Query Letter Checklist

Want to make sure your query letter is ready for the official send off? Here is a quick checklist to help you be sure everything is in order.

__ Reviewed writer's guidelines and followed format exactly.

__ Read back issues and sample articles to make sure article fits the scope of this publication.

__ Followed standard business letter format.

__ Addressed to the appropriate editor.

__ Opening sentence and paragraph are compelling, concise and clear.

__ A few specific details have been included, estimated word count, expert quotes, statistics, etc.

__ Supplied reasons why this article will benefit the publication and it's readers.

__ Corrected all spelling and grammatical errors.

__ Highlighted my unique qualifications to write this article, publications where prior work was featured, professional writers' associations I belong to, experiences that make me an expert on the subject matter.

__ Included clips (copies of previously published work) with my name and the name of the publication visible at top.

__ Included an SASE or self-addressed-stamped post card for editor to mail.

__ Dedicated work to God.