So You Want To Write for Magazines!

Magazine articles are a great way to start your publishing career.  An article in a magazine gives you credentials and clips for future publishing opportunities. Articles give you the experience you need. You’ll learn to write on deadlines and within the limitations of guidelines.  You’ll get the experience of working with editors.  You’ll build a platform.  If you write articles on the same subject for a long period of time, the articles can become the basis for chapters in your non-fiction book.

Study the Magazine

Magazine editors are swamped.  They have too much work to do and too little time to do it.  They don’t want your inappropriate manuscript.  Study the magazine.  Figure out what the subject matter is.  Count the words in articles.  Look for sub titles and paragraph breaks.  Does the magazine have side bars with additional information?  Does your subject fit into the context of the magazine? Write an article that fits the magazine.

Write a Query Letter

A query letter is a one-page letter to the editor. Send this before your write your article and after you have studied the magazine.

A query letter tells your idea, how you will write it, why readers would like it, why it fits in that magazine, and why you should be the one to write it.

After reading your query letter, the editor may say, “I love this idea and I’m ready to use it” or “I like it but let’s change the focus to…… “  I once submitted a query to a national magazine that offered help for overworked, tired executives using a story about running out of gas.  The editor loved the idea but asked if I could write it about marriage instead.  I did and he published it.  

If you write a great query letter, it benefits both the editor and you as the writer.

Benefits for the Editor:

Has a simple one page summary which is easy to respond to
          Can see if you write well and are coherent
          Can see if your idea is well thought out and fits the publication
          Tells if you have a basic grasp of grammar and spelling
          Knows whether have read the magazine or not
          Answers whether you have expertise to write the article
          Sees if you are professional

Benefits for You:

Helps you focus on the subject matter and put it into succinct words

Saves time (you don’t write an article they don’t want)
Gets immediate feedback from the editor about the focus, length, approach, etc.

A well-written query can also result in assignments you didn't expect. If the editor is impressed by your style and credentials, he or she may offer you some other assignment, even if your original idea isn't usable. This introduction can often be the beginning of a long, rewarding relationship.

Query Letter Essentials

• The hook
• The pitch
• The body
• The credentials
• The close

The Hook

The first line must grab the editor's attention. Use a question or unusual facts or statistics.

The Pitch

Once you have an editor's attention, move on to the pitch.  Usually, the pitch is your second paragraph. Explain exactly what you’re offering. Include a working title, a word count, and a brief summary of the content.

The Body

Write two to three paragraphs telling what the article is about.

The Credentials

Editors want to know why you are the best person to write the article you've proposed.

Include your credentials such as: Professional experience (some publications accept material only from qualified experts), academic degrees or training, teaching experience in the subject area, personal experience (especially if the article relates to personal issues/problems), writing experience, interviews with experts.

The Close

Thank the editor for reviewing your query letter and encourage the editor to respond.

About Karen Porter

 Karen Porter is a national retreat and seminar speaker, the author/co-author of six books, and a successful businesswoman.Karen served as Vice President of International Marketing of a major food company in Texas for more than 30 years. In that position she traveled around the world and her varied experiences (including dinner with Fidel Castro) contribute to the richness and depth of her writing and speaking. Karen founded kae creative solutions a communications consulting firm.

Karen says her marriage to George is her greatest achievement. Karen’s favorite activity is continuing her life-long quest for the perfect purse.