Magazines are one of the best ways for a new writer to break into the publishing world. The number of magazines on the bookstore shelves continues to grow, and magazine publishing has grown to keep stride. Magazine publishers are becoming increasingly diverse and specialized. Here are some helpful tips on publishing and choosing the correct publishing magazine for you.
Do Your Research. Find out who the publishing magazines are, where they are, and how to contact them. It helps to attend magazine conferences or seminars, learn the hot topics and trends specific to this industry--understanding these will help you present your manuscript in a more appealing light by tying it to a popular trend. It should go without saying that in magazine publishing you must be well-versed on your subject matter in order to make it credible and marketable in a magazine format.
Choose the Right Publisher for You. The list of magazine publishing companies is long. You need to understand what each publisher's specialties, strengths, and preferences are, so you can narrow down the publisher list and match up your material with their needs correctly. Be thorough and picky. Magazine publishers do not usually rely on agents; they are accessible by anyone.
Approach the Publisher Properly. Some magazine publishing firms want a call first, some want an email, some want a query letter, some just want your manuscript in the mail. You must show respect and approach them how they want to be approached--take the publisher's advice; otherwise, they will not listen to you or consider your material.
Learn to Shrug Off Rejection. On the average, 98-99% of submissions to magazine publishers get rejected, especially if you've never been published before. That's just the way it is. It will help if you can learn from rejection. Be open-minded. You may need to revise and try again. If you have talent and perseverance, you will succeed in getting published.
Excellent resources that offer help in getting published in the magazine publishing industry can be found in your local bookstore, library, or Internet stores. Here are some of the best ones:
The Successful Writer's Guide to Publishing Magazine Articles. A comprehensive how-to book for both the aspiring author and experienced professional. It will lead the reader through the mysteries of the world of magazine publishing to discover a satisfying part-time hobby or a lucrative career in magazine writing. The author is one of the most experienced and recognized professionals in the magazine field.
Publish Your Own Magazine, Guidebook, or Weekly Newspaper: How to Start, Manage, and Profit from Your Own Homebased Publishing Company. A dynamic step-by-step guide to creating everything from tourism books and niche market magazines to specialty tabloids. The author has started and published many magazines.
Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Magazine Articles. A guide explaining the selling of ideas to magazines; who hires writers, what magazine editors want from freelancers, how much you can expect to be paid, how you can write effective query and pitch letters, and how the Internet can help your writing career take off.
