Why a good query is your friend

If you want to get into magazine writing, a good query is your friend.

A query is a story proposal; a good query is tight and lively, giving the editor a glimpse into the kind of writing he or she can expect from you.

Needless to say, do your research. Know the magazine's writing style and choice in stories, and make sure you are familiar with their recent articles. There isn't much point in proposing a story idea that was done two months ago. And it makes you look a little silly.

Another must in preparation for writing a good query: Make sure you can deliver the story. Don't promise an angle that may not exist. Do a little research before sending off your letter/email.

Finally, make sure you know who to send the query to. You want the assigning editor -- not the copy editor and not the publisher. Calling the magazine is one easy way to get this information, but many magazines have the information online these days. Just poke around a little before shipping that email.