How to Publish a Magazine Article

More than 10,000 magazines are published each year in the United States; roughly 2000 of them have significant circulation. All of them, however, are filled with articles created by writers. While most major publications do not accept submissions from freelance writers, there are literally hundreds of smaller magazines that do. Pick up a copy of this year's "Writer's Market" for detailed listings of magazines seeking freelance articles.

Things You'll Need

• The current year of the "Writer's Market"
• "Elements of Style" by Strunk and White
• "Associated Press Stylebook" by The Associated Press

Instructions

1. Choose a subject of great interest or passion for the article. Consider knowledge, experience and research capabilities when selecting a topic. Narrow the topic so that the article is specific and interesting.

2. Know the reader or target audience for the magazine. Get familiar with the target magazine. Pick up two or three issues and study them closely. Make note of columns, regular features, major articles and the writing style of each.

3. Contact the magazine or visit the website for writers' guidelines, style sheet and submission information. Make sure the publication accepts unsolicited work from freelancers; otherwise, send a query. Find out if writers must submit artwork with the articles.

4. Spend a good deal of time on the article. Step away from the first draft for several days, then revisit it and rewrite. Expect to do several rewrites and edits before the article is polished and ready for submission.

5. Make sure the article abides the publication's style sheet and guidelines for tone, approach and readability. Pay particular attention to grammar, spelling and punctuation so that the magazine editors focus solely on the content of the article.

6. Submit the article on standard 8 1/2 by 11 inch paper using a standard font like 12-pt. Times New Roman with 1 inch margins all around. Submit articles of more than two printed pages unfolded in a large mailing envelope.

7. Write a short bio to submit with the article. Include a cover letter, especially with an unsolicited article. Include a self-address, stamped envelope for the return of a rejected article.

Resources

• Writer's Market website with resources and free newsletter.