Query Letter One

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Sample Query Letter One

Dear Mr. Salm:

Every year, over 40,000 Connecticut students attend degree and certificate programs at the several different community colleges in the state, according to a study done by Tunxis Community College. Approximately 100,000 more are enrolled in classes for continuing education and personal interest courses. These students are all looking to do one thing; get an affordable and top-notch education. But what happens if they want to transfer?

I would like to propose an article detailing the how-to’s of continuing education beyond one of Connecticut’s twelve community colleges, for Connecticut Magazine, tentatively titled, “Beyond the First Two Years: What Comes Next For Connecticut Students.” Transferring successfully from a two-year school to a four-year school is a move that takes planning and finesse, and I would like to help students on that journey.

Some points that would be covered:

· Various staff at the colleges to get started on the process of transferring.

· What sort of financial aid and scholarships are available to transfer students.

· What is important in deciding on a four-year university, and who offers a supportive climate and a high success rate for transfer students.

· A timeline for planning a transfer.

· A quick look into any helpful websites or planning tools that are out there.

This article would consist of about 750-1000 words. It would be a regular service piece, written in a how-to format, which could also take advantage of eye pleasing text-boxes. Photos of students could also enhance the layout of the piece.

Readers of Connecticut magazine would be very interested in this article because so many of us know college students. This bit of service journalism is relevant not only for those who will be graduating from a two-ear school but also anyone at a four-year school who is unhappy or thinks they can do better.

I’ve spent two years writing for Housatonic Horizons. During that time, I’ve written a number of articles on topics covering a very wide range. For the last year, I’ve had the role of editor, which has taught me quite a bit about professional writing. While I may not have any publishing credits outside of the school to my name, I am still well qualified to write this story.

As a community college student myself, intent on transferring, I’ve started the research and have looked into contacts both for the story and for my own transfer. As a result, my genuine, first-hand interest in this topic has given me much more than a casual surface familiarity and will infuse the article with pragmatism and vigor.

If you think you might be interested in seeing this article published in Connecticut Magazine, I would be happy to provide you with a finished draft in four weeks. Thank you so much for your time.

Sincerely,

Amanda Evans

* This query letter is based on The Five Paragraph Query Letter, a style I’ve found most helpful and endearing.

by Amanda Evans

Date: 02/24/05