How to Get Started Freelance Writing for Magazines

Visit the magazine section in any newsstand or store and you will see only a fraction of the total number of thousands of magazines that are currently published both in print and online. If you have ever wanted to write an article for one or more of them, here are some steps to help you get that published byline:

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Writer's magazines, publishers' listing directories
• The Chicago Manual of Style or The Associated Press Stylebook
• English handbooks

1. Decide on a worthy topic or story and research the best audience(s) or readers who would be interested in reading it, making a list of those magazines, publications who target those specific readers.

2. Read the "Writer's Guidelines," of each of the publications on your list, usually found on web sites; or request them with a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE). Writer's guidelines provide information such as if they use pieces from freelance writers and for what sections of their publication; suggested word length for features or departments; rights they purchase; payment terms and other details.

3. If a publication that interests you accepts freelance submissions, review at least a year's back issues to get an idea of the slant and tone of their articles, the topics covered, and what their readers want.

4. Write a well-written, one-page query to the publication's current editor, detailing the piece you propose including what qualifies you to write it; and why it would be helpful, entertaining, or informative to their readers. Send your query in a SASE or in an e-mail, if the editors accept online queries.

5. If you receive a "go-ahead" from the editor, double-check with her about the word length, the article deadline, payment terms and if there are any specific details the editor wants included in the piece. If this is the first time you are writing for this publication, ask the editor for a contract stipulating these specs or create one of your own.

Tips & Warnings

• Industry trade and hobby magazines are often more receptive to freelance writers than larger consumer publications.
• New writers often start writing for publications by writing short pieces for their special departments.
• Magazines you read regularly or to which you subscribe are often the best markets for your writing as you are already familiar with their style and content.
• Some publications also publish their "editorial schedule," that lists the topics in upcoming issues, that can give you additional ideas for future pieces.
• A good background in basic grammar, sentence structure, and spelling are required to be a professional writer. Take refresher courses if you need to hone these skills at local community colleges. You can also hire a local, freelance copy editor to review your article before you submit it.
• Pay attention to the lead time for an article idea as most publications start work on issues months in advance.

Resources

• Handbook of Magazine Article Writing by Editors of Writer's Digest
• Wooden Horse Publishing - "Magazine News and Resources"
• Writer's Market - annual guide and/or online subscription listing publications, publishers.
• National Writers Union - represents freelance writers