<b>What a journalist query actually is</b>

<b>What a journalist query actually is</b>

A journalist query is a short note where a reporter asks the public for help on a story they're writing. Think of it like a teacher raising their hand to the class and saying "who knows about this?"

Here's how one reads:

1. A topic — say, "saving money on groceries."
2. A specific ask — "I need 2 tips from a budgeting expert."
3. A deadline — "by Thursday 5pm."

That's the whole thing. The reporter isn't looking for a sales pitch. They're looking for one clear, usable answer they can drop into their article and credit to you by name.

When they use your answer, you get a "mention" — your name in a real publication — and often a link back to your website.

Try this today: find one query in your inbox or a query site and just read it twice. Notice the topic, the ask, and the deadline. That's the shape of every one you'll ever answer.