How to Get Published in Magazines
Do you want to get your writing published in magazines? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get published in a magazine from start to finish. Naturally, these are the basic ideas–when you actually do them you’ll learn plenty that can’t be taught in a book or on a freelance writing site. But these are the basics:
1. Choose a general topic to specialize in and come up with an article idea. The most obvious ideas have been done to death, find a unique angle to approach the magazine with.
2. Go your local book seller or magazine rack and look for titles. The most obvious titles for your article have probably been flooded–try to find a magazine where you could modify your basic concept to suit that audience.
3. Read several issues of that magazine. Try the local library for back issues. Check the masthead for the right editor in the right department to get in touch with.
4. Don’t write your article first. Write the query–a good query that tells the editor exactly what your article will be about. Write it in clear, concise terms and expect to have to SELL your idea.
5. Get an acceptance from the editor and write the article according to the agreement you have with the mag. Don’t submit a first or even second draft. Rewriting is the ONLY writing.
6. Submit the article and make any changes the editor requests. Expect to re-write after submitting. Your editor will no doubt have changes, this is a part of the writing game.
Naturally there is much more, but since this is a bite-sized advice site, this article is running long as it is. Please feel free to ask questions in the comments section and we can elaborate on any of these points.
