How to write a query letter

A query letter sells a piece before it exists. It is the standard way to pitch nonfiction — journalism, magazine features, and many online articles — and it has a clear structure an editor can act on quickly.

What it is

A query is a short letter (usually under 300 words) that presents a specific idea to an editor, explains why it is worth doing, and shows that you can do it. It is not a finished article; it is a convincing proposal.

Why it is used

Editors are busy and do not have time to read every piece on spec. A query shows a piece's point and your credibility up front, letting an editor say yes or no quickly. Many publications require a query rather than a full article.

Who uses it

Journalists, magazine writers, and nonfiction freelancers pitching to publications that accept queries.

Step-by-step guide

Know the publication before you pitch. Read several recent pieces. Note the length, the tone, the sections, and what they clearly do not publish. A query that ignores the publication's style is easy to reject.

Lead with the idea in the opening. Within the first line or two, name the article: what it is about, and the angle or the question it answers. Editors skim; make the idea unmistakable.

Show what you will do. Say who you will talk to, what you will investigate, or what you will draw on. This is the difference between an idea and a reported piece. For an essay, show the specific perspective or experience.

Give the angle and the plan. State the argument or the story arc, and a rough word count. A sample headline or section list helps an editor picture it.

Establish your credibility. One or two lines: who you are and where you have been published. A couple of relevant clips matter more than a long list.

Close the pitch professionally. Thank them, say you are happy to adjust, and note you can send it elsewhere if they are not interested. Send through the official channel and keep it to one page.

Example structure

Subject: Why Nigerian startups are hiring writers — and what it means

Dear [Editor],

I am pitching a 2,000-word feature on the boom in Nigerian startup content teams. It will report on four companies, what they are hiring writers to do, and what it pays. I have interviews lined up with two founders and a content lead.

I am the founder of BRYME, a writing resource, and have written on African freelance work for [publication]. A couple of samples are linked below.

I am happy to adjust the angle or the length.

Thank you, [Your name]

Common mistakes

Pitching a topic, not a specific idea. Ignoring the publication's style. Writing a long letter that buries the point. Listing experience without relevant clips. Asking, "Can I write for you?" instead of pitching a specific piece. Promising something you cannot deliver.

Practical tips

• Fit the query to the publication's guidelines and length.
• Use the article-outline generator to shape the plan before you write the query.
• Keep the angle fresh — pitch the specific take, not the obvious one.
• Send one query per idea; do not pitch the same idea to two markets without saying so.

Checklist

• I read recent pieces from the publication.
• My first line names a specific idea and angle.
• I showed what reporting or material I will draw on.
• I stated a plan, angle and rough word count.
• I gave relevant credibility and clips.
• I sent it professionally through the official channel.