Writer's Guide to Queries, Pitches & Proposals [Paperback]

Moira Anderson Allen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2001

Every writer wants to publish as widely as possible, and this book gives writers the tools to achieve a competitive edge and break into a wide range of markets. The second edition has been updated throughout and expanded to cover e-mail pitches, letters of introduction, pitching to international markets, how to pitch agents at conferences, and new markets such as greeting cards. This sprightly guide enables readers to expand their markets and increase sales by learning how to make the perfect pitch to magazines, publishers, corporations, and other potential clients. This indispensable resource provides writers with successful approaches to such topics as how to craft a query letter, create a nonfiction or fiction book proposal, approach newspapers with a column or syndication idea, get corporate freelancing jobs, and win a writing grant. Interviews with experts in a variety of fields and dozens of new examples of successful pitches, queries and proposals enliven and illustrate the text. Beginning and experienced writers will find this the perfect one-of-a-kind, desktop reference for developing the market approaches they need to sell their work.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

If you do your homework, follow guidelines, and present yourself well, according to Moira Anderson Allen in The Writer's Guide to Queries, Pitches, & Proposals, you may be on your way from writer to published writer. Or maybe not. "There's always more good writing than there are markets for that writing," says Allen, so you have to "intrigue the editor." Allen and her contributors divulge secrets to effective queries, proposals, and synopses. They have advice on becoming a syndicated columnist, securing an agent, landing speaking and teaching engagements, and doing business writing. They weigh the advantages and disadvantages of alternatives to mainstream publishing (e-publishing, subsidy publishing, and self-publishing), and of online display sites, where editors and agents (after they get through the mass of paper on their desks and still want to read more) can check out writers' work. Great information--especially the many hints on what not to do. --Jane Steinberg

From Booklist

Even though there are thousands of howtobeawriter books already in print, there always seems to be a new way to tackle this familiar subject. Allen, an established writer, editor, and publisher, takes a handson approach to a very specific aspect of the topic, telling (and, through examples, showing) wouldbe authors how to get out of the starting blocks by crafting solid queries, pitches, and proposals. She also addresses such related questions as finding an agent, preparing a story synopsis, and using the Internet as a research tool. In addition to its specific focus, what sets this book apart from its numerous competitors is Allen's stance on breaking the rules: in a word, don't. Unlike many howto books, which tell budding writers it's OK to get creative with a proposal, this one tells it like it is: if you break the basic rules, you substantially reduce your chances of making a sale. This doittherightway point of view is refreshing and entirely proper. An excellent reference book that's sure to find an eager audience. David Pitt
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Allworth Press (August 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581150997
• ISBN-13: 978-1581150995
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.6 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #936,330 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very sound, informative book, January 25, 2003

By 

Anna Klein - See all my reviews

This review is from: Writer's Guide to Queries, Pitches & Proposals (Paperback)

With chapters on everything from Fiction Proposals to selling your Syndicate Column, this book will be a big help to anyone seeking to inprove their chances of getting published. The book has 23 chapters, one which deals with succeeding in a scheduled online chat, another with tips for international writers. There are many sample queries, a full sample fiction synopsis, anatomy of a synopsis, etc. I found this book very helpful and highly recommend it.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical help is worth it's weight in paychecks, August 30, 2004

By 

C. Businelle (Oregon Coast) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Writer's Guide to Queries, Pitches & Proposals (Paperback)

This book helped me get an assignment to write an article on speculation with my first response to a query. Using Ms. Allen's advice, I decided to try freelance writing and sent out 7 queries. My first two responses arrived on the same day--the assignment and a form rejection letter; her book prepared me for both!

Her concrete examples, understanding of what editors look for, and detailed explanation of query construction were invaluable. This is a great book!

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insights on approaches which work, January 6, 2002

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Writer's Guide to Queries, Pitches & Proposals (Paperback)

Writers need to develop strong proposals to even get their work read: Moira Allen's The Writer's Guide To Queries, Pitches & Proposals provides both beginning and experienced writers with tips and practical examples on how to write queries for publications ranging from books to columns. Insights on approaches which work also provide keys to understanding the publishing industry as a whole.