How to Write for Tattoo Magazines

When writing for tattoo magazines, like any writing job, you need to research the market and know what specific publications want. Read through several issues of different magazines to get a better feel for what's commonly printed and think of several good topics you can cover well.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Look through various tattoo magazines. This will give you a feel for the type of writing they like and what kinds of features they normally publish. Don't rely on just one issue, but look through several to see if each issue is typically structured the same way.
2. Read writer's guidelines. Some tattoo magazines only use in-house writers or already established freelancers, so you most likely won't stand a chance as a first-time freelancer. Others are more open to freelance writers, and you may be able to come up with an idea they really want. If writer's guidelines aren't readily available, then request them via the proper channels.
3. Become an authority. In a specialized field such as tattooing, it greatly increases your chances of getting a writing gig with a tattoo magazine if you can prove you know a great deal about the subject.
4. Start small. Don't expect to get a full-length feature assignment the first time out. Instead, look at some of the smaller departments covered in various tattoo magazines just to get your foot in the door.
5. Write a winning pitch. Once you've figured out which magazines would be more likely to take your work, think up some good topics they might be interested in. Work these topics into a good pitch, send it out and see what kind of responses you get. Be sure to include any previous articles you've written that are related to the tattoo industry or are similar in style to what you'd be writing so the editors can read your work and better decide if they like your writing style.
6. Keep trying. You may never sell your first pitch, but some publications may encourage you to try again or may even give you an idea of where to try your pitch. What doesn't work for one publication may be just what another publication is looking for.
7. Include photos when possible. Tattoo magazines are very visual publications; any time you can include print quality photos to accompany your work, it increases your chances of getting a writing assignment.

Tips & Warnings

• Before pitching to a tattoo magazine, always check to see if they take unsolicited, freelance submissions, otherwise you're wasting your time. Also, make sure they include articles in their publication. Some magazines only contain pictures with maybe some short blurbs written in-house or by the editor.
• If an editor encourages you to try again, submit a new idea as soon as you come up with a good one, before he forgets what caught his eye.
• Try smaller publications if you have no previous experience writing for tattoo magazines. They may be more open to freelance writers whereas larger publications may use mostly in-house or writers already established with them.
• Write for free to gain experience and exposure in the field. Any published clips you can get specifically for tattoo related articles are something you can show to the next editor who may be swayed by your previous work.
• Even when you're not getting paid, always ask for a contributor copy so you'll have something you can show to potential future clients.

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