How do I break into the market of freelancing for Magazines ?

Discussion in 'Copywriting' started by simplyjo, Jan 31, 2010.

  1. #1
    Hi,

    I have been a content provider for over 4 years now but have only written for websites/blogs.
    I wish to break into the market for online / print magazines. I would love to know which all magazines pay well for quality articles and accept work from budding writers - especially in India.
    I have heard the pay is not more but it is well worth it as I get something to put on my resume :)

    Any help/tips would be wonderful.

    Thanks,
    Jo
     
    simplyjo, Jan 31, 2010 IP
  2. Perry Rose

    Perry Rose Peon

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    #2
    Especially in India? That I wouldn't know.

    What you are going to have to do is simply send them an e-mail.

    Sorry, I know you think there is more to it than that, but that's it.
     
    Perry Rose, Jan 31, 2010 IP
  3. simplyjo

    simplyjo Well-Known Member

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    #3
    Hi Perry,

    Do you know any sites from across the globe for online publishing ? If so, please guide me.

    Thanks,
    Jo

     
    simplyjo, Jan 31, 2010 IP
  4. WriteResults

    WriteResults Peon

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    #4
    Hi Jo,
    Ive been writing for print magazines for over ten years now. An example of a published article is on my website.

    I usually email the editor of a magazine with an idea and an outline proposal. Editors will usually reply within a few days to say whether they want to see the whole article.

    Just a word of warning - writing for a print magazine is not like writing Internet content. Research has to be spot on, as does your English. An editor will not correct anything for you.

    Payment can vary from £50 (stirling) a page - around £300 a page, depending on the magazine.

    When writing for print magazines, it is not a case of people giving you names of magazines. You need to do your own research on the house style, topics covered etc - that, Im afraid, is just as much part of the job as the actual writing. Manny magazines also expect photographs to illustrate your aticles these days as well.

    If you want to write for magazines in India, then browse the shelves and choose ones that you like. You will find the editors name and contact details, and whether they accept unsolicted mss inside the cover somewhere.

    Good luck

    Christine
     
    Last edited: Feb 1, 2010
    WriteResults, Feb 1, 2010 IP
    waxingpoetic likes this.
  5. simplyjo

    simplyjo Well-Known Member

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    #5
    Thanks for the tips , Christine. Will do my own research and give it a shot :)

     
    simplyjo, Feb 1, 2010 IP
  6. jhmattern

    jhmattern Illustrious Member

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    #6
    Spend some time learning from people like Linda Formichelli - http://renegadewriter.com - I think she even has an online course on magazine writing (could be wrong about that). She's my favorite go-to source on that topic.
     
    jhmattern, Feb 1, 2010 IP
  7. Reprobate

    Reprobate Guest

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    #7
    You really need to study the market.

    First look at the magazines that interest you. Then read the articles. Analyze them. Pull them apart. Look at the style as mentioned by WriteResults.

    Don't try and pitch something at them that is not already within their scope. They know their audience, so get to know their style.
     
    Reprobate, Feb 1, 2010 IP
  8. digitalmarketer

    digitalmarketer Peon

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    #8
    A lot of research I think is needed, though I do strongly agree with the first comment of contacting them by sending an email that way, to see if they need writers. Good Luck!!
     
    digitalmarketer, Feb 2, 2010 IP
  9. writesolutions

    writesolutions Well-Known Member

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    #9
    Hi,

    I am also a content writer, writing for several years. However, I could not gather courage to send queries to print magazines.

    Reading your responses, I am also feeling some kind of confidence in me.

    Thanks
     
    writesolutions, Feb 2, 2010 IP
  10. Perry Rose

    Perry Rose Peon

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    #10
    Jo, I do know of online magazines, as you probably already know of, but these may not even be up your alley, so....

    If you haven't already, do a search for all magazines out there. There are databases that have such a list.

    As an example, here's a good start, under the keywords, list of magazines http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=list+of+magazines+&aq=f&aqi=g10&oq=&fp=bd50d9405a85452c


    Then select the magazines that would best fit what you do. Then, one by one, send them an e-mail.

    Like I told the other poster who started a thread on how to find people paying $50 per article, you are going to have to beat the bushes.

    But it is worth it in the end.

    In addition to the look of your website, you do need to work on your grammar, though. Sorry.

    Cute picture of ya, by the way. ;)
     
    Last edited: Feb 2, 2010
    Perry Rose, Feb 2, 2010 IP
  11. tech_savvy

    tech_savvy Peon

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    #11
    you could also try digital media and pc magazines? i hear they too take submissions from freelancers
     
    tech_savvy, Feb 14, 2010 IP