If you are investing time in a point-of-view (POV) essay, make sure the publication you are aiming for has a column devoted to opinion. Some do not. Once you know your targeted venue has such a column, it’s best to query the editor about your idea. First, though, take a look through several past issues of the magazine or newspaper and make sure someone hasn’t written about a similar topic recently.
There are lots of books out there that will tell you how to write snappy query letters, but, as an editor who reads a lot of e-mail, I suggest you make it short and to the point, just like your writing should be. And use your spell check; nothing turns an editor off to your pitch like one with typos. For POVs, which are generally 1 to 2 typed pages in length, you should be able to describe your idea in a sentence or two. These queries can also be sent via e-mail in the text of the message, without an attachment, much like your letter to the editor. Remember to include your name and contact information.
Aside: If you don’t have one, create a professional sounding e-mail address when you write to an editor. Names that you think sound cute with friends, like “Iamaslug@xxx.com,” will just end up in the trash or in the editor’s spam mailbox. And they certainly don't lend themselves to a good first impression!
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