My goal for 2010 is to be published in certain publications. I would like to know why editor's wouldn't respond to your query? Any editors out there...Thanks!
Why don't editor's respond to your query?
(3 posts) (3 voices)
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In a perfect world, all Editors would respond to every query, even those they are declining.
Sadly, in our real world, Editors are often way overworked and underpaid. So many publications have down-sized their staff, and Editors are frequently doing multiple jobs.
Combine that with an increasing number of queries that is often overwhelming......years ago people didn't aspire to be writers without first going to journalism school, or at least majoring in a compatible field in college. Nowadays, everyone (and I mean everyone) wants to be a writer and get published, even with no background, experience, or skills. Or talent. And often writers forget that an Editor still has other work to do, besides reading and responding to queries.
An overworked, inundated Editor may simply choose to respond to only those queries that offer some potential value to the publication, preferring to not spend their tightly scheduled time crushing the dreams of those writers who cannot make the cut. Those who do take time to respond with a declination, in any form, are probably the ones who have no life outside of their job.
In other words, no news is bad news. One follow up is appropriate, and if you still don't hear back, move on. Just try to not think less of the Editor.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I agree with Trisha. However, sometimes editors don't respond because the query letter is not properly written or doesn't hook them. Find examples of query letters and follow the format.
Personalize the query letter just like you would a cover letter for a job. Include the date, name of publication, attention: editor lastnamespelledcorrectly, address, city, state, and zip. Include a "subject line" (think of it like a headline) such as Travel Writer's Secret Query Letter Technique Make Millions article(something like that). If you're applying for a "posted" article writing position put "Guide Writer opportunity posted on your website on March 5, 2010.
Good luck!
Posted 1 year ago #
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