In this industry it has become increasingly hard to land a spot on your favorite magazine’s masthead. Fret not Glamazons, you can still be published in the glossy of your choice as a result of you pitching a story and the magazine choosing to use it. You want to know how right? I thought so.
Here are a five pointers that could land your byline a place in your favorite mag:
1. Decide what magazine you want to submit a pitch to and research, research, research!
Your pitches should be magazine-specific so that you have a better chance at have your piece chosen. You can’t send the same exact pitch to 6 different magazines that have different target demographics and unique voices. Once you choose which magazine to focus on, read at least 6 recent back issues. You want to make sure that your angle hasn’t been tackled before. Also read to see the tone of the articles as well as their length.
2. Think ahead.
Magazines usually work 3 months in advance. So strap on your thinking fascinator and come up with ideas that will be relevant in the future.
3. Figure out who to send the article to.
I wouldn’t advise just sending in a finished article to a magazine. Pinpoint what editor deals with whatever section you would like to write for. Make the call to ask who should get the piece and how they take submissions.
4. Write a query letter.
Here is your chance to sell your article to the editor. Why is this relevant? Why is this a good fit for their audience? Who will you get quotes from? What’s the message behind the story? Why will the readers enjoy it? Be prepared to address these questions in the letter.
5. Don’t forget to sell yourself
When you email your query letter to the editor, it would be beneficial to include other published pieces to help establish credibility. Yes, this includes blog posts, especially those that resonated well with your audience. Be your own publicist; explain why you’re a great candidate to write the piece and why they can benefit from including your story in their lineup.
And no matter what do not get discouraged. Editors can ignore your pitches for months, and then one day decide to hire you. Editors can steal your ideas (it’s happened to many writers) and then one day decide to hire you. Do not give up.
Do you feel all set, Glamazons? I hope so, good luck!
Stay Stylish,
Glamazon Channing
