One thing about being a writer is that you have to write well, especially when it comes to \u201cselling yourself.\u201d\u00a0 In other words, when you put together a proposal or write a query letter to an editor, the writing has to be as strong and solid as your article or book.\u00a0 Your correspondence to the editor should stand on its own merit.\u00a0 What you are trying to convey to your audience, potential editors and publishers, is the message, \u201cI am a wonderful writer and you should publish my work!\u00a0 It will sell!\u201d<\/p>\n
Another aspect of your correspondence is the \u201ccleanliness\u201d of the letter.\u00a0 In other words, your mailing should be typed and neatly folded.\u00a0 The number of queries written by hand on crinkled paper is amazing.<\/p>\n
If there are \u201ctypos,\u201d homophonic, grammatical, or other mistakes, the message you are sending is, \u201cI am someone who does not research well enough, I do not care to write soundly, and I certainly don\u2019t proofread my work.\u201d\u00a0 This is frustrating for an editor because he or she knows that working with an undisciplined writer will be labor intensive.<\/p>\n
Will an editor work with an undisciplined writer?\u00a0 That is a good question.\u00a0 The answer depends on the talent of the writer.\u00a0 You have to remember that work is like electricity, it tends to take the path of least resistance.\u00a0 In other words, given the choice between a \u201cclean\u201d manuscript and a \u201cdirty\u201d one, editors may very well go the easy route.<\/p>\n
When sending communication to a publisher or editor, the writing has to be an example of the author\u2019s commitment to the craft.\u00a0 One has to take pride in the way words are constructed and put to paper (or to screen in this electronic age).\u00a0 To do this requires patience, discipline, and a healthy dose of dedication.<\/p>\n
You must realize and remember that your correspondence with editors is an example of your work.\u00a0 If you send a letter to the editors with mistakes in it, that is what the editors will expect to see in your manuscript.\u00a0 In other words, your letters are a reflection of your capabilities.\u00a0 This can actually make a difference between an offer or a rejection letter.<\/p>\n
When it comes to querying an editor, the writer should follow the guidelines of the company.\u00a0 Most companies will spell out exactly what they would like to see in terms of a query or proposal.\u00a0 You should follow these guidelines as closely as possible.\u00a0 After all, they are the instructions on how to communicate your idea to the important people within the firm.<\/p>\n
Regarding hard copy submissions, make certain you include a SASE for the return of any work you submit.\u00a0 Many companies will not return submissions if they have to pay for it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Another point about mailing hardcopy submissions is going the route of \u201cMedia Mail.\u201d\u00a0 By marking \u201cMedia Mail\u201d on both sides of your package and using media mail rates, you can save a significant amount in postage fees.\u00a0<\/p>\n
One more important point is that we live in an electronic age.\u00a0 More companies are doing business over the Internet and with email.\u00a0 By using electronic submissions, you can submit your work to more companies without incurring costs.\u00a0 If you do not have an email address, now might be the time to buy a computer and establish your electronic identity and mailbox.<\/p>\n
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\u00a9 2011 J. Clark<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" One thing about being a writer is that you have to write well, especially when it comes to \u201cselling yourself.\u201d\u00a0 In other words, when you put together a proposal or write a query letter to an editor, the writing has … Continue reading