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Get Published in Magazines

   

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Books about Publishing Articles (top)
  • The Successful Writer's Guide to Publishing Magazine Articles, by Eva Shaw Ph.D.
  • Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Magazine Articles, by Sheree Bykofsky, et al.
  • The Copywriter's Handbook: A Step-By-Step Guide to Writing Copy That Sells, by Robert W. Bly.
  • ePublishing for Dummies, by Victoria Rosenborg.
  • The Writer's Market Companion, by Joe Feiertag and Mary Carmen Cupito. Answers all your questions about the business of writing. Loaded with the latest statistics, trends, and news to help you understand how to successfully navigate the publishing industry. ISBN: 0-89879-930-9.
Know about Copy Rights (top)
NOTE: The Writers' Union of Canada (TWUC) warns that the new CanWest contract is yet another thing for freelance writers to be aware of. Click here to read about it.

Books

  • Canadian Copyright Law, 3rd edition, by Leslie Ellen Harris, 2001, McGraw-Hill
  • Intellectual Property Law: Copyright, Patents, Trade-Marks, by David Vaver, 1997, Irwin Law

NOTE: The Canadian Intellectual Property Office offers complete information about copyrights. For instance, in Canada the general rule is that copyright lasts for the life of the author, the remainder of the calendar year in which the author dies, and for 50 years following the end the calendar year. Therefore, protection will expire on December 31 of the 50th year. After that, the work becomes part of the public domain and anyone can use it. Each country has their own rules regarding the duration and other details about copyright. It is wise to check out CIPO and the above links. See their FAQ page for more information.
LINKS related to Getting Published in Magazines & Periodicals (top)
Marketing Ideas  (top)
  • Start small. Beginning writers can usually get published in their church newsletter, or in their local newspaper.
  • Write for the publications that you like to read.
  • Your newsstand will not carry all the publications available. If you have an idea that will fit a certain type of magazine (e.g. horse grooming), check writer's markets, the library, and other sources for periodicals otherwise not available or sold in your area.
  • When writing personality profiles on people who are doing noteworthy things, find out where your subject attended school. Nearly every college and university produces alumni magazines. They often run articles on former students. Since these publications are supported by alumni associations, they may pay well.
Writing Query Letters (top)
Tips for Getting Published (top)
COMMON MISTAKES
  • Sent to the wrong market. Be thorough with market research. Plan the best places to send your manuscripts. How to do Market Research (.pdf file)
  • Didn't follow writers guidelines. Check them again. Even your word count must be exactly what the editors ask for.
  • Been there, done that. Your topic is over-done. Give it a fresh twist or find a new topic.
  • Too simple for the target market's readers.
  • Too complicated for the target market's readers.
  • Submission looks unprofessional. Know how to prepare a manuscript. Since this can vary from publisher to publisher, read their guidelines.
SELECTING THE RIGHT MARKET
  • Decide the types of articles and stories you want to write. For example: adult feature articles, children’s stories, devotionals, etc.
  • Determined the main topic areas that you want to write about. For example: marriage, farm life, prayer.
  • Decide your target audience.
  • For each main topic list 10 or 12 potential markets. For instance: if writing about farm life you will list publications that carry articles about this topic.
  • If you intend to write books, you will list publishers under each topic that publish books about that topic.
ANALYZE POTENTIAL MARKETS
  • Collect information about each periodical. Go to their web site, and get their writers guidelines.
  • Purchase sample copies or look for them in the library.
  • Know the name of the current editor.
  • Know the type of articles they publish, their length, and other information given in their market listings.
  • Also notice if they will take reprints, want queries or complete manuscripts, and how far in advance you must send seasonal material.
  • Study the publication. Do they use long titles? Subtitles? Long paragraphs? Short paragraphs? Notice the tone of the articles.
  • Download our How to do Market Research (.pdf file)
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