Daniel Horgan who not only writes for USA Today and other newspapers, but reads this blog, has written a great article called: Dr Seuss’ Lorax’s plea: Stop cutting trees! He’s also got some pages over at Hub. I’m looking forward to his blog!
This is a great example of what I think of as writer’s power – the ability of freelance writers to influence readers. Of course, this is an example of the kind of influence I personally totally approve of and, in fact, believe we should have more of. Actually, I believe I should do more of it.
So, writers, what …read more

The query letter is how you catch the attention of an editor, agent or publisher. The query is a short, pithy sales document that demonstrates your writing skill and your specific idea in a way that makes the reader want more. It’s not terribly difficult – here are the basics:

Read two or three issues of the magazine, or the publisher’s book catalog (order one) or the agent’s list of credits (ask). You want to be sure what your proposing actually fits – they know their readers; it’s up to you to fill their needs.
If you’re writing a query to a …read more

Lori Widmer has completed her two part series on The Query Letter. Again, she’s done a great job.
I’d make only one change, and that’s the way she suggests you close the letter. She suggests: What do you think? May I write the article for Shoe Network readers? Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to working with you soon.
I’d probably make it something like: I’d love to write this article for your Shoe Network readers and can deliver the completed manuscript in two weeks.
What I’m going for is what’s known in the sales industry as the assumptive close. …read more