(Comments: The "RE:" is optional. The writer used "RE:," meaning 'regarding' to inform the editor what she was submitting.)

Comments: In many instances, you will address the editor with a more formal salutation, such as "Hello [Editor's First Name, Last Name] or "Dear [Editor's First Name, Last Name]." This writer used a more friendly salutation because she has already met the editor in person at a local event.

Comments: Most formal query letters do not contain an introduction paragraph, like this one uses. This writer used a short introduction paragraph as a friendly way to "re-introduce" herself to the editor and to inquire if she is interested in an article for her website.

Comments: This writer is pitching an article to complement an upcoming event (the Super Bowl), which is only weeks away. Because the Super Bowl increases alcoholic beverage sales in the community and more adults eat out before or on the day of the Super Bowl, the writer knows her article will fulfill an immediate editorial need: the website's traffic increases during the weeks before and after the Super Bowl because local people want to know where to eat and drink.

(Comments: This writer knows she has a better chance at pitching a local article to a local website for publication. She starts with the phrase, "We are mostly a beer town," which is true where she and the editor reside. She then reveals a new trend that local people will want to know about: bourbon is becoming a more popular drink, thanks to new establishments in the area. )

(Comments: This writer's article already touches on two hot topics found in any local publication or website: a new local trend (i.e. new drinking habits), and new local attractions (new restaurant establishments). Local readers have insatiable interests in knowing about these topics.

(Comments: This writer creates a lot of interest with both the lead-in paragraph and this supporting paragraph. 1) She demonstrates her knowledge of the local area; 2) She uses concrete words and descriptive phrasing to describe the topics that her article will cover; and 3) She demonstrates her knowledge of alcoholic beverages and how new establishments influence certain drinks. The writer clearly reveals the uniqueness and timeliness of her article.

(Comments: This writer is somewhat vague in what she intends to provide the editor. Will it be an article, a review, an interview piece, or a first person account? How long will it be? Will she provide photos with her article?

(Comments: Upon receiving this query, the editor contacted the writer to find out the answers to these questions.)

(Comments: This writer did not add an appropriate "call-to-action." A good "call-to-action" is a paragraph that states: 1) How long it will take you to write the article; 2) how you intend to submit the article (e-mail or snail mail or local delivery).