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.

Let's assume you do have a fair amount of reasonable photographs. What sort of article could you write around these subjects? Well of course this will depend very much on what is actually in photographs, but let's go back to our neighbourhood Romeo. A few ideas you could pursue are problems of stray dogs and irresponsible dog owners, owners that resemble their dogs, (or other pets), where to responsibly exercise town dog, dogs at work, get idea?

The chimney photographs may suggest a feature on ornate chimney pots,Victorian potters, (many were often made locally), local chimney sweep, history of a particular house or row and characters associated with them, Santa and problem chimney stacks, (or lack of them!).

The photographs themselves will spark ideas, but you don't have to stop at newspaper or magazine features. Good animal, nature and landscape shots may also find a market with greeting card manufacturers and if you can write sentiments to accompany them so much better.

In fact, once you build up a collection of quality photographs your options increase all time, not only in providing illustrations for your own articles, but as stand alone sales to newspapers which for new comer, is one of easiest markets to break into.

Our canine Romeo for instance could just make an editor's day as an alternative and humorous slant on Valentine's day. Now there's an idea! How about a feature on love in animal kingdom? Just thing for next year's Valentine's day!

Finally, a word of caution. Do be careful when taking photographs. Many people consider it a breach of privacy having their photographs taken without asking and may not relish being splashed across front page of local rag.

You need to be even more cautious when photographing children. They of course make excellent subjects but sadly your motives can easily be misconstrued. If you want to cover a local sports day, school fair or play always obtain permission from school first.

When you arrive at event, make a point of letting head teacher know that you are there. Sending copies of snaps to school and children concerned will help to establish trust and credibility.

So, going back to hanged man, all you need to make sales is an alternative view point. Thankfully you don't have to suspend yourself upside down from a tree, just reach for light box and light lamp of creativity!

Poetry for Profit contains a lot of information on greeting card market which is an ideal place to target words and pictures while READ ALL ABOUT IT! The WriteLink to Newspaper Writing has a detailed chapter on taking photographs for local and regional press.

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.