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Mod35tBabe
Joined: 14 Jun 2007
Posts: 11
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 Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 2:35 pm Post subject: Query Letter (and article just in case it's needed) |
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Hi everyone
I've been working on my articles and have written a query letter. I wasn't entirely sure where to post this so hope I have the right spot. It's a query letter for an article I wrote on dust mites - I've read through it heaps of times but there could still be the odd typo (hateful affliction I have where I just assume it'll be right hehe). Anyway, I have also attached the article on the bottom so it's there for anyone's perusal if needed. I've never written a query letter before so please, comment on all and anything that needs fixing as I am really keen to start getting my work out there. I really appreciate any constructive help given - thank you.
QUERY LETTER
NAME ADDRESSES ETC
Allergies – most people have heard of them, know someone with them and know about common allergies such as peanuts or hay fever. However, not many are aware of the havoc the minute sized dust mite can cause – including but not limited to sinusitis, dermatological issues as well as asthma.
This query is in reference to an article I’d like to submit to your magazine. The 660 word article is entitled “Recognising a Common House Dust Mite Allergy – and What to Do About It.”
The focus of my article examines in detail allergies and how to recognise them, but also how to remove dust mites from the home along with some trivia about the dust mites themselves.
The following questions will be answered in the article:
• What are they?
• What causes the allergies?
• Where do they live?
• What are the signs of an allergy?
• And most importantly, how do I get rid of them?
• Steps to reduce Dust mite population
I feel that parents in particular would be interested in this article given the climb in allergy and asthma-sufferer numbers in recent times, as it explains the basics of a dust mite but most importantly, the ways of eliminating the dust mite population within a common household. Also, the general public would also be interested as much of the population suffers from allergies but are unaware of it. If you agree, I am able to have the finished manuscript to you within a week.
As a sufferer of dust mite allergies myself, I have researched dust mites and solutions to the problem in trying to ease my own symptoms. At the moment, I am receiving immunotherapy and plan to write a follow-up article detailing what immunotherapy is and how it can help allergy sufferers.
Thank you for your time and attention. I look forward to your reaction with great interest.
Sincerely,
MY NAME HERE
_________________
Check out my blogs:
http://places-ive-been.blogspot.com/ - on my trip to Broome
http://theuniverseandeverythinginbetween.blogspot.com/ - on writing
http://nailmaintenanceandart.blogspot.com/ - on nails |
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LucyL
Joined: 03 Jun 2005
Posts: 214
Location: Southern California
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| Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 8:07 pm Post subject: |
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First, to protect your intellectual property, I would strongly suggest that you not post an entire article here. This forum is open to the world and there is always the chance that someone unethical will stumble on your work and "borrow" it.
Second, I'm no expert on query letters, but I think your first paragraph needs to grab the editor more strongly, perhaps with something like this:
"With the current concern about environmental allergies, most people aren't aware that their homes harbor one of the commonest allergens, which can trigger hay fever and asthma. Tiny dust mites permeate our homes, but most people don't know they are there. Mattresses, pillows, and other bedding provides a home for these miniscule invaders.
"I propose an article on what dust mites are, how they affect our health, and how to find and eradicate them. The article I've planned will be approximately xx words in length.
"My background as a nurse in an allergist's office has made me knowledgeable about this and other common allergen."
(Tell the editor how you are uniquely qualified to write the article. It could simply be that your child or you has been diagnosed with a dust mite allergy and you have successfully eradicated the little devils from your home.)
I believe that this article is a fit for the xx section of your xxx magazine. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
Allergy writer
_________________
Lucy L
My blog: http://marshianthoughts.blogspot.com/ |
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Anya
Joined: 03 Jun 2005
Posts: 613
Location: So. California
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Mod35tBabe
Joined: 14 Jun 2007
Posts: 11
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| Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2007 7:45 am Post subject: |
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Sorry I must've confused this forum with another and thought it was password protected. Thanks for removing that.
Also, I did mention how I am qualified to write about it - I'm not a nurse but I do have bad dust mite allergies and I do all the things mentioned in the article in an effort to stop them spreading. I can tell if I skip changing the sheets etc regularly enough because the symptoms come back with a vengeance. Unfortunately you can never rid a house of the things, but you can prevent the extent of their population.
I will work on the query letter as suggested, I have also asked my Dr if she will give a quote but have not yet received an answer (assume this is due to Christmas).
Thanks for the help
_________________
Check out my blogs:
http://places-ive-been.blogspot.com/ - on my trip to Broome
http://theuniverseandeverythinginbetween.blogspot.com/ - on writing
http://nailmaintenanceandart.blogspot.com/ - on nails |
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Anya
Joined: 03 Jun 2005
Posts: 613
Location: So. California
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Mod35tBabe
Joined: 14 Jun 2007
Posts: 11
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