All writers face the dreaded query. Did I put enough information? Did I put too much? Did I have a great hook? Am I submitting to the right publisher?

These are just a few questions that run through a writer’s mind when mailing or clicking the send button for their query.

So, how do you answer these questions and the many others that go along with the job of crafting a query?

Well, the first simple response to this question is to READ the publisher’s guidelines. Okay, that’s not accurate–you need to STUDY and FOLLOW those guidelines precisely.

Items to watch for when reading the publisher’s guidelines:

1. What genre does that particular publishing house or magazine publish?

2. Does the publisher accepts simultaneous submissions?

3. Is there a specific word count involved?

4. Does the publishing house accept unagented queries?

5. Does the magazine only accepted specific themes?

These are only five items to watch out for, but there are more. So, we go back to the main rule for querying: FOLLOW the GUIDELINES!

For more information on querying check out:

Don’t Close That Door by Lea Schizas.

If you need a more hands on kind of instruction, and your genre is children, then by all means check out the Children’s Writing Coaching Club.

And, if you need daily motivation, guidance, advice, and WEEKLY writing and marketing teleclasses then for only $12 per year, join The Morning Nudge.

You can find out more about both these clubs by clicking on the page link on the right sidebar.

I belong to both the Children’s Writing Coaching Club and The Morning Nudge and they are two of the greatest bargains online.

Related article: Writing Perspective

Until next time,

Karen Cioffi

Check out my writing services at:

http://dkvwriting4u.com