How to Become a Contributing Editor
What is a contributing editor? A contributing editor is a freelancer who has a proven ability to attract readers and regularly contributes articles to a publication, but doesn't do any actual editing. Some possible benefits to being a contributing editor include your name in a magazine's masthead, a flattering pay check, free copies of the publication in which your article appears and sometimes even the opportunity to become a full-time writer. If you are a writer with a specialty, you could become a contributing editor.
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Instructions
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The Old-Fashioned Way
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Network at writer's conventions. Remember your business cards--it's a great place to make contacts.
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Study the publication. The table of contents, the content itself and even the advertisers. This helps you hone in on the audience.
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3
Read and follow in detail the contributor's guidelines. These can be found on the publication's website.
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Fashion a creative and compelling (but brief--no more than two pages) query letter. It may be helpful, particularly for new writers, to include a one-page biography with the query letter, listing any personal or professional experiences and/or accomplishments.
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5
Submit the query letter, bio, any clips you may have and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the editor. Do not bend or fold any of this information.
The New-Fashioned Way
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6
Surf the Internet. There are many online ads for contributing editors. Some are even part-time or work-from-home. The possibilities are endless.
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Keep an eye on websites such as hotjobs.yahoo.com. Employers advertise on these sites for writers on a myriad of topics, from health and business to finances and relationships.
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Complete the online application. Be sure to follow the publication's application instructions implicitly.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure to read the contributor's guidelines carefully, as some of the higher-end periodicals may not wish to be solicited. Such publications choose instead to seek out their contributing editors, so try to consistently write eye-catching, gripping material.
Resources
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Comments
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tundranut
Sep 13, 2009
How to Become a Contributing Editor is very interesting...I've done the old fashioned way. The new way is better!!!! Thanks! 5* -
KathleenRoberts
Jan 24, 2009
Very nice article. Thanks :)
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KathleenRoberts
Jan 24, 2009
Very nice article. Thanks :)
