Early in my consulting career I promoted the professional practices of physicians, dentists, and financial planners. The idea was to generate more patients and clients for them, which I did. These letters relate to my work with a financial planner.
I got him a monthly article in "Colorado Business" magazine (which I wrote), a weekly cable TV talk show (which I produced), and several articles in "The Rocky Mountain News," then the 20th largest newspaper in the U.S. (which I also wrote). That's what PR agents do.
This was a query letter to "Private Practice" magazine, a publication for physicians. I suggested contributing an article, and the idea was accepted. We submitted the query on September 6 and received the go-ahead on October 27, a long wait. The editor's note follows my letter.
September 6, 20—
Kristy Fonblanque
Editor
Private Practice
P.O. Box 12000
Oklahoma City, OK 73157
Dear Kristy:
Because my father and grandfather are M.D.'s, I read "Private Practice." I enjoy your format tremendously (everything from computers to Mitsubishis). It's so readable, even for a layman.
Thom LLora (Pronounced "Yore-ah") has expressed an interest in writing an investment article for you. He has three topics in mind, but could do others:
- Real Estate As An Alternative to Pension and Profit Sharing Plans,
- It's Time for Your Yearly Financial Physical, and
- Is Financial Planning for you?
He has some good material. For example: A case study of two M.D.'s in very similar situations. One had financial planning, the other one didn't. The results were dramatically different.
We can provide numbers, charts, and quotes. The College for Financial Planning is located right here in Denver. So is the Institute for Certified Financial Planners.
Mr. Llora is well-qualified to write this kind of article. He runs one of Denver's oldest and largest financial planning firms (73% of his clients are M.D.'s).
His 20-member office comprises expertise in: (1) estate planning, (2) accounting, (3) finance, (4) law, (5) investments and securities, (6) real estate and property management, and (7) insurance.
Mr. Llora is on the Board of Directors of The International Association for Financial Planning (Rocky Mountain Chapter). He writes a monthly column in "Colorado Business magazine" and hosts a weekly cable TV talk show. In the past he has been a consultant to "Money" magazine and "Medical Economics."
In addition, Mr. Llora has professional writers on his staff and should easily be able to match your style.
I'd like to find an angle to suit you and submit a manuscript for your perusal.
Please let me know.
Warm personal regards,
Bill Frank
P.S.—Feel free to call me about this: 303-555-1212.
PRIVATE PRACTICE
The Physician's Journal
October 27, 20—
Dear Bill:
We're interested in the article on "Your Financial Physical." The outline sounds interesting and informative. We'd like the article for our April 20— issue. The deadline would be Jan. 15, 20—, with a word count of approximately 2,000 ( give or take a few). The fee would be $900. We do include a brief writer/author bio so ask Mr. Llora to include one at the end of his article. A response card is enclosed.
We recently ran an article on financial planning/ selecting a financial adviser, so we won't be able to use the second idea.
We appreciate your interest and always welcome story ideas.
Sincerely,
Kristy Fonblanque
Editor