Now, Why Didn’t We Think of That?
From yesterday’s MediaBistro’s MB ToolBox:
Today mb rolls out Pitches That Worked, a new feature for AG members that takes an actual query letter that landed its writer an assignment, and breaks down just what made it successful. Consider it your guide to the nuts and bolts of assignment-worthy pitches, complete with comments from the author of the pitch and the editor who fielded it about what made it work.
From our July 5 press release and from Linda Formichelli’s website about her and Diana Burrell’s book The Renegade Writer’s Query Letters That Rock, slated for publication in November:
The Renegade Writer’s Query Letters that Rock offers a variety of actual query letters that garnered assignments from national magazines, complete with extensive comments on the letters from both the writers and from the editors who assigned the stories. Freelancers will learn what works with advice from editors at high-profile publications including Smithsonian, AARP: The Magazine, The LA Times Magazine, Fitness, Parenting, USA Weekend, and mental_floss.
If you liked that post, you might also like:
- Boost Your Chances of a Sale with a Query Letter Critique
- How to Figure Out Which Editor to Query
- You Ask, We Answer: What If My Only Clip Is in Print Format?
- You Ask, We Answer: How Can I Maximize a One-on-One Pitch Session?
- Break This Rule: Always Send Your Query to the E-Mail Address Listed in the Guidelines
Sep 12, 2006 Ass, Observations
I got the email from MediaBistro about their first installment of their new feature and thought of you guys right away
Isn’t imitation supposed to be the sincerest form of flattery? I’m guessing “flattered” wasn’t your primary reaction!
I guess when your brain is filled with thoughts like, “I wonder if my feather boa matches the maraschino cherry in my cocktail?” there’s not a lot of room for original ideas.
Now now guys, let’s not get catty about this…
I missed that on mediabistro. Unfortunately, AG membership is not in the budget yet.
BUT … I want to add that I am the lucky owner of an advance copy of “Query Letters that Rock,” purchased in Chicago four weeks ago at the Society of Professional Journalists national convention.
I have to say it is one of the most helpful and inspiring books for freelancers I’ve run across and hopefully will help get me restarted on my quest to eventually transition to full-time freelancing, now that my mother’s health is better (which derailed me for awhile.)
Thanks Linda and Diana — a great job and a great service to freelancers!!
Cheers,
Carol
Wow, Carol, thanks for those nice words about Query Letters That Rock! I’m confused, though — you *bought* a copy? The reason why I ask is we’re working on some last-minute changes to the galleys. As far as I know, it hasn’t gone to press. Did you get an advance reading copy?
Hi Diana … there were a few advance copies for sale for $5 at the book sale portion of the trade show at the Society of Professional Journalists national convention in Chicago Aug. 25-27. They did warn me that it was an advance copy and there might be typos. As a newspaper writer though, who of course never has typos (ha! do you believe that?), I thought $5 was quite the deal and grabbed it.
So I loved the concept and am not remotely surprised that it was appropriated by mediabistro or anyone else. What’s the old saw — imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. I have always found it amusing the phrase that couture fashion designers use — you know, I found “INSPIRATION” from the 70s and then they call it retro. Attribution is our friend.
By the way, SPJ is working on doing some nice things for freelancers and just voted to support independent journalist Josh Wolf with $30,000 to help with his legal defense. We’re working hard toward a federal shield law … you can check out our efforts at spj.org.
Carol Cole
Hi – I’m the publisher at Marion Street Press, which published the Renegade Writer books. I was the one selling the $5 ARCs at SPJ. Normally, publishers don’t sell ARCs. But we had a bunch left over after sending out review copies, and I knew SPJ was going to do some excellent freelance sessions there, so I figured I’d make the ARCs available to the people there. Yes, Linda and Diana have edited and proofed the book since the ARCs came out, so the “real” books will be even better. But even the ARCs were loaded with great info.
Ed Avis
Marion Street Press, Inc.
I guess I stuck Ed’s foot in it. Sorry about that.
Thought it was great to find the new book and apologies for apparently causing the concern with my post.