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Leaving a Positive Impression
If you're trying to sell a story to a magazine, consider the following points:
- Whenever possible, type your request for guidelines or free sample copies on a full sheet of paper, even if it only consists of one sentence. And
make sure it's a complete sentence! A request, scribbled in point form on a piece of paper the size of a post-it note, is easily misplaced (maybe on
purpose) and does not paint an impressive picture of your writing skills.
- If you include a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) with either a query letter or a request for guidelines and sample copies, ensure that you
include the correct postage and the proper-size envelope. Good intentions won't get you very far. Remember, the stamps of your country might not be
valid for use in the country from which the publication originates. Look for something called the International Reply Coupon, or order the appropriate
stamps through your post office. Also, an 8.5" by 11" magazine will not fit into a standard, letter-size envelope.
- When composing your query letter, remember that you have about two lines in which to grab the editor's attention, so get to the point and make it
interesting. Don't wait a month for a reply; follow up with a phone call after they have had your letter for two days. Two lines in a query letter
translates into 30 seconds in a phone call; anticipate roadblocks and have counter suggestions ready.
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