Make grumbling editors smile with sharp queries

Want to know what sets off grumbling from some editors, especially those on magazines?

Far more than fan mail, they get swamped with article idea queries from freelance writers.  Seasoned editors can tell in an instant if the pitch is from dabbling novices or veteran writers.

Grumpy Editor finds it’s worth pointing out what Ron Kovach, senior editor of The Writer, has to say on “Why queries get rejected.”

·  The query shows the writer is not familiar with the publication.

·  Plain and simple, the query fails to hook the editor.

·  It’s not specific enough, wanders or is too vague and inadequately explained.

·  Similar material ran recently or is in the works.

·  The publication has a substantial inventory and has halted new purchases.

·  The writer’s credentials are weak.

·  Red flag is raised from the query’s poor sentence structure and grammar.

·  The pitch offers too many article ideas rather than focusing on one or two.

·  Sell the idea with well-chosen words and details along with brief writing background information all wrapped up in four or five paragraphs.

Kovach has addition observations on how to avoid rejection slips at The Writer Web site.