A Simple Query Letter Framework That’s Worked for Me for Years (and Just Worked Again) I want to share a query-letter structure I learned years ago in a professional writing course — one I’ve used over and over, and one that just helped me land an editorial acceptance with a travel magazine. It also works for job inquiries with some tweaking here and there. I call it: HEY – YOU – SEE – SAY It’s simple, memorable, and it works especially well for blind queries (when you don’t have a direct contact). 1) HEY — Capture Attention This is your opening. Its only job is to make them want to keep reading. It can be: - A compelling line from your piece - A bold, honest statement - A sentence that immediately signals voice or theme Example: “Adventure has been my favorite word since childhood — and I’m finally living it at 62.” This isn’t about overly impressing. It’s about engaging, getting interest on what you can (and know you can). 2) YOU — Who You Are Now you ground it. This is where you say: - Who you are - What you do - Why you’re reaching out Example: “My name is Angela Theresa Egic, a writer and photographer, and I was recently accepted by Travel Inspiration Magazine for a NYC travel feature.” Short. Clear. Human. 3) SEE — Why You’re the Right Person This is where you connect you to this project. You’re answering the unspoken question: “Why should this come from you?” Example: - You’ve lived the experience - You bring a specific lens - You’re reliable, fast, professional - You can write regularly if needed This is where credibility lives — without bragging. 4️⃣ SAY — Close Simply This part should always be short. One or two lines. That’s it. Example: “I’d love to explore this further and am happy to share samples or details. I look forward to hearing from you.” Done.