5 Query Letter Hooks to Grab Your Editor’s Attention by Brian Scott

Every line of a query letter is crucial, but the hook is the first part of the query that an editor will read, making it the most important. Most readers tend to move on to something more interesting if the first few lines of an article don't grab their attention. It only makes sense—and is plainly obvious--that an editor won't finish your query letter if you fail to grab his or her attention from the start. Much like the “mission statement” of a job resume, the hook of a query letter is your chance to yank the editor in and then use your writing skill to discuss succinctly how exactly your article is relevant, engaging, and interesting to the publication’s readership.

You can employ a proven hook when writing your next query letter. Each hook comes with its own context and set of benefits. I have listed the five recognizable hooks below, along with tips on when and how to use them.

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How to Pitch Story Ideas to Online Magazine Editors Without Annoying Them by Brian Scott

With more people working part-time and looking to supplement their income with freelance work, it's important for creative-types to learn how to pitch, communicate, and correspond with editors the right way, especially if they dream of becoming full-time freelance writers.

A difficult but essential writing rule I had to learn as a budding freelance writer was to communicate and interact professionally with print and online editors—without agitating their pet peeves. If you are beginning your quest to write articles for websites and publications, then you should know these four basic rules because they will help you build new and lasting relationships with editors. I refer to these rules as "duh!" rules because they are so obvious to seasoned writers but often ignored by beginners.

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The Query Letter: Advice for the Aspiring Writer by Brian Scott

Freelance writing can be an exciting career choice or a creative way to make extra money on the side. The daily chore of freelancing involves seeking out new editorial markets, whether print magazines, online ezines, news journals, etc. If you have an idea for an article, the most common method to procure a writing assignment is with a well-written, compelling, and persuasive query letter.

Typically, you will encounter submission guidelines that state the following:

A query letter is a brief synopsis of the article that you plan to write or have already written. Ideally, you should craft your query letter to convey the premise of your article and explain why you are the most qualified person to write it. While some editors still ask to submit query letters via snail mail, most editors accept email pitches. The right query letter can grab the editor's attention and convince him or her to publish your article.

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Components of a Successful Newspaper Query Letter

Freelance careers are on the rise, especially for writers. Many writers prefer to spread their articles around to different publications in different media instead of writing for just one type of industry.

The query letter is one of the most important tools freelance writers have at their disposal. Because freelance writers are not full-time employees of a particular newspaper, they must utilize a query letter to: 1) convince the editor that their idea is a good one; 2) it will benefit the newspaper itself; and 3) they are capable of carrying it out.

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Free Infographic: Query Letter Template for Freelance Writers

I have designed the following template to show you the basic elements of an email query letter that you would send to an editor of a magazine or website. Click on the image to view the full-size.

(VIEW FULL SIZE)

Feel free to use my graphic as you wish, as long as you do not alter it. Resizing is okay. You can view more of my designs at Pinterest.

I welcome your comments, corrections or extra tips. Use the comment form below.

Sincerely,

Brian Scott

Related article: The Basic Structure of An Article Query Letter

Related article: Sample Query Letters for Writers

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The Basic Structure of an Article Query Letter

To sell any type of article as a freelance writer, it is important to know the basics of writing a query letter. Most editors do not want to receive full articles from unknown writers. Instead, editors prefer a proposal that will show them:

1. your ability to write well;
2. your qualifications to write on the topic; and 
3. your ideas/story angles for their publications or websites. 

Knowing the five basic structural elements of a standard query letter will greatly improve your chances of success.

ELEMENT # 1: ADDRESS THE EDITOR

Your first task is to put your name and address at the top of the page, preferably right-justified. Next, put the full name and address of your contact person (left-justified). It is important to address queries to specific individuals whenever possible. If sending directly to the editor, address the editor by his or her full name, followed by title. This will increase the likelihood of your query letter reaching the right person. It also tells the editor that you are not mass mailing your query letter to different publications.

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