Don'ts for Query Letters
Things you shouldn't do when you're writing query letters
Writing a query letter can be confusing and stressful. Find out how not to make it worse.
Query letters are used by editors to screen potential submissions. Editors can use these letters to determine whether or not reading an entire article or manuscript will be worth their time. When you write an effective query letter and send it to the right publication, it increases your chances of being accepted and therefore paid.
However, there are a few things you want to make sure you DON'T do in your query letter, because they can decrease your chances of getting accepted and ruin your reputation with that editor.
DON'T address the editor generally. This means, do not address your letter to "the editor." Take the time to find out what the editor's name is, what their gender is, and spell their name correctly. Most editors won't notice if the letter is addressed correctly, but they will definitely notice if it isn't.
DON'T mention that the article or story you want to submit was previously rejected. This may give the editor a negative bias and is in all around bad taste.
DON'T apologize for not writing a better letter. (Yes, people do this.) If you don't think you are writing a solid letter, edit it until you are proud of it.
DON'T talk about how long the piece is, how good it is, how much work you put into it, etc. The piece should speak for itself, and an editor is not interested in your sob story.
DON'T hide your story. If an editor can't find your story title and summary in the letter, the letter didn't do its job.
DON'T try to be cute. By all means, include a teaser for your novel, but don't think an editor will come running to you out of suspense to find out what happens next.
When you put a lot of work into an article, story, or manual, it deserves the presentation of a quality query letter. Avoid these DON'Ts and your query letters will be one step closer to getting an editor's attention.
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Need more help with query letters?
- Addressing Your Query Letter
