Before sending a query to a publication, brand or website – ask yourself the following:
- Have I addressed the query to the right person and did I spell his/her name correctly?
- Did I proofread my query carefully and correct any errors?
- Is my idea to the point?
- Have I outlined the article/story and given a clear idea of where the story will go?
- Have I included any necessary sources or interview information?
- Did I tell the editor which department or section of their publication my article best fits?
- Have I included pertinent clips which demonstrate my writing ability?
- Did I explain why I’m the right writer for this story?
- Does my query include several ways to contact me?
- Have I recorded the query’s topic, date, target publication and contact person in a spreadsheet or log, for future reference?
