Help Me Write a Letter of Introduction (Employment)

In My Humble Opinion
1

Friends -

The local newspaper where I live has asked for free-lance contributors to join their special publications team. I’ve always been interested in doing some freelance writing, and I’m a pretty good writer if I dare say :smiley: , so I’m interested in moving on this.

The ad in which they state that they’re seeking writers asks for a letter of introduction. I’m unsure of how to go about this. Here’s what I’m thinking:

Mr. So & So
Special Publications Editor
Such-n-Such Newspaper
123 This Street
Springfield, IL 62701

Dear Mr. So & So:

In repsonse to your Classified [capitalized?] Ad in the Sunday, June 24, 2007 edition of [this newspaper], I would like to respectfully and enthusiastically express my interest in joining the Special Publications Team as a freelance contributor.

I have had an interest in freelance journalism since college, and I believe that this would be a perfect opportunity for me. I have an inquisitive nature and a desire to find out more about topics that interest me. I believe that our community offers several stories that have yet to be told, and about which your readers (myself included) are eager to learn more.

Per your request, I am submitting two writing samples. Enclosed are Chapters One and Three of a book I am currently in the process of writing, entitled [title]. I am sending Chapters One and Three (and not Chapter Two) because Chatper Two is rather technical and is filled with charts and graphs rather than a narrative flow, and thus I believe that you will find the enclosed chapters a more engaging read.

I look forward to speaking with you and further discussing this exciting opportunity. Please do not hesitate to contact me at your earliest convenience…

So, does anybody have any critiques? I would certainly appreciate any feedback, positive or negative.

Thanks!

2

If possible, I would send writing samples that closer represent what the paper will print - it could be a general article on some activity (disc golf, geocaching, corn mazes, etc) available in the area. Maybe you could cover “Kolorabi days” like you were a reporter. Or perhaps some slice-of-life article either from something that happened to you, or some local personality (maybe somebody with an unusual job)

Brian

3

I think that a newspaper will want accurate spelling and grammar, with a concise writing style.
Active voice is better than passive. Space is valuable. Cliches are not!

Here’s how I would change your letter:

I would like to join your Special Publications Team as a freelance contributor.

I have been interested in freelance journalism since college, and this is a perfect opportunity for me. I have an polite, inquisitive nature and am always ready to learn more.
At your request, I enclose two writing samples. The first is an extract from a book I am writing, entitled [title]. The second is how I would have covered a recent news story.*

I look forward to hearing from you.
*you’ll have to write this!