Assignment #9: Pitching

Assignment #9 - Due Before 7/22

Write a query letter for an article, perhaps an article that you have worked on in class. Customize the pitch for a specific publication. Use a real publication, but it’s fine if, for now, you make up the editor’s name.
_____________________________
I wrote:

Tina Fisher
55 Flying Fish Dr Belize, Central America
226-4000 7/22/2008
Re: Proposal for Publication

Travel + Leisure Magazine Mr. John Hancock
1120 Avenue of the Americas, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10036
212-382-5600

Attention Mr. John Hancock

Dear Mr. John Hancock:

Proposal for Publication

I stepped off the plane and looked around and immediately knew that this was like no other island I had ever been to. The plane landed right in the heart of San Pedro, Belize. There was very little traffic. The streets were made of sand. I notice that the tourist were the only people wearing shoes, and “No shirt, no shoes, no problem” was written on a billboard at the end of a long fence. San Pedro would soon be the place of our new home. The people were wonderful. It was as if they had not a worry in the world, no stress and not one crying baby. The town was small. Everyone drove golf carts or rode bikes to get around. The tourist took taxis or rented a golf cart. Everyone knew each other and always had a wave and a smile. People were strolling along the streets and children playing happily.

I would like to publish an article on island living and show a sense of belonging when you find the right place. Island living can be very rewarding and adventurous. People have to realize that living on an island is much different from just visiting. If you plan on relocating to the Caribbean make sure you do your research. Look for a place where you will fit in, because you will not change the place the place will change you. Make sure you can adapt to your surroundings and make friends before you make the move. Make sure that you can deal with the infrastructure that is in place and have patience when things don’t go as planned. It can be a wonderful experience if you don’t expect too much and enjoy it for what it is.

I have been studying article writing for a short time, but think I can do a great job writing about living on islands sense I have been living in the Caribbean for over seventeen years. I would love the chance to show you, from my writings, my experiences and hope this would help others in their travels. I would love to send you my entire article for your approval and consideration for your upcoming publication. I look forward to hearing from you and I appreciate your time.

Sincerely,

Tina Fisher

__________________________________________________________

Teacher Comments:

S. James Snyder, Posted: Jul. 25th

Hi Tina:

I love the streamlined approach here. You are crisp and to the point, jumping into the topic, the angle and the way you would go about it. Most importantly: It looks short, so someone with only a few seconds might be willing to give it a try, and then find themselves wrapped up in your lede. I like this a lot - and it displays your writing style/sense of pacing and phrasing quite nicely. Great job here - and congratulations on a wonderful class. I've so enjoyed returning to your voice every week...keep sprinting forward!