts into buyers of your merchandise.
STEP # 8: CALL-TO-ACTION
I hope you decide to review "[insert title of article]", and if so, I can e-mail you my completed article as a .doc file or an .html file which I have already formatted according to your website's style guide.
( Click here for Comments )
(Comments: This writer has added another benefit to accept his article: it is ready for the editor to publish immediately; and the writer has already formatted his article into a website-ready article which saves the editor time and money.)
STEP #9: EXPLAIN WHY YOU ARE EXPERIENCED IN WRITING THIS ARTICLE
I am a full-time freelance writer and blogger. My work has appeared in magazines such as [insert names of publications, websites, etc.]. I am a regular contributor for __________________, a music website. My recent article, ____________________, about how Jimmy Hendrix influenced cultural arts in Washington, was recently published online at [insert website address]
STEP 10: SHOW SAMPLES OR PUBLISHED CLIPS
I have put a selection of articles in an online portfolio at [include your website address or URLs to specific articles] to showcase my writing skills and knowledge of music. At my website, you can also read testimonials of satisfied editors who have published my material.
( Click here for Comments )
(Comments: if you have any related experience that helps establish your credibility in writing your article, also include it. For example, if you have won any awards for your work, you may want to include this information. Because this is an e-mail query with links to a portfolio and full bio., do not be wordy in this section.)
STEP 11: CONCLUDING
I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Your First Name, Last Name
[Insert contact information]
Business name: (if applicable)
Address: (if applicable)
Phone:
E-mail:
Website:
Twitter:
Facebook:
Sincerely,
Your First Name, Last Name
[Insert contact information]
Business name: (if applicable)
Address: (if applicable)
Phone:
E-mail:
Website:
Twitter:
Facebook:
