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How to write for magazines
Writing for magazines can be a rewarding and even lucrative endeavor. Breaking into magazine writing requires some initiative and a lot of patience, but it is not an impossible task. If you have something you\'d like to share with readers, here are some tips for getting started in writing for magazines.
Steps on how to write for magazines
1. Find your niche. Everyone is an expert in something. When organizing yourself to begin writing for magazines, consider the old adage "write what you know." In other words, take into consideration what your skills, background, and experiences have made you knowledgeable in. Also consider what you really like and want to write about. Find your niche as a writer (or niches, if you have more than one expertise) and then begin to formulate article ideas related to that niche. For example, one woman I know spent years teaching religion. When she went to write for magazines for the first time, it was no surprise she was successful selling articles about religious education. She knew her subject and was able to write intelligently about it. Writing what you know is the best way to begin. Not only will editors be much more interested in your work if you can prove you know what you\'re talking about, but having a base of knowledge from which to work will make your task easier and your articles better.
2. Find your market. Once you know what you want to write about, you need to figure out who wants articles on that subject. Who\'s buying parenting articles? Tons of publications. Who\'s buying articles on building little ships in glass bottles? Probably just a few magazines. Know before how to write for magazines that who wants what you have to offer. A good place to cruise for markets is among the many lists on AbsoluteWrite or WritersMarket. Take down contact information on the magazines that serve your niche so you can look into what, specifically, they may want.
Few other steps on how to write for magazines
Flatter, flatter, flatter. Google your editor’s name. Does he/she have a book out? Read it! Or mention how you’re looking forward to picking it up. Did he/she write a fantastic feature in last month’s issue? Know that. Comment on it. If you have a knowledgeable compliment in your introduction (“I love the redesign of your section,” “Your story in the August issue about friendship breakups was so insightful!”) you’ve got the editor’s attention.
Pitch via email. 99% of the time, electronic is the best way to go. It’s not as invasive as a phone call; it’s not as likely to end up in an intern mail pile as a hard copy query. Plus, it’s free.
Follow up, but don’t be annoying and this is important for how to write for magazines. I know that sending ideas to editors can sometimes feel like shouting into a black hole. Here’s my method of nudging: After two weeks with no response, remind them of your pitch. After three weeks, remind them of the pitch, and mention that if you don’t hear from them in a week, you’ll assume they’re not interested, and you’ll be moving the pitch along to other venues. Say this all very nicely and professionally, of course.
How to write for magazines >
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