Keep it crisp
Short and snappy is sure to catch any editor’s attention. A query letter comprises three main sections:
The lead – essentially, this is the hook you’re using to catch the editor’s attention. It should be enticing and no longer than two paragraphs.
The summary – this section serves to outline the article you propose to write, i.e. the purpose of the article, any relevant facts and figures and sources you plan on interviewing.
The author’s biography – one paragraph detailing your background is sufficient in a query letter.

Don’t forget, the editor can always ask for more information if necessary.

Seal the cracks
For your content to flow, it’s important for all your ideas to be linked. Although withholding key information is a well-known sales tactic, be careful not to withhold too much. Ensure that you highlight key points and that you haven’t left out anything important.

Refine your content
The content in your query should be arranged logically and be easily legible. Start your summary with a powerful point and list the rest in a sensible order.

Tip: don’t list the least interesting point last. Rather, keep an interesting point to put in last.

Polish your style
Use an effective opening and closing line. Check the quality of your work by reading your query aloud. Make sure that your sentences flow smoothly, and rework any that don’t.

Improve with proofreading
Check, check, check! A lack of professionalism will put off any editor. Make certain there are no spelling mistakes or factual errors, least of all punctuation and grammatical blunders.

Tip: proofread your work the next day. A good night’s rest can do wonders.

Adapted from How to Write Irresistible Query Letters. Cool, Lisa Collier. 1987. Writer’s Digest Books. Cincinnati, Ohio.

Over the next few blogs I’m going to mention a few of the ways we can have fun with words. Make sure you visit www.fun-with-words.com to see more than the little sample I’ll give here…

Amusing Anagrams

When you mix up the letters in a word or phrase and get another readable, meaningful word or phrase, that’s an anagram. Anagrams are especially interesting when they seem to link humorously with the original words. Here are a few classics:

Mother-in-law = woman Hitler
Eleven plus two = twelve plus one
Desperation = a rope ends it
A decimal point = I’m a dot in place
The eyes = they see
Conversation = voices rant on

And, for the sake of a certain neighbouring country:
Election results = lies – let’s recount!