Special EventsTop Five Qualities of Good Query LettersMary Collins, Johns Hopkins University graduate writing program instructor, shared her top five qualities of good query letters: 1. When sending query letters, write to a person, not a "generic title." Learn who reads the pitches and send it to them specifically. Call the publication or look up the correct names and phone numbers in The Editor and Publisher Yearbook or the National Journal Capital Source. 2. Know the publication inside and out and understand its editorial mission and audience. 3. "Know your idea." Make sure your pitch is focused and you can deliver it quickly and clearly. 4. Make sure your query is free of grammatical errors and is legibly typed. 5. Find out how a publication likes to receive idea submissions. Is sending a story proposal acceptable online, by mail or both? Useful Links: Toastmasters: (for overcoming the fear of public speaking) Association of Writing Programs American Society of Journalists and Authors D.C. Science Writers Association Society of Professional Journalists Washingtonian Writer's Guidelines
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