Instructor: Dr. Paul M. Rogers

English 489 Assignment #2

Write a query letter in proper business form that pitches your major writing idea to the editor of the publication you have targeted. As you have now examined at least one issue of the magazine, as well as the nature and content of the articles, you should be able to address how your manuscript will interest the demographic of that publication. Be sure that you address your letter to the proper person. Go online or call and ask for their guidelines for writers.

Your goal in this letter is several fold. First, you want to illustrate the qualities of your writing. Second, you want to interest the editor—who probably has to read many dozens of similar queries every day—in the vividness and appropriateness of your idea. Third, you want to give the editor enough information to let him/her know that you really know what you’re talking about. Fourth, you want to convince the editor that he/she should use you rather than one of the perfectly competent writers on staff.

This letter should be single spaced, no more than a page long, and, again, in proper business form Please feel free to call me (805) 729-6427 or email me (progers2@gmu.edu) if you have any questions or if I can be of help in any way.