Re: You don't always need a query.

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• Subject: Re: [GWL]: You don't always need a query.
• From: B*@aol.com
• Date: Wed, 20 Mar 2002 05:33:50 EST
• List-archive: <http://topica.com/lists/Gardenwriters/read>

A really well done comentary, Carol. Nice of you to post it.

A couple of comments and additions, if you don't mind.

Another reason for beginners to write it first is that they often have not 
developed the skills to write on demand. So if they get a firm go-ahead off a 
query, with a deadline, they might not be able to meet it. And one point 
about editors you left out is that reliability counts more with them than 
just talent. The best writer in the world who delivers everything late 
doesn't impress editors as much as a mediocre writer who understands deadline 
pressures. So, until you develop the ability to write it when you need to, 
it's often better to write and submit complete stories rather than queries. >

Next, a comment re: SASEs---which are, perhaps, the biggest joke in the 
industry.

When I started in the business, more years ago than I care to remember, I 
dutifully enclosed an SASE with every submission. Bymeby, I'd get a reply 
from the editor---yes, no, or make me a better offer. And it was almost 
_always_ in the magazine's letterhead envelope, more times than not with a 
postage label.

One of these days, I used to swear, I was going to write a piece called 
"Whatever Happens To Those SASEs?" I reckon they wind up in the same place as 
all those missing socks.

Anyway, instead of an SASE, I just send stamps. In my cover letter I point 
out that "postage is enclosed for your reply." 

My response level was never effected by doing this. And there are several 
other benefits.

1. Half the time you get your own stamp back.
2. You save half your envelope money.
3. An SASE often is just enough to send a query letter into the second ounce 
category; additional postage you avoid without using a second envelope.

You can really carry this to extremes. I know a writer who maintains a 
seperate checking account just for his editorial submissions. He actually 
writes checks for .34. So far, none of them have ever been used. Those times 
he hasn't gotten it back it's because the editor was so amused by it he kept 
it as a curiosity. 



Brook

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