Getting published is the dream of any writer. But don't you want to get published and paid the most you possibly can? If you do the most important step you must take is market yourself. This is done when you submit the Query Letter.

What is a query letter?

The query letter is the letter you write to the magazine or newspaper where you want to get published. The query contains your idea, how you will write the idea, a little about yourself, and why the magazine you are writing is an appropriate venue for your article.

How Do I write it?

Browse the magazine you want to get published in and read several issues

Go to the bookstore and sit down and actually read the articles in the magazine you want to get published in. Look at the style, the tone and the length. Look at the advertisements as well. They give you a clue as who they the magazine markets to.

Look on the first few pages to see who to address your query to.

Never address a query letter: "to whom it may concern" or any other general address. This proves that you did no research into their company and will be the quickest way to get rejected. Query letters are addressed to the editors of the magazine who decide which stories get published and which stories will be rejected. Be careful; do not address it to the editor in chief. Chances are they have a lot more to do than to read your article. Pick a lower ranked editor like an assistant editor to send the letter to.

Request Writer's Guidelines

Most magazines have writer's guidelines that tell you exactly how they want you to apply. Most magazines have writer's guidelines on their website. If they don't send a letter with self addressed envelope to request it. There is no point in sending any query if you don't know exactly what they want in it.

Be concise when writing your query

Conciseness is very important because editors are very busy people with stacks of queries just like yours. If it looks like it will take too long they may just skip it. A page is probably as long as you want to make it.

If sending a query by mail, be sure to include a self addressed stamped envelope

If you don't do this, don't expect a response either way. Very important step. It's worth the extra postage.