Professional Writing

Lesson 3: Market (and Market)

The "Write" Etiquette

You will regularly find how-to articles concerning query letters in publications like Writer's Digest. While I do recommend reading query articles that suggest a writing standard you feel is of vital importance to your own career, I'd like you to concern yourself mainly with my personal approaches, as follows:

1) Get to the point - politely.

2) Respect yourself and others.

At one time or another, you will read and reread a company's guidelines. Nonetheless, you haven't the faintest inclination what a particular word or phrase means. This situation, or querying about an idea, column or otherwise, is easily solved through the use of email. These circumstances call for blunt - yet respectful - tableside manners. Following, is an example:

"Dear Editor -

I would love to write for your publication. I have carefully studied your guidelines, and have one question: when you say you're 'open to column ideas,' are you referring to content for existing ones or suggestions for new ones?

Sincerely - Adel Vice"

This example brings the editor directly to your point by concisely stating immediate intentions and questions. In cover letters, you will use a similar format:

"Dear People's Professionals,

I am responding to your 'freelance writer' job offer. I have had a good deal of experience in the field, and feel my qualifications suit your needs. Below, is my resume, or you may view its information (along with my personal works) at my "authorsden:" (url) I look forward to your reply!

Very Truly Yours, (your name)"

Again, in the example, you have directly stated your intentions with respect. You may use both examples as formats, if you like.

There was a time when respecting others was priority. Some amateur writers think groveling is necessary. I have certainly done my fair share in the past. Many intense rejections later, I have new advice.

It will happen to you: at the height of your newfound success, a sour egg will unleash its odor into your rosy email collection. Although you have had your fair share of rejections, this one will come as a swift hit to the groin because you've worked real hard to get where you now are. My husband made a suggestion, which has helped me ever since: instead of taking it on the chin, respect yourself and reply with your own professional opinion.

This advice stems from an email letter I received from an editor of a well-known writing publication. The editor responded to my query in a condescending reply. My query had asked where she thought a particular article of mine might be submitted (the article even mentioned her background). I respected this person: her articles about writing were informative. I'd even once offered to help her in editorial duties, free of charge. Nonetheless, here was her critical reply:

"Dear Sara,

Thanks for sending this along. However, I'm not sure how helpful I can be! Frankly, I don't see much market for a piece this short and this general. I wouldn't accept it myself, and I doubt any other paying writing market would -- we're looking for articles that offer a much more in-depth look at some aspect of the writing business (or craft). Think 'how-to' -- and focus on answering the questions that you might ask if you were reading an article on a particular subject.

The articles featured on [publication name] will give you a good idea of the type of material that most of the writing publications are looking for at this time. Of course, we're all different; magazines like 'The Writer' tend to look for more author-focused material (i.e., interviews with authors, and subject matter that leans toward the 'literary'). ‘Writer's Digest’ looks for shorter pieces, often articles that cover four or five brief points (but still with a good 'how-to' emphasis). ‘Inscriptions’ uses a lot of interviews; I use very few. So there's no substitute, in the long-term, for studying the publication first!

Best, [name shall remain anonymous]"

While the editor was helpful enough to offer expert advice, the letter doesn't exactly encourage one to be creative. Taking my husband's advice, I replied with my own philosophies:

"[editor's name],

As your opinion is one I value, I have read your ideas and suggestions carefully. I never intended for the article to be published in your wonderful publication for obvious reasons. You have given me a healthy indication of what various notable publications are accepting. Thank you so much. Upon recent scrutiny of the article, I feel I may have been trying to cram too much of the best advice into one space! Perhaps that is why the article appears 'general,' though I'd have to disagree with you on it being too 'short.' A lot of decent articles are 800 words. I do think there is some valuable info...in addition to your intriguing expert advice.

A bit of advice: you might try offering encouraging words to fellow writers, rather than focusing solely on the negative.

Best, Sara"

The editor didn't reply, but they now have some evidence fellow writers prefer doing business with thoughtful people. It seems there is an unspoken rule by the savvy: "Don't waste my time." No matter how the picture is painted, this is poor professionalism. Fortunately, there are just as many respectful people as there are ones who can't dish out the respect they command.

Stay Nice!

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