How to get published in trade magazines

If you are a writer, you know the ease of online markets. But for those that want to break into print markets, trade magazines provide an easier in than other magazines.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• ability to write
• patience

1. For nonfiction pieces make sure you know how to write a good query letter. Give them a reason to want the piece in their magazine. For fiction pieces you will want it already written, and have it summarized with a hook so that you can make them read it til the end.
2. After either writing your fiction piece, or organizing your query letter for nonfiction you will need to get a handle on your market. What category (genre) does your piece fall in? What magazines carry that genre? Will you need to adapt your piece for publication to adhere to word count limits, etc? These questions need to be answered ahead of time.
3. Some trade magazines are hungry for writers and can offer you publication. Some of the markets currently looking for writers in the trade magazine industry are:
   1) Authorship, National Writers Association, 10940 S. Parker Rd, #508, Parker, Colorado, 80134 [phone] [e-mail]
   
   This market is designed for beginning writers and the trade publication seeks how-to articles, marketing ideas, and some humor pieces. They pay on acceptance, so no waiting around for payment, gives every writer their own byline, and accepts simultaneous submissions. All huge pluses to many writers. Check out the website at http://www.nationalwriters.com
   
   2) Byline, P.O. Box 5240, Edmond, Oklahoma, 73083-5240 [phone] [e-mail]
   
   This trade publication works with both new and already established writers. It buys everything, nonfiction to fiction, even poetry. They pay on acceptance, gives a byline, and takes simultaneous submissions as well. You may query by mail or by email, as you wish. You can check out its website at http://www.bylinemag.com
   
   3) Content Magazine, Digital Content Strategies & Resources, Online, Inc. 88 Danbury Rd, Suite 1D, Wilton, Connecticut 06897 [phone] [e-mail]
   
   This trade journal covers the digital content scene. It caters to nonfiction, along the lines of how-to, interviews, opinion, news, and new products. It does not pay on publication, but shows payment within one month of publication. They give a byline, and accepts queries by email. There pay is around 40-50cents a word. You can check out their website at http://www.econtentmag.com

Tips & Warnings

• After all this, stamp your envelope and hope.