Query: Opening The Lock On Magazine Publishing
As a writer you find yourself considering the possibility of submitting something for the magazine to consider. You have even written an article or two, but never had the courage to send them on. You have dozens of ideas, but they never go any further than the dream you have every time you look at the publisher information and see the word ‘Submission'.
Most magazines have a certain amount of freelance material they accept for publishing. These freelance positions can be a one-time shot at publishing; however there have been many instances where a dependable freelance writer may be called upon to write for the magazine on a regular basis. Should this happen you will likely receive greater compensation for your articles.
Typically magazines pay either by the word or by the article. Predictably, publishers do not generally accept fully written articles unless they ask you for them.
The method most magazine publishers use to select freelance work is to read through queries provided by freelance writers. In its simplest form a query is an outline of the article you are interested in writing. A query actually serves a duel purposes, the first is to allow the publisher the opportunity to consider many different article possibilities and, secondly you are not required to actually write the article unless the publisher specifically asks you to follow-up your query with an actual manuscript.
A query for magazine publishing should include the following:
A brief introduction.
An outline of the subject you with to write about and the angle you wish to take with the story.
A succinct list of writing credentials that may relate to your interest to write for the publication.
A sense of appreciation to the publisher for taking time to review your query.
Your query letter should take no more than two pages and should convey the idea that your story would be unique and compelling.
Because magazine writing is most often speculative (no guarantee the work will be published) a query is a timesaving and door-opening method in gaining the attention of a publisher.
Scott Lindsay is a web developer and entrepreneur. He is the founder of FaithWriters (http://www.faithwriters.com) and many other web projects. FaithWriters has grown to become one of the largest online destinations for Christian writers. Please visit the website at: http://www.faithwriters.com
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5 Hot Tips For Those Interested In Magazine Publishing Careers
Every page you read in a magazine is the result of staff writers who work very hard to write articles and news items that you want to read. They are not attending events to have fun. They must take notes while they are there, follow up with interviews, write out a good article and be prepared for rewrites and editing.
Before you begin applying for that glamorous magazine job, there are some things you should know. Read the following tips. They may save you the time and trouble if you find out magazine publishing really isn't for you.
1. Hard work
You may think magazine publishing is glamorous, and the cool freebies are enticing. Are you prepared, however, for staying up all hours to meet deadlines? Do you handle stress well? It can be very stressful when the article on which you worked so hard is suddenly sent back to you for rewrites with only a couple of hours to go before it is sent for printing. Stress may not be worth the little freebies and other perks that trickle your way.
2. Additional expenses
It may seem like fun to be arranging the clothing for a fashion shoot. It's just like shopping, right? Before you imagine all the fun you'll have, think about the hard work in carrying entire wardrobes of clothing, shoes and accessories all day long from one place to another. Or perhaps your job will be to find that perfect unique accessory and it eludes you until you are exhausted. You need to be careful that none of the clothing is damaged in any way, or they may come out of your paycheck. Magazine writers don't usually get paid enough to afford high fashion. One item may cost more than you make in a year.
3. Socializing with people you don't know
If you are lucky, you'll get to attend some events and parties. If you love the party scene, good for you! This will not be a fun time, though. You're working, remember? You need to take notes and do interviews. If you are not a party person, it may in fact become very stressful. Even if you are partying with the stars, if this really isn't your idea of a good time, it will come across. This can only harm your career and the reputation of the magazine that sent you.
4. Overlapping deadlines
Deadlines will be easy... you just work on your assignment until it is done and then go on to the next, right? Think again. Most writers work on multiple projects at a time. You'll be running all over doing research, interviews and attending events and still need to write about each one individually.
5. Boring events
Not every event you need to attend will be interesting. You are sure to attend more than your share of events that don't interest you in the least. Regardless, you still need to pay attention, take notes and do your job so you can write about it. If you can't do this, magazine publishing is not for you. You need to be able to make even the most boring event interesting to the reader.
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