Three Tips for Email Communication with Editors
There used to be a day when freelance writers had to send query letters to editors via snail mail. While this is still commonplace to a certain extent, in most cases you should be able to make contact via email. This is always easier than sending regular mail, but along with this form of communication comes several do’s and don’ts.
Here are three tips for successfully communicating with editors via email.
1. Your initial email needs to be perfect. This means that your query letter should include all of the proper information, and just as importantly, it needs to be free of typos. If you are going to find your contacts in Writer’s Market, you will also be able to find information on what to include in your query letter.
On a side not, you should personalize every email that you send. In other words, do not use a generic email for every editor that you contact. If you do, they will see right through this and it will greatly hurt your chances of a response.
2. Many people would rather email editors because it is quicker and simpler than snail mail. But unless you know for sure that the editor accepts email queries, you do not want to go this route. Remember, not every editor likes to receive tons of email. Many of them prefer the old fashion query letter sent through the mail.
3. Make sure that you include all of your contact information in your first email to an editor. When sending a letter by mail, this is something that most people remember 99 percent of the time. But when it comes to email, they often times forget. In addition to your email address, you will also want to include your phone number and mailing address. This way, the editor has all of the information they need to get in touch with you in a number of different ways.
Keep these tips in mind when communicating with editors via email. They are particularly useful for the initial contact with an editor.
