As a writer you find yourself considering the possibility of submitting something for the magazine to consider. You have even written an article or two, but never had the courage to send them on. You have dozens of ideas, but they never go any further than the dream you have every time you look at the publisher information and see the word 'Submission'.

Most magazines have a certain amount of freelance material they accept for publishing. These freelance positions can be a one-time shot at publishing; however there have been many instances where a dependable freelance writer may be called upon to write for the magazine on a regular basis. Should this happen you will likely receive greater compensation for your articles.

Typically magazines pay either by the word or by the article. Predictably, publishers do not generally accept fully written articles unless they ask you for them.

The method most magazine publishers use to select freelance work is to read through queries provided by freelance writers. In its simplest form a query is an outline of the article you are interested in writing. A query actually serves a duel purposes, the first is to allow the publisher the opportunity to consider many different article possibilities and, secondly you are not required to actually write the article unless the publisher specifically asks you to follow-up your query with an actual manuscript.

A query for magazine publishing should include the following:

A brief introduction.

An outline of the subject you with to write about and the angle you wish to take with the story.

A succinct list of writing credentials that may relate to your interest to write for the publication.

A sense of appreciation to the publisher for taking time to review your query.

Your query letter should take no more than two pages and should convey the idea that your story would be unique and compelling.

Because magazine writing is most often speculative (no guarantee the work will be published) a query is a timesaving and door-opening method in gaining the attention of a publisher.