How to Become a Magazine Writer from Scratch
Harness your natural talent and creative flair., Become obsessed about magazine style writing., Find your niche., Try to focus on your favorites, it's easiest to write about things you actually have an interest in. , Create an extensive database of...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Harness your natural talent and creative flair.
If you don't have these traits naturally, take a short course or even a degree and develop them. -
Step 2: Become obsessed about magazine style writing.
Get old copies of magazines of all different styles from secondhand stores and read through the different writing styles.
Make notes on style techniques, quirks and interesting angles. , Through the previous step you should be able to determine your favorite type of publication (art, fashion, trade, etc.) ,, You can gather this information from the masthead or in some instances, through researching online. , Most editors are going to want to see clips or sample pieces.
Since you are starting from scratch, you will need to create up to three brilliant articles that you don't intend ever having published.
These will serve simply as a reference of what you are capable of. , Using the information you've gathered from mastheads, mail or email editors with your details.
Be sure to address them directly by name to show that you are familiar with their publication.
Politely ask them for "Submission Guidelines" and include the sample work you concocted earlier.
Make sure you spell well and use perfect grammar. , Provided you have the talent, skill and tenacity, eventually someone will bite. , The pieces you publish will begin your clip book that will help you acquire paid assignments in the future.
For new writers, published clips are like gold, so don't ever be bitter about working for free (in the beginning). -
Step 3: Find your niche.
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Step 4: Try to focus on your favorites
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Step 5: it's easiest to write about things you actually have an interest in.
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Step 6: Create an extensive database of magazines and their publishers.
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Step 7: Prepare samples.
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Step 8: Contact the editors.
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Step 9: Keep approaching magazines/editors while waiting for responses.
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Step 10: Don't expect to be paid for your first few pieces and be sure to communicate that with the people you are contacting.
Detailed Guide
If you don't have these traits naturally, take a short course or even a degree and develop them.
Get old copies of magazines of all different styles from secondhand stores and read through the different writing styles.
Make notes on style techniques, quirks and interesting angles. , Through the previous step you should be able to determine your favorite type of publication (art, fashion, trade, etc.) ,, You can gather this information from the masthead or in some instances, through researching online. , Most editors are going to want to see clips or sample pieces.
Since you are starting from scratch, you will need to create up to three brilliant articles that you don't intend ever having published.
These will serve simply as a reference of what you are capable of. , Using the information you've gathered from mastheads, mail or email editors with your details.
Be sure to address them directly by name to show that you are familiar with their publication.
Politely ask them for "Submission Guidelines" and include the sample work you concocted earlier.
Make sure you spell well and use perfect grammar. , Provided you have the talent, skill and tenacity, eventually someone will bite. , The pieces you publish will begin your clip book that will help you acquire paid assignments in the future.
For new writers, published clips are like gold, so don't ever be bitter about working for free (in the beginning).
About the Author
Maria Stevens
Specializes in breaking down complex cooking topics into simple steps.
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