How to Write for Magazines

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  • Tips

    • Read: Constantly read other work for inspiration and to spark your own creativity.
    • Research: The more sources of information you draw from, the more insightful your writing will be.
    • Rewrite: The first draft is your template. Going back to your work to reshape and refine is all part of the process of turning out a polished and well-written piece.
    • Rejection: Expect to receive more rejection letters than acceptance letters. Use the rejection as a tool to fuel your motivation and come up with the best submissions
    • Reach out: Writing is a solitary occupation. Find a network of fellow writers online or through libraries, bookstores or universities.

  • How to write for magazines will guide you on how to research, write and submit an article to magazines and periodicals and give you links to the best online resources to help you every step of the way.


    If you have ever read a magazine and thought, "Hey, I can write articles like that," then you probably should try. Magazines are always looking for talented writers that can produce interesting copy on time. However, not all magazines will work with freelancers. Many magazines have writer's guidelines posted online. If the guidelines aren't posted, then you can request them from the magazine. Once you learn if they accept freelance submissions, then you can use the tips in this guide to help you approach the market.

  • Introduction

    • If you are a writer or have always had the ambition to become one, freelance writing for magazines is a rewarding way to express yourself, earn a living and work independently. There is a magazine for practically every aspect of life and since periodicals are now published in print and online, you can go after assignments in a multitude of places.
    • You'll need self-discipline, commitment and patience, but if you keep yourself organized and don't give up, you can follow these steps to a successful freelance writing career.

  • Step 1: Learn Your Market

    • Study the magazines you would like to write for. You are trying to determine the kind of magazine you will target by the style, the subject matter and the demographics, which is your intended audience.Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary: Demographics
    • Magazines fall into different categories.
    1. National Magazines: Examples include Newsweek and Vanity Fair.
    2. Regional Magazines: Examples include LA Magazine and Washington Life.
    3. Specialty Magazines: Examples include Food and Wine and Motortrend.
    4. Trade Magazines: Examples include Advertising Age and Engineering & Mining Journal.
    5. Academic Journals: Examples include The New England Journal of Medicine and Journal of Religion and Popular Culture.

  • Do Your Research

    • You should read both current and back issues of the magazines you're interested in writing for, and you should read those magazines' submission guidelines or writer's guidelines. These are the magazine's list of Dos and Donts on how to submit an idea for an article you would write and the style of writing. Many magazines will post their submission guidelines on their website.
    • Example of Submission Guidelines: AARP - American Association of Retired Persons

  • Market Resources

    • Because of the large volume of magazines being published online and in print, it can be overwhelming to try and narrow in on the few that appeal to you. Not everything will be available at your local library, bookstore or newsstand.
    • Some good sources for market research, submission guidelines and freelance job listings are:
    1. Writer's Market: A book and a website that gives extensive listings of consumer and trade magazines.
    2. FreelanceWriting.com: A database of magazine guidelines.
    3. Funds for Writers: Freelance job listings and contests.
    4. Freelance Writing Jobs: Freelance job listings and blog community.
    5. Writer's Write: Writer's guidelines database.

  • Step 2: Write What You Know

    • You have a list of the magazines you'd like to write for and what they are looking for. Now you must choose a topic that will get your creative juices flowing. And a subject you are familiar with is one of the best places to start.
    1. Personal experience. The ups and downs of your own life, the moments that have changed you or shaped you in some way, the tragedy and the comedy—your stories (and those of your friends and family) can be interesting tales to tell.
    2. Work experience. A profession you have trained and worked in will lend that subject matter your expert insight. You might consider writing a piece for a trade magazine or an academic journal.
    3. Topics you are enthusiastic about. If you are keen on knitting or running or immersing yourself into the hottest video games, your fascination with a particular subject will shine through in your work.
    4. Current affairs. From pop culture to the American political process, write about the stories that get people buzzing.
    • The key is to tap into a subject you feel passionate about and then make it compelling, approach it from a unique or different perspective and shape it into the style of the magazine.

  • Step 3: The Query

  • Query Letter

    1. Keep it to one page and three to four paragraphs.
    2. Begin with a professional business header.Writer's Resource Center: How to Write a Query Letter
    3. Write an opening paragraph that is catchy and intriguing.Howstuffworks.com: How Freelance Magazine Writing Works
      1. Interesting facts about your topic.
      2. Interesting quotes.
      3. A personal connection. If you happen to have a credible link to the editor, either through a mutual third-party or a common interest, you can create an instant bond.
      4. Impress the editor with your knowledge of the magazine. Read up as much as you can and show that you know the magazine well by referencing a past article.
    4. Next paragraph or two, summarize your topic.
      1. What you are writing about and what angle you will take.
      2. Why the topic would be good for the magazine.
      3. A brief list of the major points.
    5. Closing paragraph, summarize about yourself.
      1. Why you are qualified to write on the subject.
      2. What relevant experience you may have.WritingWorld.com: How to Write a Successful Query
    6. Conclude with a pleasant and professional ending such as, "Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Your-name-here".
    7. Include a sample or two of your best writing.Boston College: Career Center Writing Samples
    8. Address your query to a specific person.Right-Writing.com: The Top Ten Mistakes Magazine Writers Make Get a specific name and/or email. You can find this information in the masthead, the list of current editors and staff members. Address your query to the actual person who will hire you. A query with a general header such as, "To the Editor", will most likely be overlooked because of the volume of mail most publications receive. Remember you are competing with other writers, and you want to stand out.
    9. Be certain there are no spelling or grammatical errors. One typo or improper use of grammar will disqualify you immediately.
    10. If sending your query letter by mail, include a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE). This will ensure a quicker response from the editor.
    11. Keep track of your submissions.WritersWrite.com: Tracking Your Submissions
      1. A list of what you have sent out will help you stay organized.
      2. You won't go crazy wondering how much time has passed while you're waiting for an answer which can typically take four to six weeks.
      3. You won't submit your query to the same magazine twice.
    12. Be patient. There will be a lot of rejections. It takes time and more than one query to get a magazine to offer you an assignment, but well-written professional queries and perseverance will pay off in the end.

  • How to Write for Magazines Questions

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  • Step 4: Contracts and Payment

    • You've hooked a magazine with your bright idea, and you've been offered your first assignment. Look over the magazine's acceptance letter and contract.FreelanceFolder.com: Do You Need A Contract For Freelance Work? It's a good idea to have a signed contract because it protects you, it shows that both sides are professional and it defines the terms of what can be expected. The contract will break down a few major items.
    1. Length of the article. How many words are required.
    2. Deadline. When the the article is due.
    3. Number of revisions the magazine may ask for.
    4. Format of the article for submission.
      1. If by email, it will define which kind of file format to save your article in.
      2. If by post, it will define spacing and font.
    5. A disclaimer about rights. In most cases, your article will be the property of the magazine since they commissioned it from you.
    6. Payment. The amount you will receive for your article. There should be a stipulation for a kill fee.About.com: Kill Fees This is payment to compensate for the time and work you put into your article even if it doesn't get published.
    7. A signature page.
    • Your letter may also have some suggestions from the editor about how to approach your article. Be a good communicator and ask questions if something is unclear or not covered in the writer's guidelines.

  • Step 5: Researching

    1. Look for resources, either through the library or the Internet, that will give you all the pertinent information about your subject.
      1. Newspapers
      2. Magazines
      3. Encyclopedias
      4. Reference books
    2. Interview an expert or any person that will lend credibility to your topic.
    3. Keep detailed notes and files to organize and keep track of all your sources.
    4. Tape record your interviews so you have accurate documentation.

  • Step 6: Writing Your Article

    • You've done the research, compiled the data and made your notes. Time to write!

  • Outlining

    • An outline, whether it is complex or simple, will create structure for your article and help your writing flow. There are three main parts to consider.
    1. The opening or the lead. The beginning of your article is where you can draw your reader in and keep him or her interested.
    2. Main body. The meat of your article is where you can describe and detail the key points of your topic.
    3. Conclusion. A strong finish will bring together your entire piece and leave an impression in the mind of the reader.

  • The Article

    1. Keep each paragraph down to one thought or topic. This will narrow the chance of confusing or boring your reader.
    2. Make each paragraph transition smoothly into the next.
    3. Be concise and straightforward. Style will vary between different publications, but if stating something in a simpler way will convey your ideas to your intended audience, keep it simple.
    4. Writing is about revising your work.Official Site: American Society of Newspaper Editors (ASNE) Write a first draft, take a break and come back to rewrite and shape up the following:
      1. Spelling.
      2. Grammar.
      3. Length. Is it too long or too little?
      4. Style. Does your article fit the tone of the magazine? Is the language full of pop culture references and slang, or is it more technical?
      5. Authenticity. Are your facts or quotes accurate?
      6. Through-line. Does the article make sense to someone who doesn't know the subject matter?

  • Step 7: Submitting Your Article

    • Check one last time for misspelled words or typos and then, based on the magazine's guidelines, you will either send your article by email or through the post.
    1. Find out if the editor prefers attachments or the article copied and pasted into the body of your email.
    2. Your article should be double-spaced.
    3. Print on standard letter size (8 1/2 x 11 inches) plain white paper and use paper clips, not staples, to keep pages together if you are sending it by post.
    4. Use an easy-to-read font such as Times New Roman or Arial in a 10 or 12 point size.
    5. Include your name, phone number, address and email in the upper left corner.
    6. Include the word length in the upper right corner.
    7. Number the pages.
    8. Send your article in on time.
    • TIP: If you think you are going to miss your deadline, communicate with the magazine as quickly as possible. Even the pros get behind sometimes and the sooner you allow for the editor to make needed adjustments, the better you will be able to salvage the working relationship and your reputation.

  • Suggestions for Further Research

  • How to Write for Magazines on Google Products


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