manuscript. It is accepted practice to send query letters to several editors
simultaneously because the letter does not obligate the author to publish in a
particular journal. Journal editors use query letters to decide whether to accept
manuscripts for their journal. See Box 19-4 for an example of a query letter.
When a decision is made about where the manuscript will be submitted,
reviewing author guidelines is necessary. Adhering to the guidelines from the
beginning saves time by eliminating the need to adjust a manuscript later.
Journals specify the type of style to be used for preparation of manuscripts
and expect that authors adhere strictly (Garner et al., 2012). For example,
December 1, 2017
Ms. Brenda Tipton
Senior Editor, Nursing Division
Kraft and Frank Learning
53 Hall Street
Harrington, TN 32167
Dear Ms. Tipton,
I am in the process of preparing a manuscript entitled “How to Publish for Nursing: Tips for Getting
It Done.” This manuscript is important because the national trend is for nurses in clinical practice
to publish in the specialty areas. The intended audience is staff nurses, and the manuscript will
be about 15 pages in length. It is not under review by any other journal. It is my original work and
there is no conflict of interest to declare. Would you be interested in reviewing this manuscript for
Hot Issues in Nursing? Please contact me regarding your interest as indicated below.
Cordially,
Suzanne Smith, BSN, RN
Critical Care Staff Nurse
123 Main Street
Springfield, IN 11111
555-454-6789
[email protected]BOX 19-4 Example of Query Letter
When you publish an article, how do you want your name to appear?CRITICAL THINKING EXERCISE 19-2
19.2 The 3 Ps of Dissemination 503