See Your Name in Print! Write for Magazines
See Your Name in Print! Write for Magazines
So, you want to write for magazines? There’s nothing like seeing your name on an article you wrote in a glossy, colorful magazine, especially the first time. We will focus on nonfiction magazines here.
Types of material Magazines Print:
Articles - These are usually informational pieces without the writer’s opinions. The bestsellers are how-to articles.
Profiles - These are articles that profile a certain person of interest to the magazines reader’s, such as an expert or someone of great importance.
Fillers - These are the little tidbits of information you usually see in a magazine in a small, colored box background.
Essays - These are the exact opposite of articles. Essays are usually written in first person, and are filled with the writer’s opinions, thoughts, and emotions on a particular experience or issue.
That’s a little bit of what magazines print. However, they will vary.
How to Get Started:
1. If you don’t already have a library card for your local library, get one. Your library can provide an invaluable resource for you in writing. You can peruse books on writing, and flip through magazines you’re interested in writing for. When you do, pay attention to what type of material they print and the writing style (is it casual, informational, etc.?).
2. Writer’s guidelines are vital. They will tell you everything you need to know about writing for them. Study and follow them to the letter. There are Ezines that can provide you with a variety of guidelines, such as Writer’s Success (www.writerssuccess.com) and Absolute Write (www.absolutewrite.com). Create your own database of guidelines, make a folder in your favorites. The guidelines will let you know if they want to see a query or a completed manuscript, and where to send it. Never email an attachment unless the guidelines give you the go-ahead.
3. So, what’s a query? Simply defined, it’s a proposal. You send the Editor a proposal for your article idea. You have to sell your idea and yourself in this. There are three paragraphs to a query, and it should stay at about one page in length.
- The first paragraph should draw the Editor’s attention right away. Make the Editor want to know more about your idea within the first sentence. Sell it, and do so in a short paragraph, but don’t want to give away too much. Explain why your idea is right for their magazine and their readers. You should also include approximate word length and what department you think your idea will best fit into. This shows that you have read the guidelines and their magazine. You can also state who you will be interviewing (if anyone), but just make sure you can if you are going to give names.
- The second paragraph should sell you, the writer. Why are you the right person to write this article? Mention any relevant experience, writing samples (published or not-just don’t tell them if they’re not published unless they ask), and add in clips (published work) if the guidelines call for it.
- End with a simple, professional closing. For example, “I look forward to your response. Thank you for your time and consideration.”. Then sign your name.
Queries should be written in standard letter format whether sent via email or snail mail. It should include your full name, address, phone number and email, then their publication name, address and Editor’s full name and the date. That’s enough to get you on your way to seeing your name in print! Good luck
Resources:
http://www.writersservices.com/res/ml/r_factsheet_2.htm
http://www.writing-world.com/basics/query.shtml
http://www.absolutewrite.com/
