Write an INQUIRY or PITCH Letter

Hello Fellow Writers!

Below, I have included a quick letter to a magazine publisher friend.

I thought of three ideas (digest sized niche mags) that might help him sell more magazines.

TIP: If you are writing an Inquiry Letter or First Pitch Letter, reveal some personality! And don't be afraid to reveal "the insane idea" as it shows imagination, and publishers appreciate that.

PROFIT: If possible, show the value to the person receiving the letter. In this case, I went ahead and suggested business sectors that could be potential advertisers.
---------------------

Hi XXX,

It was great to see you at Piedmont Park on Sunday. Thanks for
everything you are doing behind the scenes for this Community and
others.

Below are the initial ideas I pitched to you for other niche
publications where people would advertise their various businesses in
other communities. I start with my craziest idea first! LOL

LONESOME ROAD: Have you ever stopped-in a truck shop and had a
meal? A real brotherhood of buying power exists there. They share
stories and have friends from all over the USA. I think there needs
to be a monthly "reader" Trucking magazine where guys can share their
positive stories about the Open Road. Advertisers would include Truck
stops, eateries along the routes, motels repair garages and such.

HEALTHNUT: In Atlanta there are so many different "green" places
that specialize in everything from healing tonics to chiropractic
medicine. Acupuncturists, wellness centers, doctors, and healthy
eating establishments would enjoy advertising in this monthly guide to
"...all things healthy in Atlanta and beyond."

CHEF LIFE: Where do the chefs of Atlanta go to eat? This would
be a monthly magazine directed at high end restaurant clientel, with
cheaper advertising than Jezebel and Piedmont Review. Think of the
big ATL restaurant chains for advertising, who also want their Chefs
to be interviewed by the press: Fifth Group, Metrotainment etc.

Good luck on everything this week!

Pals,

Ray
VP/Page

Examiner.com Hello

I'd like to introduce a great resource for you... http://www.examiner.com

On this site you can learn just about everything that a "local" knows about his or her city. There is a list of cities, so if you are going to a new place---consider it a Must Read.

From articles like "Last Minute Mother's Day Gift Ideas for under $20" to "How to add More Fiber to your Diet" each writer gives their best advice, and pulls information from the experts.

I've recently applied to become a columnist for them in their Business Section. Friends, keep pulling for me!

Happy 2009 & Thanks

Thanks to everyone who has supported me as I finish my first entire year on concentrated writing.

This year I was able to complete a Blog, Manley with Horns! Networking-the play! and Extravagance-the musical!

I also have completed outlines for The Garden Party and Raise My Town My Love. In the wings I am already working on Sure is Handsome, a thriller.

Thanks to Jennifer and the Atlanta Writers Group, for their encouragement in the Spring of 2008, when I began writing Manley.

Thanks to Judy Bozarth, who encouraged me to "...write about your unique story."

Thanks to Phillip King, who has offered to edit the first book, and shop for potential buyers of Applause for Anger.

Thanks to Kim Davis and Martha Macon, (who are afraid to read my writing at times) for their ardent support.

Thanks to Ron Leathers, who has always supported my creative yearnings.

Call for Submissions APPLAUSE for ANGER

We have started a collaborative book project.

If you know of someone who would like to make a short submission, have them email me.

The study is called Applause For Anger, and we are looking for short stories, poetry, and artwork. So far we have some great additions to the project.

The theme is beauty in anger, and the transmission of anger to strength.

raymacon@gmail.com

Networking-A play by Ray Macon

This site will be running in a few days. I apologize but I'm now writing off of three different PCs. The one containing 30 pages of Networking-the Play isn't' as yet playing along with others.

For a preview of this ridiculously real story about Professionals who network, go to
http://www.networkingplay.blogspot.com

Networking-the Musical

Over the last day I have written 10 pages. You're going to love it.

Working on Stuff for Editor

This week I have a personal deadline to get some stuff over to my Editor Phillip King.

To read a preview of my story, Manley, with Horns! go to this blog: http://www.raymacon.blogspot.com

Pitch for SoVo Column Ask a Business Person

ASK A BUSINESS PERSON

I ran into the Editor of the Southern Voice recently at a GLBT Travel Expo.

"..how does one become a Columnist?" I asked "...I have an idea for a column."

He was gentle spirit. He slipped me his card. "Well, send me an email," he said "...what's your idea for a column?"

"It's a cross between Dear Abbey and that feeling if you don't get advice soon you're going to bash the competition ---or better yet a Co-Worker---in an upcoming business presentation."

The Editor smiled.

"I write all the time, and would bring in re-enforcements to make sure I was giving the best advice."

"Shoot me an email," he said, "...we'll talk."

Professional Writing

Q: Do you ever send professional association letters, and how do you go about composing them?

Yes, I send professional letters all the time. A good rule of thumb is to always ask yourself: what is the purpose of the correspondence? Is it to invite attendees? Is the purpose to update members (such as the examples from Cindy and I below) on the association's events or work?

You can be personal but not be too personal. For instance, start with a sincere sentence like:

"Hi (your name here),

I hope everyone in your family is well.

Procede to what you really want:

I just wanted to remind you about our Writing Workshop which we will be holding in the Clubhouse of our Complex this coming Saturday.

End with a sincere tagline and sign-out:

If there are any questions or concerns, please call my cell. I know you mentioned a previous engagement, but you are always welcome to join us!

Sincerely (or better yet---) Your Friend,

RR Macon
Atlanta
---------------
Another good tip is to keep it simple. Cindy keeps her letters more compact than me, but I make up for that by including helpful links.

In the example below Cindy and I wanted our Urban Professionals Network to set-aside certain event dates.

However, always trying to go that extra mile with writing---I also used the letter to compliment members who have business tools our entire group could share.

So it accomplishes both goals:

-----------------------------------
Hi Urban Professionals (UP)!

I just want to commend David Page on his company's growth to an Internet-Based business. Check out this link to his web site: http://www.page-enterprises.cceasy.com/index.cfm.We have seen David's web site grow from being an info-only page to a business where you can receive your own login and customers discounts. You can shop, and browse hundreds of products. David this must have taken a long time and as one of your fellow UP Members, I compliment you.

In the world of mortgage news---have you ever wanted to "watch" a housing market from as far as two states away? The other day Lonnie Schatz and I compared notes and we both are interested in watching the South Florida real estate market. AHM has a great tool which you can use to watch other real estate markets. Locally I use their Home Buyers Marketplace "Scout" to keep my eye of the 30306 area code. If you know ANY realtors, send them Lonnie's way. Believe me, they need this tool more than ever. (To inquire, send Lonnie an email Lonnie Schatz lonnie.schatz@americanhm.com).

Also congratulations to Leah Henderson's son Adam Arcuragi for getting recognized by ABC News. Adam is a very talented musician.
I play Adam's demo CD all the time and I am happy he is getting the recognition he deserves: http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/index?section=entertainment&id=4528277

We hope to everyone at the breakfast on February 7th at Huey's (8-9am). UP Members please feel free to bring a guest.

At UP we celebrate small business and the many steps it takes to be successful. And we can be successful. Keep climbing higher everyone! Cindy Caldwell's Monthly email follows...

Your Friend,

Ray Macon
Persily & Associates
"Now a full service law firm!"
404-352-1100
http://www.persilylaw.com/
http://raisemytownmylove.blogspot.com/

-----------------------------------------
Hi everyone...

Please save the dates for our February events!

Wed, Feb 7 from 8 - 9am at Huey's on Peachtree in Midtown--invite guests for coffee, beignets & professional networking! We will do one-minutes and set up our speaker schedule for '07. We encourage you to invite guests to speak for future meetings!

Thursday, Feb 22 - margaritas at El Azteca (close to Huey's on Peachtree) from 6 - 8pm -- casual networking!

An email will be coming from Ray shortly that you can use to invite guests to these events.

--Cindy

Cindy D. Caldwell
Creative Consultant/Business Development
Randstad Creative Talent
"Good to Know You"

http://www.us.randstad.com/
http://www.randstadinsight.com/ (National Employment News)