Dear Reader:

Whether you're a freelance writer turning out magazine articles to pay the bills ...

Or a businessperson writing articles to promote yourself, your company, your product, or your services ....

Your chances of convincing an editor to publish your article increase exponentially when you can write a great query letter.

A "query letter" is a brief (1-2 page) letter proposal to an editor.

It concisely outlines the article you want to write - including the topic, contents, and your qualifications to write it.

Editors, with rare exception, do not want to look at unsolicited article manuscripts.

Send in your article without querying first, and it's likely to come flying back in the return mail with a quick "no thanks" rejection.

It's easy to understand editors' disdain of unsolicited manuscripts.

In the first place, they're too busy to read entire manuscripts in choosing material.

They'd much rather get a concise 1-page query - and make their decision on whether to have you write the article for them on that.

Secondly, when an editor reviews an article proposal in the query stage, he can exercise his editorial input - and tell you what he'd like to see in the finished article - before you've written a word.

That way, he gets an article that fits his readership - and you get published!

The secret, of course, is knowing how to write a winning query letter ... one that:

... demonstrates your knowledge and grasp of the topic.

... showcases your ability to write clear, clean, engaging prose.

... compels the editor to reply, "Yes, I want the article! How soon can you have it?"

That's the kind of hard-hitting, result-getting query letter Linda Walker and I show you how to write - step by step - in our e-book The Query Letter Handbook.

Become an article writing machine!

In the Query Letter Handbook, you'll learn everything you need to know to consistently write winning query letters that win over editors and get your articles published in both consumer and trade magazines.

Including:

• How to write a compelling lead for your query letter that grabs the editor by the lapels and won't let go. Page 39.
• The one salutation you should never use in your query letters. Page 41.
• What to put in the subject line when querying by e-mail. Plus: why never to send an attached file to editors who do not know you. Page 49.
• Finding the right person to send your query letter to. Page 10.
• What's the difference between a "query letter" vs. a "proposal" - and which do you need to write? Page 11.
• Why editors insist that you query instead of sending the finished article. Page 14.
• 6 essential rules for writing query letters. Ignore them at your peril. Page 38.
• Do you need a literary agent to represent you? Plus: the most common mistake writers make when asking agents to represent them. Page 16.
• How to find the right magazine to pitch your article ideas to. Page 19.
• Little-known insider's tip lets you zero in on the right publisher for your material. Page 24.
• Increase your chances of getting your articles published with these tips for coming up with great article titles. Page 42.
• Can you ever just skip the query letter and pitch the idea to an editor by phone? Page 80.
• 9 rules for choosing "clips" - tear sheets of your previously published articles, if you have any - to enclose with your query letter. Page 64.
• How to track your query letters, article submissions, and their status on your computer. Page 86.
• Should you send your query letter via overnight delivery or certified mail? The answer may shock you. Page 55.
• How to gain the reader's trust by pointing out flaws in your product as well as advantages. Page 38.
• How to make sure you send your query letter to the right editor at the magazine or newspaper. Page 57.
• Must you include a self-addressed stamped #10 envelope (SASE) when you send query letters? Page 75.
• What to do when the editor does not reply to your query. Page 76.
• The shocking truth about multiple queries and submissions. Page 79.
• Should you phone the magazine's editorial office before mailing your query letter - and if so, why? Page 26.
• The ideal length for a query letter - and when to break this rule. Page 35.
• What to tell the editor about you and your qualifications in your query letter ... and what to leave out. Page 43.
• Should you use personalized stationery or choose a colored paper to make your query letters stand out? Page 30.
• Which is best for query letters - snail mail or e-mail? Page 45.
• How to cope with rejections. Plus: should you be encouraged by a personalized rejection letter? Page 82.
• Query letters that worked - and why. Page 92.
• And much more....

"OK, but what will it cost me?"

The price of the Query Letter Handbook is just $29 -- less than I charge for just 5 minutes of my time.

You'll earn that back - more than 10 times over - with the very first article you sell.

And if you are not 100% satisfied with the Query Letter Handbook, you don't pay even that much. Here's why....

Our 100% iron-clad guarantee of satisfaction

I totally guarantee your satisfaction with the Query Letter Handbook.

If you aren't convinced that it's the smartest investment you've made in your freelance writing career this year, just let me know within 90 days.

I'll give you a full and prompt refund. And you can keep the e-book with my compliments.

That way, you risk nothing.

So what are you waiting for?

To order the Query Letter Handbook on a 90-day risk-free trial basis, just click here now:

Sincerely,

Robert W. Bly, Director
CTC Publishing

P.S. Order our edition of the Query Letter Handbook today and you get a FREE Special Bonus Report, Take Your Copywriting to the Next Level (list price: $29).

In this 59-page special report, you will discover:

• How to get great testimonials for your ads ... and where to use them in your copy. Page 44.
• The magic of "false logic" - convincing the reader that you know what you're talking about no matter how complex the topic. Page 35.
• Using the "Copy Length Grid" to determine whether your ad copy should be long or short. Page 50.
• How to prepare for a copywriting assignment. Page 3.
• Reach your prospects on a deeper level using the "BDF formula to uncover their core buying complex. Page 40.
• And more....

To order the Query Letter Handbook on a no-risk 90-day trial basis ... and get your FREE Bonus Report ... click below now:

About Bob Bly

Bob Bly is a full-time freelance copywriter specializing in direct marketing. He earns more than $600,000 a year from his writing, speaking, and consulting, and became a self-made multi-millionaire while still in his 30s.

A copywriter for more than a quarter of a century, Bob has written promotions for over 100 clients including Phillips, Agora, KCI, 21st Century, Weiss Research, EBI Medical Systems, Sony, IBM, AT&T, Grumman, Crain Communications, McGraw-Hill, Intuit, and AlliedSignal.

Bob is the author of 70 books including The Copywriter's Handbook (Henry Holt) and Business-to-Business Direct Marketing (NTC Business Books). He has published more than 100 articles in such publications as Successful Meetings, Direct, Business Marketing, Writer's Digest, and Amtrak Express.

Bob's writing awards include a Gold Echo from the Direct Marketing Association, an IMMY from the Information Industry Association, two Southstar Awards, an American Corporate Identity Award of Excellence, and the Standard of Excellence award from the Web Marketing Association. He also taught marketing at New York University.

Bob has appeared as a guest on dozens of TV and radio shows including The Advertising Show, Bernard Meltzer, CNBC, and CBS Hard Copy. He has been featured in major media ranging from the LA Times and Nation's Business to the New York Post and the National Enquirer. He was a featured speaker at the 2006 annual conference of the National Speakers Association.

What they say about Bob Bly ‘s copy and counsel

"Good things are happening. I am getting a steady stream of Trial and Demo requests from the new site. These requestors are filling out the entire contact form. The site is simpler now, and I am still working to make it even more so. I appreciate your work."
--Jim Romano, DataForceOne

"Thank you so much for your wonderful work. It has been a pleasure working with you and I look forward to working with you on another project in the near future. You were always available, quick to answer questions and always exceeded my expectations. You truly are a gifted writer."
--Aaron Griffith, The Griffith

"Bob, again thanks for the great copy. You consistently help us reach customers with compelling, actionable content, when others just can't!"
--William McElleney, IBM

"The feedback keeps coming in and we all agree yours was a truly helpful, useful, insightful and effective workshop. You did a fantastic job inspiring the troops and we've already begun applying some of the key learnings."
--Paul Connors, Copywriting Manager, A large financial services company in the Chicago area

"Bob...your creative work, patience, and 'partnership' with us at IT Group has virtually propelled us to another level of business professionalism and recognition. The response we've received from your letters has been nothing short of tremendous. We've not only derived significant business from these unforgettable mailings--your efforts have sparked a creative energy within our ranks which will assist us in years to come. Thanks for your guidance and counsel."
--John A. Fallone, IT Group International

"I hired Bob on his reputation, and found it is well-deserved. His fact-finding process in preparation to write our copy was both painless and enlightening. The final deliverables were right on time as promised, and better than expected - which is saying a lot because my expectations were high. The first time I read his copy for our project, I literally got chills down my back - he nailed it the first time. Wow."
--Dennis Rosenberg, VP Marketing, VNUS Medical Technologies, Inc.

"Bob Bly did an amazing job with our company brochure. We are very impressed with his capacity to learn our product and to write copy so clearly and pointedly. Bob Bly is a great marketing investment."
--Michael Manoussos, Manhole Barrier Systems

"Great white paper! I'm in favor of the entire submission. Please congratulate Bob on a great effort."
--Michael C. Howard, Chasm Recovery

"Your Tax Loopholes ad looked great and is performing very well. Thanks for the strong copy."
--Brian Kurtz, Boardroom

"You did an excellent job. It's been a pleasure working with you on this project."
--Edward Brunet, Decatur Professional Development, LLC

"Thank you very, very much for doing such a great job on the ad. I was one of those folks who would read the ads in the DAK catalog by Drew Kaplan and this was as enjoyable for me as that."
--Chris Pickering, MeritDirect

"Bob . . . Just got the copy and advertisement you did for my new book . . . It's great! You are good! Great job . . . you have tremendous insights into what excites and what sells!"
--Don Libey, Libey Incorporated

"In my opinion, you are the best copywriter in the software industry."
--Judy MacDonald, Director of Marketing, Direct Response

"When I received the piece, I thought, I'll have to skim over it now and read it later. But, once I started, I couldn't stop! You did a GREAT job with Ken's story. I love it. It kept me reading. I'm VERY pleased with it."
--Craig Simpson, Ken Roberts Company

"Bob, It's been a pleasure to work with you!!! Thank you so much! I'm very happy with the copy; I feel it will give me good results."
--Alejandra P. Bigai, Romanicos Chocolate

"Thanks again for a great job."
--Davis Ross, Ross Advertising

"I just wanted to thank you again for the excellent work you did for us. You are the man and I can't tell you how much I admired your approach and service. Although I've never worked with a copywriter before, I think you set the standard pretty high. I look forward to working with you again. You certainly have my vote for the next round!"
--DP Jovine, Tycoon Research

"Great job - I'm always amazed at how you can boil the complex down into simple terms. It flows very well."
--Kyle Hodgens, Capital Financial Media

"Thank you for the copy. I see why you're the expert. It's so simple, it's brilliant."
--Sau Hyoung Pak, Big Machine

"The radio spots are very well done. I am very impressed with your work and copywriting expertise. We will be making the changes to the print ad as you suggested. In the future we may work with you to design a totally new print ad. Again I'd like to say I'm impressed with your services. You were prompt, informative, and definitely know your stuff. We will be recommending you to others and doing repeat business."
--Joshua Andrews, Health Solutions, LLC

"When people get to the promotion, the promotion has a good conversion rate. In one test, it actually had a 14% conversion to sale... can't ask for much better than that."
--David Galland, Casey Research

"I loved the ad! I don't see any reason for revision so I have already put through a check request for the balance I owe you on the ad. We are very excited about this one. I can't wait to see how it does. Thanks so much!"
--Alice Wessendorf, Agora Health Book

"I show off the work that we did on lead generation for negotiation -- as well as the conversion program from HMCL -- as big successes."
--Paul Szymanski, Harvard Business School Publishing

"Thank you for being very instrumental on making the launch of the wealth management book such a resounding success. It was so successful that we had to request more copies."
--Ingrid Boney, II

"Thanks, Bob! You are awesome to work with."
--Matt Morsa, Stock Secrets, Inc.

"I've spoken to a thousand copywriters over the years and Bob Bly is the best. He knows what he's doing."
--Joe Culotta, Natural Medicine Co.

"I am happy to report to you that your piece out produced the 4 other packages we tested against it. I want to talk to you about another project...."
--Nick Roumi, Pacific Coast Funding