Freelance Writing: To Query Or Not To Query?
Recently, I discovered a great opportunity. It’s writing for an upcoming magazine. The topic is something I’m very knowledgeable about, alternative healing. It seems like a great opportunity. A little background I’m a business owner. I create natural beauty products. I’m pursuing my Masters degree in Traditional Naturopathy. I’m also an aromatherapist. It’s not what I went to college for, but it’s what I do now. I firmly believe in turning dreams into a reality.
Their magazine wants a personal email introducing myself to the company. Perhaps sending a personal email & query letter would be a great idea? It will give them a chance to see my writing style. I already know how I would like to write the article. Thankfully I have purchased the book Query Letters That Rock. It’s very informative. I’ve also found information on the web. I was planning on writing sample query letters this weekend, but now I’m actually thinking adding that to todays list.
Question: Should I send an e-query letter?
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I say “go for it!” I’ve sent an intro/query combo email before, and the results have been positive. Sometimes after reading a job posting, a great article idea will pop into my head. In this case, I’ll send a cover letter/resume, and include a one/two sentence article pitch. In the past four months, this approach opened the door to three opportunities.
Valencia,
I have to start somewhere. I have books, online resources. I’ve learned a lot and will apply that knowledge to the letter I submit. It will be a great opportunity to see whether this sells. It’s actually a topic I was discussing with a coworker over a year ago. I mentioned that I didn’t see this discussed or written about, and it should be. I will make it happen.
I am. I knew I would even when I was writing that post.
I can’t ignore this opportunity. So what if I’m new to freelance writing?
I saw another opportunity although it wouldn’t pay me as much the first job the pay is still above average, and again something I know well. I’m not sure if would receive a byline with the second opportunity, but I know I will with the first.
Opal - definitely. It sounds like the perfect opportunity for you. Plus it gives you the chance to practise writing query letters.
The worst thing that can happen is that they say no. In fact, the worst thing that ever happened to me was, they told me to send in the article after they’d received the query - then they turned it down! My article must have really sucked I suppose.
CatherineL,
I’m still working on it I’ll be sending it out by this weekend. From what I’ve been reading editors reject queries for a variety of reasons so it might not have sucked. For example, they could have already had a similar idea. If isn’t the opportunity for me I will submit it to other magazines.
Opal,
I wonder whether you sent your letter after all and how it went for you? I certainly sounded like a great opportunity and since it involves your passion (by the sounds of it) it can only prompt them (the mag) to make a decision.
With your great writing style I’d be surprised if you didn’t get the gig to be honest.
Monika
Monika,
I sent the letter last week and am waiting to hear back from them. I did get an email acknowledging receipt of my letter. I’ll be submitting queries to a few other print magazines also.
Cool, I’ll be interested how you go with them. Good luck anyway.
Monika
Monika,
Thanks! Regardless I’m happy about the experience.
I’m taking my daughter to a children’s event next week. There will be a children’s author on site. I’m going to see whether she will do an interview with me. I know the turnout won’t be large. I’ve been to similar events at the location. It would be a great chance to test my interviewing skills. I’ve done it in the corporate setting hiring people for jobs, but this will be different. I have a few books that talk about interviewing so I’m really paying attention to the tips I’m reading.
if you have the time and enjoy it sure why not and its extra $$$$ too thats always great, there are also a lot of freelance to hire sites where they need writers.