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Write a Magazine Article

Posted on March 21st, 2010 in Writing by Ruby Hawk
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If you think you have a good idea for a magazine article, go for it. Many, many articles are sent in for every one accepted but you can never know until you try. If you send in a good article it might be published. If you don’t send it it, you know it won’t be published. It never hurts to try.

 First of all, read several issues of the magazine you are interested in. Know the kind of stories they publish.Then research and research again the subject you are writing about.

When submitting an article to a magazine, consider the specialty and personal taste of the editor, the format and educational focus of the magazine, subject, content, reader response, and authorship. Here are some pointers to get the editors attention when submitting a query letter or an article.

Develop a strong idea or premise. Know your subject, whether it’s an area you study and work in, or current events. Do research to see whether articles with the same theme have already been published. Make your article original as possible in view point and presentation.

Write a query letter. Present your article in a desirable way to the editor. Call to find out which editor to send your query letter to if you don’t find it in the magazine publication. Ask for a copy of any submission requirements. Don’t overwrite. Editors receive thousands of query letters. Explain your idea for the article, your background and qualifications. Be straight forward, concise, well-written, and appropriate for the magazine.

Target the right publication. Study your subject and match it with the right magazine. Consult” Writers Market” (in libraries and supermarkets) to find publications potentially interested in your idea. Get a recent copy and read it carefully. Consider the length and complexity of articles in the magazine. Approach only magazines your article fits. Don’t waste time and money on an unlikely market.

Call to follow up. Allow about three weeks for the editor to receive and read your query letter. The editor may call you during that time or send a response. If you have not received a response, call the editor to make sure your letter was received.

If your article idea has been accepted, find out the articles due date, the desired length of the article, the pay, and the research materials available to you. Contact the National Writers Union for their guidelines on contracts for journalists.

If you are rejected, don’t be discouraged. Try another publication immediately. This may cause you to modify your idea slightly to suit a different editorial style.

If you get no response after six weeks it may be time to try another publication. Simultaneous submissions are allowed in this instance. Never, however, agree to write the same article for more than one magazine.

However, you may want to send a manuscript you have already written. Instead of a query letter, send the article with an introductory letter explaining what it is about and why the magazine should publish it. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope

If you would like to write about subjects that interest you and earn income click this link. http://www.triond.com/rw/6239

More articles you might find interesting:

http://webupon.com/web-talk/google-earth/

http://webupon.com/services/build-your-vocabalary-and-end-world-hunger/

http://newsflavor.com/world/usa-and-canada/green-net-zero-energy-homes/

Read more in Writing
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