Bridal Magazine Sample Query Letter

QUERY TYPE: Print query (mailed)
PITCHED TO: Editor
AUDIENCE: Bridal/Wedding Magazine
TYPE OF PITCH: Freelance Jobs
COMPENSATION OF SOLD ARTICLE: N/A

This is a sample “pitch letter” that a freelance writer sent to a magazine editor, inquiring about upcoming writing gigs. The freelance writer pitched herself as a skilled freelance writer who is educated about the many topics that this bridal/wedding magazine publishes each month in print form as well as daily at its companion website.

A “pitch letter” takes many forms—write one that fits your personality and interests. The goal of every “pitch letter” is to sell yourself, not so much your writing services. You are selling yourself as the expert who can provide a timely topic that the magazine’s readers will enjoy.

A “pitch letter” is never wordy. Shoot for under 300 words in length. The crux of a pitch letter showcases your education, experience, publications you sold your articles to, and similar magazines and/or website to which you sold work.

This freelance writer snail mailed her pitch letter, as requested by the editor. In many cases, you can e-mail a brief pitch letter to the editor selling yourself and providing links to your online portfolio and samples.

Because this freelance writer had to snail mail her pitch letter, she also included a professional business card and relevant clips to the editor. Here is her pitch letter to spark your ideas for writing your own.

The following italicized text is a full query letter sample, followed by a step-by-step explanation of the email’s various parts.

1. Pitch Letter for a Bridal Magazine

Your Full Name
Optional title: freelance writer
Mailing Address
City, State, Zip Code
Phone Number
E-mail address
Today’s date

Editor’s First name, Last name, [insert title; i.e. Editor]
Name of publication [i.e. Wedding Magazine]
Mailing address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear Ms. Schneider, [Insert editor’s Last name],

If you are currently considering new freelance writers for [Name of publication or website], I’d like to submit my name and resume.

A little about my background: I’m a South Carolina-based freelance writer and editor. Within the past eight years, some of my clients have included Indiana Bride, Indianapolis Woman (bridal guide special sections and others), AAA Home and Away, the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association guide, The Chicago Tribune, The Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis Monthly, the Sonoma Sun, the Sonoma Valley Tribune, and Tango Diva.com. In addition, I maintain my own wedding blog at: www.websitename.com.

I’ll look forward to receiving your response. In the meantime, thanks very much for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Your First Name, Last Name

2. Query Letter Sample: Bridal Magazine – 7 Steps to the Perfect Pitch

STEP 1: ADDRESS YOUR PITCH LETTER

*NOTE: We recommend the following format: 1) margins: 1 – 1.5 inch; 2) typeface: Times New Roman; 3) font size: 12pt or 13pt; 4) line height: single space or 1.5 space; 5) align: left or justified; 6) paragraph type: block or indented; 7) address block: right justified; 8) editor’s address block: left justified; 9) ink color: black; 10) paper type: standard white, 8.5 x 11 inch.

Your Full Name
Optional title: freelance writer
Mailing Address
City, State, Zip Code
Phone Number
E-mail address
Today’s date

Editor’s First name, Last name, [insert title; i.e. Editor]
Name of publication [i.e. Wedding Magazine]
Mailing address
City, State, Zip Code

STEP 2: ADDRESS THE EDITOR

Dear Ms. Schneider, [Insert editor’s Last name],

STEP 3: THE INQUIRY

If you are currently considering new freelance writers for [Name of publication or website], I’d like to submit my name and resume.
*NOTE: This freelancer in not 100% sure if the editor has any current editorial needs; if not, it still helps to make the editor aware of your availability as a skilled writer. The fact is, an editor always has current or upcoming editorial needs, even if the magazine’s editorial calendar is full for the current year. A magazine’s editorial schedule is constantly changing, especially if the magazine runs a website with unique editorial content. When an editor needs to find a hot topic or a short interview-driven article to complement a feature
article, she may remember you as the writer who can fulfill her sudden needs.

STEP 4: PROVIDE YOUR EXPERIENCE

STEP 5: ENCLOSURES

I have enclosed my resume and some clips to give you a feel for my writing style. I pride myself on an uncompromising work ethic and a dedication to providing service of the highest quality for my clients. *NOTE: Always enclose your best relevant clips that showcase your writing skills and writing style. Do not include more than three clips, unless the editor tells you to do so. You can always encourage the editor to visit your website or blog to find additional samples.

STEP 6: PURPOSE OF PITCH LETTER

I’m seeking new clients with whom I can develop mutually beneficial long-term professional relationships, and would love to discuss any writing opportunities that might be available with [Name of publication or website]. You can reach me at the address, phone or email listed below.
*NOTE: This freelance writer plainly states that she is available for any writing assignments. She also says that she wants to build a long-term relationship (as she has done with other magazines); she does not just want to sell one or two articles and then move on to a competing publication. The editor interprets the two key words—”long-term” and “relationship”—as meaning that this freelance writer is committing and dedicating herself to the success of the magazine.

STEP 7: CONCLUDING

I’ll look forward to receiving your response. In the meantime, thanks very much for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Your First Name, Last Name

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