How to Write for a Magazine

It can be hard to write for a magazine without being published, but everyone has to start somewhere. To get your first publication in a magazine, you will have to do some leg work and some homework. Follow these suggestions.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Start with the tone. If you wish to write for a magazine, make sure that you research their style and tone of voice before pitching an idea. By having a good understanding of the publication's demographics and general manner of "speech," your idea will be more likely to get accepted.
2. Query the magazine. Pitch them an idea. By sending a query to the editor of the magazine, you will be stating how you would go about writing the article if it is accepted. Be concise, no more than a page, and make sure your writing is polished. This is the first time they will see your writing and it should be combed over for mistakes before sending.
3. Familiarize yourself with guidelines. Each magazine has a different way of having their articles written. Go over their guidelines for length and content before starting to write. This will save you time.
4. Write the article. To write for a magazine, be thorough. Keep organized notes and get as much information as you can find. Do interviews and study before writing. And, though every magazine will edit your article, make sure it is in the best state when submitting it; meaning that it is free of errors and that all of your references are valid and correct.
5. Keep smiling. Having a good rapport with your editor is very important. Every article is edited. Don't get defensive if you are asked to revise yours. Editors will want to work with the writers who are professional.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a notebook and camera with you at all times. Ideas will crop up at the strangest times and you need to be able to take advantage of unexpected writing opportunities.
• Choose subjects that interest you. Researching any topic can get old after a time, so to keep yourself happy, don't take on subjects that you don't care about.
• Cast a wide net. If you aren't published, start small. Pitch ideas to local or regional magazines to get your name out there. Then you can spread your focus to a nationwide scale.

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