.Dianne E. Butts About Writing
The Writing E-zine for Beginning and Intermediate Writers.
July 2007 ~ 198 Subscribers
Cover Story:
"Writing Query Letters"
If there's one thing many writers find daunting, it's writing query letters--those one-page sales letters that open the door for you to submit your article or book proposal. I've known more than one writer who avoided markets that require query letters. I understand. I remember how difficult I found it to figure out how to write one, what to include, and how to get it all on one page.
In self-defense, I created a list of items that I need to include in my query letters. Now I use my list to help me create my queries. For each article I'm creating a query for, I briefly write out everything on the list that applies. Then I shape it into a query letter. My list also helps me make sure I don't forget to include something important. This list is somewhat geared toward articles, but it is easily adaptable to querying your book projects as well.
Here's my list of what should be included in a query letter. Not all items will apply to every letter. The order is not important--only the information is:
Personal note, if you've met the editor at a conference or elsewhere. (Give a gentle reminder of who you are and what you discussed.)
Introduce your article or book with an attention-getting hook. (Condense and use your well-developed opening for your article or book.)
The type of article or book. (How-to? Personal experience? Teaching? Inspirational? Fiction? Mystery? Suspense?)
What, specifically, is it about? (If you've created a one-sentence focus statement for your article, use it here.)
How is it organized? (Examples: "In this article I will discuss...[list some of your points]." Or, "I will give ten steps..." Or, "In each chapter I will include one personal anecdote, a story from the Bible, and the lesson I learned.")
Why you wrote it. (What do you hope to accomplish? How will it benefit readers? "Through this article I hope to inspire and equip readers to...")
What sidebars you have to offer.
If you're writing for an upcoming theme, mention which one.
If a seasonal piece, suggest when it might run. ("Although this piece could run at any time, it would work well for Mother's Day...")
Your qualifications to write it. (Not your writing credentials--that comes later. If it's a medical piece, are you a nurse? Your education, personal experience, special training, or research that qualifies you to write on this topic.)
The proposed length in word-count.
What rights you are offering. (I think first rights are assumed unless you state otherwise. Are you querying simultaneously? If yes, say so. If your piece has been published before, be sure to state it is a reprint.)
When will you have it ready to submit? ("I can send the article within two weeks of your request." Or, "I can submit the book manuscript in six months.")
What electronic form can you send it in? (Attached to an e-mail in an MS Word file?)
Your writing credits. (If you have none, you need not say so.)
Ask if you can send the manuscript. ("May I send you [your article/book proposal title]?")
Close (Thank the editor for his or her time and consideration. Say you'll look forward to hearing from her. But refrain from saying anything like, "Please respond at your earliest convenience.")
"Sincerely" or "Respectfully" are both proper ways to close a business letter.
If you're querying a book to a publisher or agent, some of the above items, like the sidebars and themes, don't apply. However you will need to add:
Competitive titles. (What books are similar to your's and how will your's be different?)
Who is your audience/market?
How will you reach your market? (A brief description of your marketing plan.)
Get all the needed information down on paper. Allow one sentence for most items or combine several into one sentence. Shape the information into a letter. Then work to get it to one page. Cut words and phrases that aren't absolutely necessary. Condense information. Say it better. Cut passive verbs; use active voice. And remember, with rare exception, when you condense your written work like this, it makes it better.
When writing your query letter, you want to give the editor all the information he needs to decide if he wants to see your article or proposal, however don't give him everything. Tantalize, but don't tell all. Give him a taste, but if he wants more he'll have to request your manuscript.
And if submitting your query by snail mail, don't forget to always enclose a SASE (self-addressed, stamped envelope) or don't expect to receive a reply. If submitting by e-mail, at the top or bottom be sure to include your contact information that would be on a hard-copy letterhead.
If you would like help in writing your book proposal, I recommend W. Terry
Whalin's book, Book Proposals That Sell
If you would like more help with writing query letters, I've written a mini-book titled "Conquering the Dreaded Query Letter." The information above is taken from this twelve-page 8 1/2 x 11 mini-book so there would be some repetition with this article, but the mini-book includes a lot more details and information. Plus the mini-book contains seven actual query letters that have proved successful for me. You can use them as examples and guides to help you create your own query letters. An example of every item above is shown in an actual query letter at least once, but usually more than once. The mini-book sells for only $3.95 plus $1.00 for shipping and handling. To order from my web site, click here: "Conquering the Dreaded Query Letter" or go to www.DianneEButts.com, click "About Writing," then click the "Mini-Books for Writers" on the left, then click the text link in the title "Conquering the Dreaded Query Letter." You may order and pay with your credit card through PayPal (a safe way to pay, owned by EBay). Or send me your payment ($3.95 + $1.00) and order by snail-mail to P.O. Box 8784, Pueblo, CO 81008.
Section 2:
Q & A: Dianne Answers Your Questions about Writing
Q: When do I send a query letter?
A: Check the writers guidelines from the publication or publisher and/or your market guide to see if a query letter is required. If the publication, publisher, or agent requires a query letter, you must send one to gain permission to send your manuscript. Don't just send your manuscript. They won't look at it and you'll look like a real amateur who can't follow simple directions--not a nice impression to make.
If a market does not require a query letter, you may still want to send one first. Sending a query may save you time and work invested in the article or book proposal if you can't find a publisher that's interested. Will they mind if you send a query letter if they don't require one? A query letter is a one-page business letter and I don't know of any editors or agents who mind reviewing a one-page business letter. Plus, you can send your query out simultaneously to several markets to find out if any are interested in your manuscript.
Q: Does my query letter have to be one page? Even if I'm querying a book?
A: Yes. Your query letter is a brief overview of all the important information an editor needs to determine if she or he wants to see more. If you can't write your information succinctly in a one-page letter, this tells the editor you probably can't write your article or book to their publication specifications either. Even if you are submitting your query by e-mail where there are no page breaks, create it or copy and paste it into your word processor to make sure it's just one page long. And no fair changing to 8 pt. type or 1/10 of an inch margins. The editor would notice.
Okay, I'll soften that stance just a little and say that on occasion it may be acceptable to send a query letter that is one and a half to two pages (max!). These special circumstances might be when you have unusual information concerning the project that you need to tell the editor and you just can't make it fit on one page. But don't fudge and think your project fits this special-circumstance exception and allow yourself more space because chances are you're just fudging. Always strive for one page. If it absolutely won't fit on one page due to unusual circumstances, you'll know. And so will the editor.
Q: "If a magazine has two options for submissions, e-mail and snail mail, which is better?" from JoDee Brooks, Edmonds, Washington, www.jodeebrooks.blogspot.com
A: If the magazine accepts both e-mail and snail mail submissions, I'd recommend e-mail because it saves you the costs of postage, paper and ink to print it, and purchasing envelopes. Plus it saves time--which can be hard if their "no" bounces right back to you right away. But that's still okay because if they can't use your piece, at least you know and can send it somewhere else. However, don't count on e-mailed submissions getting a quicker response than snail-mailed ones. Some editors answer e-mailed submissions in the same order they receive them with the mailed submissions. It all goes in the same stack so e-mailed submissions can take just as long--like six weeks or more.
It's important to note that at times I've had trouble with my e-mailed queries and submissions not arriving at the other end, but then that has happened with snail-mailed submissions, too. It only means we must keep track of what we send to whom and when, and then follow up if we don't hear back in a reasonable amount of time. So, bottom line...given the choice, I'd go with e-mail.
Sidebar
"Making Your Query Letter Shine"
Read it. Let it rest. Revise it. Your query letter presents your first impression to the editor, so make it a good one.
Have it critiqued by another writer or your critique group, just like your manuscripts.
Run spell check. Duh.
Keep it to one page. Yes, that includes your letterhead (or signature tag with same information on an e-mail), salutation, and closing.
Correct any computer gobbledygook. If you create your query in your word processor, it may not translate properly when you copy and paste it into your e-mail program. To check, e-mail it to yourself.
Section 3:
Period.
It may be daunting to think about writing query letters and you may be tempted to avoid them and just submit to places that don't require them. But I'd like to encourage you to meet this challenge head-on.
If it's difficult for you to write a query, why not try writing a few for practice? Write a query for one of your own projects or pick any magazine article or book and write a query for it. As with everything else, it get easier with practice.
Many writing professionals recommend you write your query letter before you write your article or book proposal in case the publication turns it down. But if you're having trouble getting your query letter into words, or getting it down to one page, it may be that your article or book idea is not developed well enough or focused enough. Try writing a good, solid rough draft of your article or your book proposal plus three sample chapters. This work will force you to develop and focus your work. Then write your query. As you write more, you'll learn what it takes for you to produce a piece of writing and your queries will come easier and earlier in the process.
If you will master writing query letters, it will open up many more publishing opportunities for you.
You can do it! Period. No buts about it.
Dianne's Writing News
Article: "The Tabernacle: Silhouette of the Messiah's Work," in the July 15th issue of The Lookout. (They didn't publish the sidebar I mentioned in last month's e-zine about the current work going on to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.) When published, it might be available online here: www.lookoutmag.com .
Article: "Who's Calling: How the Sheep Know the Shepherd's Voice" in the July/August issue of Bible Advocate. When published, you might be able to read it here: http://cog7.org/BA/
Article: "Wanna Go To Church?" in a fall issue of Encounter.
My
book is now available on Amazon.com: Dear America, - A Letter of Comfort & Hope to a Grieving Nation
Back Cover Copy
How to support this e-zine: When you click on links in this e-zine and on my web site, you are supporting this e-zine. If you plan to make any purchases from any of the companies listed in this e-zine or on my web site, if you would kindly return here or to the site and click through my links, you will be supporting this e-zine so I can continue publishing it. Thank you! Your kindness and support is not unnoticed.
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Bio: Dianne E. Butts has been writing for publication since 1989 with 200+ articles in more than 50 periodicals and over a dozen books. Her articles have appeared in Focus on the Family magazine, The Lookout, Light and Life, The Salvation Army's War Cry, The Plain Truth, On Mission, Bible Advocate, Live, Evangel, the Christian Motorcyclists Association's HeartBeat, The Quiet Hour, Christian Communicator, and SpiritLedWriter.com. Book contributions include stories in Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul 2, For Better or Worse: A Devotional for Married Couples by Marlene Bagnull, Beauty is Soul Deep, A Cup of Comfort Devotional for Women and Mothers, and Zondervan's New Women's Devotional Bible. Her work has appeared in Great Britain, Poland, Bulgaria, Canada, and Korea.
All material in this e-zine is copyright 2007 Dianne E. Butts. All rights reserved.
You may forward this e-zine in its entirety to other interested writers. Better yet, they can get their own subscription at www.DianneEButts.com.
For reprint rights contact Dianne at dbwrites@comcast.net, P.O. Box 8784, Pueblo, CO 81008.
Subtopic 1:
Pull Quote
"Writing--though often inspired--is not as much about inspiration as it is about discipline. Inspiration is often fleeting; it's discipline that gets the job done."
Sally E. Stuart in Christian Communicator: The Magazine for Christian Writers and Speakers, June 2007, page 11.
Get Your Name Entered in this Month's
Drawing!
It's easy! Two simple steps:
1. Forward this e-zine to one or more people who might enjoy it and might want their own subscription.
2. Drop me a line at dbwrites@comcast.net to let me know you did so (If you say you did, I'll believe you.) before July 24th. Include your name, e-mail, city, and state.
That's it! I'll put your name in the hat and will draw a winner before the next issue. I'll announce the winner in the August 2007 issue.
Here's what the winner will get:
The Train-of-Thought Writing Method
by Kathi Macias
This is not a book about proper grammar or punctuation, or how to choose the voice or set the scene for the great American novel. But if you want to know how best to take your thoughts and dreams and put them into a clear, compelling, readable manuscript, then this is the book for you. The Train-of-Thought Writing Method offers practical advice and easy-to-follow exercises to help develop the following:
Establishing and remaining on focus
Captivating beginnings
Organization and logical layout/progression of manuscript points
Smooth Transitions
Need for and effective use of powerful, descriptive words
Satisfying endings that make readers want to come back for another "ride"
Kathi Macias is the author of twenty books, including three soon-to-be-released from New Hope Publishers: A HIGHER CALLING: Modeling a You-First Love in a Me-First World; HOW CAN I RUN A TIGHT SHIP WHEN I’M SURROUNDED BY LOOSE CANNONS?; MOTHERS OF THE BIBLE SPEAK TO MOTHERS TODAY ( www.kathimacias.com )
My Book: Dear America: A Letter of Comfort and Hope to a Grieving Nation (Ampelos,
2002). Available from www.DianneEButts.com
or here, from Amazon.com: Dear America, - A Letter of Comfort & Hope to a Grieving Nation
Subtopic 2:
Helpful Resources
"Conquering the Dreaded Query Letter" 8 1/2 x 11, 12 pages. Only $3.95 plus $1.00 shipping and handling. Order from Dianne's web site here: "Conquering the Dreaded Query Letter" or go to www.DianneEButts.com, click "About Writing," then click the "Mini-Books for Writers" on the left, then click the "Query Letter" button. You may order and pay with your credit card through PayPal (a safe way to pay, owned by EBay). Or send Dianne your payment and order by snail-mail to P.O. Box 8784, Pueblo, CO 81008.
Can't afford a writers conference? Wish you could attend a seminar? Now you can, in your own home. My seminar "Writing for Publication: How to Find Markets and Submit Your Work" is available on three 90-minute tapes bundled with all the handouts for $24.99. On the "About Writing" side of my site, click on "Writing Seminar."
For help writing book proposals, I highly recommend Book Proposals that $ell: 21 Secrets to Speed Your Success by W. Terry Whalin.
Geared mostly toward book writing, a helpful little volume is The Little Handbook to Perfecting the Art of Christian Writing: Getting Your Foot in the Publisher's Door by Len Goss and Don Aycock (B&H, 2006).
For both fiction writers and non-fiction article and book writers, I love the Character Naming Sourcebook, 2nd edition from Writer's Digest Books (2005). Whether I'm looking for a name for a fictional character, or searching for a pseudonym for a real person in my non-fiction, this book has the answer.
The Writer's Digest Character Naming Sourcebook
Subtopic 3:
Coming Conferences:
July 30 - August 2: Oregon Christian Writers' Summer Coaching Conference featuring novelist as keynote speaker Angela Elwell Hunt. Canby Grove Conference Center, 7501 Knight's Bridge Road, Canby, OR 97013 http://oregonchristianwriters.org/members/
August 9 - 11: Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference, Philadelphia, PA. Also with Angela Hunt and many more... www.WriteHisAnswer.com
August 26 - September 2: Northwest Christian Writers' Alaskan Cruise! www.nwchristianwriters.org/default.asp?id=9611
September 21 - 22: Act One: Writing for Hollywood Screenwriting Weekend, Washington D.C.. Also: Hollywood Insider Event Sept. 22, 3:00-6:00 pm, $10. www.actoneprogram.com
September 20 - 23: American Christian Fiction Writers Conference featuring novelist and columnist for Writer's Digest, James Scott Bell. Dallas, Texas. www.americanchristianfictionwriters.com/conference/ www.acfw.com
Writing Opportunities
Review the theme list and writers' guidelines at The Lookout and write a query letter for an upcoming theme: www.lookoutmag.com/write/
God Allows U-Turns is accepting true stories for three more volumes, one of which is about writing! The deadline is December 31, 2007, but your chances are always better if you submit sooner.
God Allows U-Turns -- Writing from the Heart and Soul:
If you view your world from the eyes of someone who writes, share your true faith-filled story with us now. How has God blessed you in your journey as someone who writes?
Also:
God Allows U-Turns -- Parents Setting Boundaries
God Allows U-Turns -- Boomer Babes Speak Out
More details here: Writing Opportunities.
This notice was in the Spring 2007 issue of Pen & Sword from the Amy Foundation: "Attending an inspiring writer's conference? Send a 200-word description, plus contact info for the conference, to amyfoundtn@aol.com. We might include it in a future issue!" www.Amyfound.org
Visit www.DianneEButts.com for:
A Daily Writing Tip ... on the About Writing page. Plus an extensive list of writers conferences and resources.
A Daily Cartoon...on the For Bikers page. Plus Dianne's line of Christian Biker Pins.
A Bible Verse of the Day...on the About Christianity page
Visit my other web site and blog:
Want to use your writing to make a difference in our nation? Visit my other web site and new blog:
Coming in the next issue of Dianne E. Butts About Writing:
"Submitting Your Articles"
