Last minute advice before I jump in?

[madfish]

Hi all,
I'm a new user inspired to join the Water Cooler by this forum, so I figured it was only appropriate to introduce myself here. I'm unpublished, unless you count my masters thesis and a few web posts I got paid about $10 a piece for. (Hey, you've gotta start somewhere, right?) My background is in environmental science and history.

I've found the threads so helpful, especially the discussions about sending letters of introduction. In fact, I think I'll send some off this coming week. I don't have any clips, but I'm still going to give it my best shot. I'd really like to write for the trades or local interest magazines. Any last minute advice as I craft my letters?

Look forward to meeting you all! I've been looking for this type of community for a long time, probably even before I knew a place like this existed!

[Featurewriter]

Along with the content you can find throughout this sub-forum, here's a pretty good primer on writing for trade magazines:

http://www.writing-world.com/tech/trade.shtml

You can also find good info pertaining to writing queries in the print version of Writers Market. I feel that WM is an indispensable addition to any serious writer's desk reference collection -- especially newer writers who are on the front end of the learning curve.

Happy hunting!

[madfish]

Thank you! I can't believe how helpful everyone is around here!

[MisterEThoughts]

I am starting the same thing as you. I would start with this forum and add practice to that as well.