Sometimes it’s necessary to query authors to clarify an idea or concept. In my opinion, the best queries are straightforward, spelling out exactly what information you need. You want to respect the authors’ time and avoid any chance your request can be misinterpreted. Perhaps the authors said “Research says” or “Studies show”, but they don’t cite any of the research they’re drawing from. Lack of research can cause credibility issues. Readers need to be able to pull up the resources being quoted to verify the information for themselves. I’d leave a simple author query (AQ) like [AQ: Please cite the research you’re referring to, and provide a reference-list entry for each citation].

Note the bold font make the query standout from the normal text. I may also highlight it in yellow. This minimizes the chance that the query will be overlooked during the authors’ review. However, some programs like Microsoft Word offer Comment features that are also effective.

The following are the most common issues I (and I imagine other editors) have to query for.

• Missing information: Author bios, photos, text, and research
• Clarifying information: Perhaps the author makes an assertion that can be misconstrued. For instance, an author may say “We have to close the achievement gap in the United States. Minorities are earning four-year degrees at lower rates than other groups.” In this case, I need to know how the author defines the term minority. I’ve heard this term used to describe women, but the National Center for Education Statistics reports that women are earning degrees at higher rates than men, which would make the writer’s point inaccurate.
• Making suggestions: In my field (education publishing), we want to provide educators with practical, research-based strategies and tools. Occasionally, authors will include sample rubrics or lesson plans in manuscripts. I may ask them if they’d like to make the material free to download on their book’s product page. This (1) provides teachers with an easy-to-access tool they can immediately use with their students, which in turn makes them feel grateful toward us and likely to buy our product again; and (2) draws readers to the book’s page where they can find other titles the author has published . . . which they will then buy.

It should go without saying that any queries should be respectful of the authors, their expertise, and the time they devoted to writing. Not only are they doing a service, they chose to work with you, so your dealings with them should demonstrate gratitude for their choice.