10 Tips for Getting Published in Magazines
Many writers dream of getting published in a magazine. It’s often perceived as a prestigious accomplishment. It requires a dose of passion because the work often outweighs the payment, but some writers make decent money through magazine work. Magazine publishing is also a favourite amongst writers because of the interactive qualities of the final product and the supporting visuals and illustrations.
I think it's best to see published work as a multi-purpose part of your ongoing creative activities. It can be part revenue, part promotional and part "feather-in-your-cap" – all of which will serve you well in the end. How much time you want to put into it is up to you, but it does take time to nurture your magazine relationships.
Not only does a publication showcase your skills, but it can also position you as an expert on certain topics within your industry. You might even be chosen as a featured contributor! If you're in the midst of publishing a book, a "spin-off" magazine article, that features a small component of what's in your book could be a great way to help promote it.
The style of article you pitch will vary based on the magazine you want to work with and what it focuses on as a publication, so be ready to do some work upfront, which should pay off for you in the end.
10 Tips for Getting Published in a Magazine
Research which magazines publish content that lines up with the focus of your work, your industry, interests, and geography/location.
Take time to read copies and back issues of the magazines you want to work with to get to know their style, departments, what they publish. What length are the articles? What kinds of photos do they publish? Do they commission illustrations?
Rate your magazines by first choice, second choice, third choice, etc.
Look for their Contributor Guidelines, which are usually found on their website, in the footer, or in the masthead of the magazine (that page that features all of the staff, publishers, editors, ad sales and contributors). Browse the masthead to find out the editor or a deputy editor's name and address your query letter (see next module) to that person. Do not email their advertising deparmtent!
See if magazines have a Contributor Newsletter or pitch-call list and ask to be added. That way you'll be notified when they are looking for something in particular.
Track your submissions in a spreadsheet or another system that allows you to quickly see who you have pitch to, which material, when you sent it and when you should follow up.
Send a concise and well-written query with some samples of your work to the appropriate person and indicate whether or not the subject matter is time-sensitive. Try to work 3-6 months in advance (for example, pitch a winter article in July or August so that they can consider it when pulling together material for their next issues).
Offer first publishing rights (at least for your geographic region, such as North America) to that publisher to sweeten the deal and do not offer the same material to multiple publishers at the same time.
If you don't hear back, follow up after 2-3 weeks. If you still don't hear back, follow up again after 6-8 weeks. If you need to move on with the idea and pitch it to another publisher, I like to send a final email to my first choice publication to notify them I'll be moving on to another magazine.
If no one takes it, it will make great material for your own blog.