How to Write for a Gossip Magazine

No matter how hard we try, it’s hard to ignore the who-did-what, how-did-she-look mentally of Hollywood. Celebrity news surrounds us on the Internet, in line at the grocery store and on morning talk shows. Rather than ignore the hype, why not bank on it? Writing for a gossip magazine can provide great clips--not to mention extra cash so you can purchase that great outfit your favorite star just wore on the red carpet. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Tough exterior
• Computer with Internet access

1. Do your research. Watch entertainment shows such as E! and TMZ to see where celebrities like to hang out and what styles they’re wearing.
2. Comb through Internet blogs for leads. Note whether any movies, television shows or commercials are coming through your town.
3. Read magazines (particularly those for which you hope to write) to get a sense of their reporting style.
4. Ask friends and colleagues whether they have any contacts. You never know whose cousin went to high school with a famous actress or whether your direct report at work used to summer with a popular singer. Even if they can’t connect you with the star, they might have funny anecdotes or pictures.
5. Form a pitch letter.
6. Contact an editor at the magazine of your choice. Make sure you address your pitch to the editor in whose section you would like your article to appear. Name and contact information can usually be found on the title’s masthead or its website.
7. Start writing.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that not all articles in a gossip magazine require you to have a celebrity connection. Most titles have shorter pieces on clothing, jewelry, makeup and other areas of interest to its audience.
• Never offer information unless you know it to be true. You and the magazine can get in a lot of legal trouble for sharing fake stories.