This query turned into an assignment from USA Weekend. I was having trouble placing the idea, and posted on a writer’s forum asking other writers for suggestions as to where to send it next. An editor from USA Weekend happened to see the post — and bought the idea! So it always helps to network …
Dec 16, 2010 Query letters
I offer query critiquing, both separately and as part of my Write for Magazines e-course, and one thing I see often that keeps queries (and articles) from really standing out is a lack of concrete details. There’s a mushiness to the writing that makes the queries come off a bit dull.
By concrete details, I mean …
Oct 11, 2010 Advice, Query letters, Writing
I answer your burning freelancing questions on the blog. If you have a question, e-mail it to me at lindaformichelli@gmail.com. Have a lot of questions? Consider signing up for a phone mentoring session.
James asks: There’s a topic that is very timely that I’d like to write about and that has potential for a number …
Oct 7, 2010 Advice, Editors, Ideas, Marketing, Query letters, You Ask, We Answer
Here’s a query that sold as a short to Women’s Health magazine. The query was so thorough that I didn’t have to do much additional reporting to create the short. I love coming up with ideas that are kind of — well, not something you’d want your mom to read. (Remember, I also wrote Dojo …
Sep 30, 2010 Ideas, Query letters
I offer to bust readers’ excuses for not pitching magazines — or, if they’re pitching, for approaching only low/no-pay pubs. If you have an excuse you’d like me to bust, you can send it to lindaformichelli@gmail.com.
Here’s Stacy’s excuse: I just sold my first query-ever! And while I’m excited to get paid for my writing, I’d …
Jul 15, 2010 Advice, Bust My Excuse, Query letters
