Magazine Article Query Letter

November 16, 2008
Mr. Steve Doherty
American Artist magazine
29 W. 46th St. 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10036
(646) 654-5506
sdoherty@myamericanartist.com

Dear Mr. Doherty:

As publisher of American Artist magazine, you understand that many people who are new to watercolor are unsure, and even daunted, by the amount of knowledge painting requires.  Information about paper, brushes, paints, and even lighting are generally unknown to the average person.

I propose a 1,000-word article addressing these very issues in a ‘how-to’ format.  I will interview experts in the field, particularly Associate Professor Douglas Hansen, an instructor at California State University, Fresno who has a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in art.  He has over 23 years of experience in illustration, from working for The Fresno (Calif.) Bee newspaper to illustrating a series called Fresno Sketchbook.

I am a Fresno State student who is majoring in Graphic Design.  As a result, I understand that there are many subtle details and information that are invaluable to the watercolor painting process.  I am confident that I can provide your magazine with a unique and insightful ‘how-to’ article that will be helpful to your existing readers, as well as new readers.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Sean Prettyman
2692 Casty Ct.
Sanger, CA 93657
(559)790-4094