Nag, nag, nag
I’m back from vacation and in full-on nag-mode.
Don’t try to hide it: I know you have a query letter (or three) that’s been languishing in some editor’s office, possibly way up at the top of a spam-filled inbox or even more likely under a stress ball and several half-empty Starbucks frappuccinos. If it’s been more than two or three weeks and you haven’t heard a word, why aren’t you following up?
That’s your assignment for Monday morning (so you have two days to steel yourself): Pick up the phone or zap off an e-mail to follow up on your query. It’s not rocket science — just say something like, “On October 2 I sent you my query for an article called ‘How to Split Atoms in Your Basement: New Uses for the Hacksaw.’ Since I haven’t heard back, I’m afraid my query may have gotten lost in cyberspace. Would you mind updating me on the status of this idea? Thanks so much!”
If you e-mail, paste the original query below so the editor won’t have to go searching for it (which probably ranks up there with straightening out her rubber band collection, priority-wise). If you call, try calling before or after hours so you can leave a voicemail message, which a few editors in Diana’s and my new book suggested.
You have to do this on Monday, October 30. I mean it. Now drop and give me 10 (queries, that is)! [lf]
Yessss to the query follow-up. And before making the before or after hours phone-call, write your message down, including your phone-number and/or email-address, so you can read it in comfort. That way, you won’t forget anything you meant to say. Also: practice your best voice and smile. :>} Michael
I just bought your book over the weekend and read most of it yesterday on a plane ride (I chose you over watching The Devil Wears Prada!). I just wanted to say that I’m glad I have the book. About following up on queries: I would have thought 2-3 weeks isn’t long enough to wait before calling or emailing. Assuming I didn’t have a relationship with this editor, I would have futzed around for a good 4 to 6 weeks before checking in. I’m not a masochist, however, so I like your advice. Any comments?
Dear Professor Formichelli: The cat ate my query file. Can I have an extra day to complete the assignment?
Micheal: Good advice. So did you follow up on a query yesterday? If not I’ll have to do something drastic, like tell my mom on you.
Karen: One grade point off for each day you’re late!
Julie: Really, it’s up to you. I wait just 2-3 weeks even with editors I don’t know, but 4-6 weeks is fine too if that works for you. I don’t think following up after 2-3 weeks actually speeds up the decision process any, but it gives me peace of mind knowing what stage my query is at (and whether it actually reached the editor).
OK… but what if they warn against sending e-mail, don’t know me from Adam and the guidelines say they try to respond in 10 weeks?? It’s only been about two, so I’m just anticipating having to do your assignment, but I’d almost rather wait the 10 weeks than tick-off the editor by “breaking the rules.” How likely am I to be black listed? Thanks!
Amy, this is going to sound really bad — but I can’t remember the last time I checked a magazine’s guidelines. The couple of times I mentioned the mag’s guidelines to an editor, she had no idea what I was talking about! Sometimes I suspect the editors have nothing to do with the guidelines and often don’t even know they exist, particularly at the bigger magazines. I’ve never been admonished for querying via e-mail or for following up via e-mail or following up too soon.
Of course, your mileage may vary. If I’m checking the out a magazine and I get a gut feeling that they really, really mean it, I follow those rules. If I’m looking at the magazine’s listing in Writer’s Market online and it just gives the standard “responds within 6-8 weeks,” I generally ignore it.
For me, it usually comes down to heeding that gut feeling and doing what feels right. (That’s why it’s sometimes so hard to give advice!)
what if you follow up and no one ever responds even to the followup?
It’s your call: If you think the article is just perfect for the magazine and you really want the clip, you may want to follow up again after a few weeks. If you have been holding off on sending your query to other magazines because it’s at this one, you may want to go ahead and send the query out to others. Also: Call the magazine’s editorial department to make sure the editor you pitched is still there. If she’s there, talk to her or leave a voicemail follow-up. If she’s no longer there, ask who you can direct your query to. Sometimes queries fall into black holes because the editor you pitched has moved on. Good luck!