There are many numerous ways to promote yourself to future clients.  Here, we go over the dynamics of one way to promote your skill sets to an editor of a publication.  A query letter writer should follow the four parts of the AIDA formula explained in Robert Bly’s Secrets of A Freelance Writer: How To Make $100,000 A Year:

1. Get ATTENTION
2. Hook the reader’s INTEREST
3. Create DESIRE
4. Call for ACTION

Get ATTENTION- A verbally intensive leading paragraph should have a strong starting sentence backed up by facts or experience to support it.

“Is this letter a waste of paper? Yes- if it fails to get the desired result.  In business, most letters and memos are written to generate a specific response, close a sale, set up a meeting, get a job interview, make a contact.  Many of these letters fail to do their job.”

Hook the reader’s INTEREST- This is usually a clear explanation of the reader’s (your potential client’s) problems or concerns.  Be sure to offer a solution.

“Part of the problem is that business executives and support staff don’t know how to write persuasively.  The solution is a formula first discovered by advertising copywriters, a formula called AIDA.”  (Ironic, no?)

Create DESIRE- When you’re submitting this letter for consideration, you’re offering your skills and services or product.  To create a desire for your product or service, tell the reader the benefit they’ll get.

“I’d like to write a 1,500-word article on “How to Write Letters That Get Results.”  The piece will illustrate the AIDA formula with a variety of actual letters and memos from insurance companies, bank, manufacturers, and other organizations.”

Call for ACTION- Ask for the assignment, be specific.

“This letter, too, was written to get a specific result: an article assignment from the editor of Amtrak Express.  Did it succeed?”

Mr. Bly’s letter in fact DID land him the assignment.  He was even paid $400.00 for his work.

“It Matters How You Say It!”

If you need writing or editing assistance with the very confusing English language rules, contact the professionals at Writing It Right For You. We’re here to help because “It Matters How You Say It”!

**Quotes from Query Letter to editor of Amtrak Express in Secrets of A Freelance Writer: How To Make $100,000 A Year By Robert Bly.