The world of Internet and Email is more relaxed and informal than the traditional written one. It does still rely on the same base, communication. For writers, this remains important, especially when initiating contact with a new market or editor.

Electronic queries, or e-queries, are becoming more popular as more markets establish their online presence. While the writer may be tempted to dash off a quick, casual note to the editor, this is not a good idea. E-queries are still queries. And queries are still formal requests for consideration for a writer’s work for a particular market. As such, the e-queries must contain all the elements of a traditional query letter while being able to use a lighter tone and more informal language.

The following example of a successful e-query is dissected into its parts, including research sources. The titles and subject are fictitious.

Subject: Query For Writing & Living Magazine–E-Queries

Hello Alex Editor,

The world of electronic messaging is expanding rapidly. People from every walk of life are using email to communicate with others. As a writer, I find email communication with editors, like you, an efficient and effective tool to market my work.

I would like to propose an article, "Successful E-queries", for your consideration. I believe this 750 word how-to piece, with its light, informal style, would fit well within your editorial line-up.

I will be interviewing writers who regularly use email to query markets and editors. I will also be contacting editors who assign work based on e-queries they receive. I will include relevant research, based on a 1998 survey conducted by OakNet News , that indicates editors are using email as a preferred method of communicating with writers.

As a writer who uses e-querying extensively to broaden my market base, I am highly qualified to write this article for you. I have been published in various mediums throughout North America. You can click on my web page URL, below, to see examples of my current, published work.

I look forward to hearing from you,

Sincerely,

Deborah Clark

The e-query is less formal looking as much of the relevant information is included in the message header. An important field is the Subject line. A Subject line that clearly indicates the intent of the communique to the editor, while providing record keeping information for the writer, is essential. An editor may simply click ‘delete’ or skim the query if there seems to little interest immediately. If the editor takes several weeks or even months to reply, the writer may have to undertake a time-consuming search for the particulars when the original e-query isn’t clearly labeled.

The salutation is also more informal. For the initial contact, use the first and last name. It creates a respectful tone and eliminates guessing the person’s gender while maintaining informality. Once the editor responds, take the cue from the response’s close to change the next salutation. Whether the editor continues to use both first and last names or changes to just the first, follow suit.

Like a traditional query, the first paragraph should catch the editor’s interest. Unique to the e-query is brevity. The first paragraph should contain all the information in several brief sentences.

The following paragraphs are equally brief. They, too, need to present the material in concise form. Explain the length, scope and research, if any is necessary, directly and conversationally. Remember, just because it is less formal, it does not mean that pertinent information can be omitted. Providing it, anticipating the editor’s questions, shows your preparedness and professionalism.

The final paragraph should give the information about qualifications. Be sure to include URLs and personal web page address, if you have one. Double check that the URLs are still current and accessible. E-savvy editors are more likely to click than to ask for clips or tear sheets.

Using the perfect e-query, one that is pertinent and readable, will result in a high positive response rate and a quicker response time. So send out e-queries and be prepared to be inundated with work.

Copyright (c) 1998 Deborah Clark