That does not mean that everything you write must be short, only that long pieces should be built out of short pieces put in order. If you can't make your point in 300 words or less, then you are trying to make more than one point. Simplify whole piece: break manuscript down into single-point segments no longer than 300 words in length, and then put your points into a logical order that builds towards your final conclusions. The final product will seem to flow with a gentle rhythm that your readers might notice, probably won't be able to identify, and so will most likely attribute it to your talents.

Try it: you'll be amazed.

Take entire piece down to a single thought, expressed in a single sentence, and then rebuild it from ground up.

When in doubt, strip piece down and rebuild it from its primary components. The greatest threat to structure is diffusion; rather than trying to communicate one thing well, you end up saying lots of things badly. Good structure requires that you have a very clear idea of what you are writing, how you are doing it and why. Do one thing, and do it very well.

Set piece aside and attempt to make your final point in a single sentence, losing as little important detail as possible. Do not use compound sentences; keep it simple and limit it to a single direct thought. If you can't do it, then you do not have a clear enough idea of what it is that you're trying to accomplish - reorganize piece or split it into several separate ones.

An English sentence has a natural internal structure all its own. Look at your one-sentence summary and use its structure to inform yourself on how overall piece should be structured. Once you've reduced your writing to its bare essence, you can reconstruct it on a much more solid foundation.

In end, professional writing is all about understanding psychological needs of reader. If you are writing purely for your own pleasure, with no intention of ever letting anyone else read it (and what a boring life that would be), then it doesn't matter because you're not really writing: you're keeping a diary.

But if instead you want your writing to be appreciated by readers, structure is one concept that you can't live without.

Well that's pretty well got print side of things covered, but what about all on-line websites and ezines? How do you query them? Well most of above still holds true, but there are a few points to bear in mind.

1. Make sure that you are clear on how website/ezine accepts copy. Many will not accept attachments because of threat of viruses. If you want to submit photographs or other graphics you will have to clear it first. 2. Assuming that you are submitting in body of an email, format your article so that it appears in single line spacing with a double line between paragraphs. Yes I know that this is not how work is usually submitted, but reading text on-line is easier this way and editor will be cutting and pasting from your email into his own documents. Getting rid of double spacing is something he or she can do without! 3. As you know, when sending out emails you have to fill in subject line. Do be careful here! Lots of writers use this as an attention grabbing "hook", but it can back fire. One of my latest articles was entitled Money in a Hurry. I put this in subject line when submitting it to an ezine and was just about to send it out when I realised that it could be construed as a dubious get rich quick scheme and would probably be deleted without opening! I quickly changed it to Article submission, On-line payments for writers! 4. Your query goes at top of email and should keep strictly to point. Leave a small gap between this and start of your article and make sure that type face and size are as friendly as possible. I use Ariel or Times Roman size 12. 5. Include your biography. This should be a couple of short paragraphs at end of your article. It should include your contact details and links to your personal website if you have one and any on-line ezines or websites that you have previously written for. It is a good idea to make it clear where you live, (no need to be specific, UK, English Midlands will do) and telephone and or fax number if you feel comfortable giving those out.

Phew! Quite a lot to take in hey? If you're thinking blow this for a game of soldiers I'll take up macramé instead take a look at this query letter I sent to a new age magazine around five or six years ago. It sold for me then and has been doing so in various formats ever since, but not every time I hasten to add! (Names have been changed).

Dear Ms Editor,

Have just read latest edition of Forecast. I really enjoyed feature on mystical significance of Druid art and wondered whether you'd be interested in enclosed article on mistletoe.

Mistletoe Magic explains not only how Druids used plant in their rituals, as a gateway between worlds, but also folklore and mythology surrounding its history and uses, including new research that suggests it has a role to play in treatment of cancer.

I think your readers may find some of ideas associated with plant intriguing and because of its long association with Yule tide festivities would be suitable for one of your Christmas editions.

I can supply article on disc and photographs should you need them. (I already knew magazine supplied its own artwork). Thanks for your time, no need to return article if it is not suitable as I have a copy.

Yours sincerely,

Well, did it practice what I preached?

Sue Kendrick is a freelance writer and graphic designer living in the English Midlands.

She has written many special interest articles for magazines and contributed extensively to her regional newspaper.

She edits and publishes www.writelink.co.uk a UK writers resource website and monthly newsletter and www.writelinkpro.co.uk a content providing service for Writelink and other publications.