Pitching Articles to Magazines
Donald Vaughan
The ability to write an evocative query letter can mean the difference between success and failure as a freelance writer. You may have the most interesting article idea in the world, but if you canā€™t express that idea clearly and concisely, editors will likely decline. A well-crafted query letter is essentially a sales pitch that informs an editor regarding the direction and content of a proposed article, potential sources, and more, but the format can take quite a bit of practice to master. In this web seminar, veteran freelance writer Don Vaughan will explore the various components and the basic structure of a query letter, how to determine the most appropriate markets to pitch to, and tips on giving editors more than expected. Don will also discuss the value of simultaneous submissions when pitching query letters, and how freelance writers can continue to make money from a writing project long after the initial sale by pitching reprint rights. A query letter is a vital time-saving tool for both the writer and the editor being pitched. It is also an editorā€™s first exposure to your writing, which is why every query letter must be perfect. When it comes to impressing an editor in the quest for work, there can be no room for error.
About the Instructor:Ā
Don Vaughan is a freelance writer based in Raleigh, North Carolina. He has written professionally for 47 years, and has worked as a fulltime freelance writer since 1991. During that time, he has published more than 1,800 articles, columns, and stories in scores of print and online publications ranging from MAD magazine to Encyclopedia Britannica. Don has also written, co-written, ghostwritten, or contributed to nearly 35 books on an array of topics, and is the founder of Triangle Association of Freelancers (tafnc.com).
