C&J 475 New Mexico Magazine Project (20% of grade)
  Ways in which the New Mexico Magazine Project grade will be calculated

 

To obtain credit for up to the full 20 percent of the project's grade, a student must complete the following:

  • A query e-mail must be sent to by Feb. 9, with a copy by e-mail to the instructor. If that is rejected, a second query letter must be e-mailed to Ashley Biggers by Feb. 23, also with a copy by e-mail to the instructor.
    • The article accepted by Ashley Biggers must be printed with copies of accompanying photos and submitted to the instructor by March 30.
    • If neither of at least two queries is accepted by Ashley Biggers, a magazine story of 250 words from a New Mexico Magazine category must be written and submitted to the instructor no later than March 30. The story to the instructor must include printouts of one or more photos taken by the student for the story. (Photos and articles cannot be e-mailed to the instructor.) Each story must include the category for which it is written and a word count. Stories significantly above or below 250 words will be penalized.
  • A portfolio is due March 30 containing a copy of every e-mail or other correspondence between the student and Ashley Biggers. (If the student's story is written for the instructor, printouts of the photo(s) must be submitted with the instructor's copy of the article on March 30.)

Failure to meet any of the above deadlines, or submission of an incomplete portfolio, will result in a lowered grade. Early completion of the portfolio and project requirements will receive a grading bonus.

Before you submit a query letter, check the latest version of New Mexico Magazine's contributor guidelines. As of 2010, the magazine wants a headline, subhead, published clips and summary of your writing strengths. Check to make sure the requirements have not changed since this posting.

SAMPLE OF A QUERY LETTER:

Tips

interesting hook, first paragraph; establishment of writer's voice

The Query

Dear Ms. Biggers:
Las Cruces is hot. I'm talking tank tops,sandals and wide-brimmed hats on Thanksgiving Day hot.

one-paragraph synopsis of proposed article Las Cruces is also home to a great way to cool down and experience an unlikely, only-in-New-Mexico, spicy (yes, spicy and cool) treat.
listing of category article will be written for; explanation and detail Caliche's Frozen Custard is a Las Cruces institution and a "new Mexi-fix" menu item like no other. Green chile frozen custard has been on the menu since Caliche's opened and is definitely worth a visit to the City of the Crosses.
outline of article

I would like to write a short piece on the custard shop and this unique flavor offering, including:

  • A short history of Caliche's and a description of the "feel" of the restaurant.
  • Information on the making of the favor from Caliche's employees
  • "If you go?" information and an honest opinion of this unique flavor.

The article will fit in perfectly at New Mexico Magazine as it will pique the curious taste buds of your savvy magazine readers.

qualifications of the writer I lived in Las Cruces while attending New Mexico State University and spent many nights enjoying Caliche's tasty treats. I would love to share this yummy and distinct find with your readers. I am also a freelance photographer, so I can provide all the necessary photos.
the fact that you are a student in this class I am a student in Dennis Herrick's advanced multimedia journalism class.
when you can complete the article This article could be completed within three weeks of acceptance.
contact information

You can reach me by e-mail at _______ or by phone at _________. Thank you for your time and consideration.

(Your name)