Getting that first acceptance may seem like an impossible dream, but understanding the needs of the target publication will make the journey easier.
Start by researching the target publication.
Find out if they have a website and start researching. In most cases, the following questions will be answered on that website:
- Do they have in-house writers?
- Do they accept freelancers?
- What advertising do they cover?
- Do they have an editorial calendar?
- Are guidelines posted on their website?
In-house Writers
Most magazines have their own in-house writers, but also accept freelancers. Some magazines survive using only freelancers.
On a magazine’s website, guidelines will usually be provided if they use freelancers. If guidelines are not provided, check the ‘contact’ page because sometimes the information can be found there.
If guidelines can’t be found, it’s usually an indication they only use in-house writers.
In print magazines, this information is generally provided at the front or end of the magazine, along with all the credits.
Opportunities for Freelancers
Using the above information, locate the guidelines. This is where magazines indicate which articles are accepted from freelancers.
Thoroughly scrutinize the information because this is crucial for success.
Make a note of which departments accept freelancers and the types of articles they’re looking for. If no links are provided, do a search on the site for ‘editorial calendars’.
These are generally pdf’s and provide freelancers with specific information about each month’s scheduled subject matter. Submitting queries outside these guidelines will ensure an automatic rejection.
Lead Time
Once the editorial calendar has been checked, find out their ‘lead time’.
This is the term used by magazines to ensure all articles are received on time. In short, if the lead time is three months, all articles, photographs etc must be submitted three months before the publication date.
In most cases that’s the absolute last date. Always keep this in mind when querying. If accepted, the editor will provide a deadline.
*Note: this is the article lead time, not the time frame for queries to be received. Queries should be submitted much earlier.
Missed Deadlines are Career Killers
Magazines live for deadlines; if they’re missed, it holds up the entire production of the magazine. Instead of waiting around, they’ll find a writer who can provide a quality article with a quick turnaround to fill the gap.
Instead of simply meeting deadlines, always strive to beat deadlines, especially if the editor is notorious for asking for changes.
The deadline date will be provided on acceptance of an article.
House Style
The majority of magazines that have a website will post a small sampling of articles to the site. Use these to advantage by checking their style and the sort of information they’re publishing.
If they don’t post articles (which would be unusual but not unknown) check the local library for copies.
Now thoroughly research the magazine. Don’t just read the articles, check the advertisements as well – they give clues as to the target audience, the type of person the magazine is aimed toward. It will also give an indication of their readers’ age group.
For instance, if the magazine is full of advertisements for essential oils and natural therapy products and services, it would be a waste of time and effort querying an article about cosmetic surgery or laser eye treatments. On the other hand, an article about natural beauty products would probably be well accepted.
Do they use a conversational style, formal voice, or something else altogether? In most cases the style will be consistent throughout the magazine.
Mimicking the style will be another crucial factor to success.
The Pitch – Writing a Query Letter
Here’s where all that research comes into play.
The ‘pitch’ is what separates the professionals from the amateurs.
Following are some tips for writing query letters. Use these as a quick reference when writing queries.
- Don’t pitch a piece of fiction if they don’t publish fiction, and don’t send unsolicited manuscripts. In most cases, editors prefer to receive a query letter giving a brief description of the proposed article.
- Ensure that all words are spelled correctly and grammar is immaculate. No editor worth his/her salt would contract a writer who presents a shabby query.
- Keep query letters to one page wherever possible. Editors have limited time available and rarely read more than one page.
- Be specific; don’t give a vague indication of the proposed article. For instance, don’t say ‘I propose an article about hair colouring’ – instead explain the slant the article will take.
- Quotes from experts already organized – should the article be accepted – will go a long way toward getting an acceptance. It lets the editor know some research has been done, and appropriate information is available.
- Never send a query addressed ‘Dear Editor’ – instead, check the name of the current editor, and always spell his/her name correctly. And don’t forget to list any previous writing credits. (No credits? No worries – just don’t mention it.)
Here’s a sample of the main body of a possible query letter:
Dear Ms Houston,
Every time a woman colours her hair, chemicals seep into her brain and kill off half her brain cells, leaving her unable to decipher the time on a digital watch.
Therese Hanover, CEO for Blondes Have More Fun Hair Dye Company, says that “500 out of every 90,000 women will experience this problem.”
I propose a 3,000 word article that will make you cringe whenever you reach for your hair dye.
Past credits include (details here).
When using snail-mail, always include a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) for the publisher’s response. Above all, don’t take rejections personally; it may just mean that they have recently purchased or published a similar article.
If this article is not requested, there’s always another chance. Just because one article is not accepted, doesn’t mean another article idea won’t be of interest to the publisher in question.
Cheryl Wright - Cheryl Wright is an award-winning Australian author, freelance journalist, and editor. She is the owner of www.Writer2Writer.com ...
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