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.

Theme: Claiming creator identity + income trajectory Here’s a powerful re-frame I love: Your money wants direction. When you give your money a mission, you also give yourself one. Inspired by Lenka Lutanska, I’ve been playing with identity statements like: “I am a four-figure content creator.” “I am a five-figure creator in motion.” This isn’t pretending — this is positioning. She started as a five-figure coach and built forward. I’m currently a four-figure spiritual/creative coach — and that means getting in now is powerful. You don’t wait to arrive to claim the road. Your money’s mission might be: • to validate your value • to support your transition • to prove consistency to yourself • to build belief through evidence Whatever your “thing” is — art, business, content, service — money follows identity. Decide who you are, give money its assignment, and let momentum handle the rest. 👉 Highly recommend this watch: https://youtu.be/XNZpwuQQ5Wg?si=S_IxHxCxf6axk5LZ

Yes, that’s the ticket! Been in a rather rough patch personally, and just kept going back to what I do best — sharing the journey, and what I do! I relate! That’s how? Sharing my adventures … and then, yesterday, a friend (from high school); I graduated in 1981 and live 2,000 miles from where I grew up, this friend from decades ago related and sent $1,000 for coaching! No phone call, or pitch — at least, personally — just taking note from a personal vlog on FB! Woo Hoo!

Your joy is your compass -- follow it without apology. https://www.youtube.com/live/1ivj05qxMNc?si=nTRb2gQRms09nmEL

Moving forward. Still waiting to go home (the Court will have an answer soon). A friend took me in for the long weekend. Now, in Manhattan, with another friend. I do love being the City, actually. Manifested: 1) Vacation (in hotel) 2) Days away from roach infested apartment (home) 3) A lawyer found 4) A comfortable stay in Queens Village, NY 5) A comfortable stay in Manhattan Yes, manifested what I often was focusing on!