Comments on: An Introduction To Writing For Print

By: Cathy Miller

Cathy Miller — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 12:36:39 +0000

Thanks, Catherine. I appreciate the help. The worst part of pricing is when you just don’t know how much time will be involved. I broke my proposal down into the research portion, a consultation reviewing the findings, then a fee per query.

I usually guess wrong the 1st time out but this is how we learn, right? When you find that agent, let me know. :-)

By: Catherine L. Tully

Catherine L. Tully — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 04:02:34 +0000

I do–but narrowing things down to the ten mags will take time too–don’t forget to figure that in. I hate trying to come up with prices–don’t you? :) It would be much nicer if we had an “agent” who did that for us.

No such luck.

Thanks for your question–let me know if I can answer anything else for you too!

By: Catherine L. Tully

Catherine L. Tully — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 00:34:05 +0000

Cathy–
(I used to go by Cathy, but when I lived in Japan, Catherine was easier for them to pronounce…it just kind of stuck!)

It is a bit hard to advise you without knowing what the field is. Some are narrower than others. If there are a lot of magazines that could work, this makes it harder for you. Also, it seems like every print mag has a totally different set of guidelines, so that can also be a time draw. Do you have an hourly rate? Perhaps you could do a “dry run” and see how long it takes to do one. (Maybe even query a piece for yourself!)

My other piece of advice would be to charge what it’s worth. Don’t hold back because you are afraid the client won’t like it. Make sure your price is something that you feel comfortable making. That way you won’t be upset if it takes some time…

Does that help at all?

By: Cathy Miller

Cathy Miller — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 00:15:58 +0000

Yes, this does help, Catherine. Thank you.

I thought about it and thought what I might do is limit it to say 10 magazines. The theme is about a healthy lifestyle and targeted to business women so the field is wide open. I always do a formal proposal where I spell out the scope of services. Although I don’t charge an hourly fee, per se, I do know what my bottom line is.

Appreciate the suggestions. Do you think my approach is a viable one? Have a great weekend!

By: Cathy Miller

Cathy Miller — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 22:08:33 +0000

Hi Catherine:

Love this post–must be the name (my full name is Catherine)-unfortunately I associate it with being in trouble as that’s what my Mom called me every tine I was. :-)

I have a question. I have done a ton of ghostwriting of articles but so far my clients have had specific print magazines lined up – industry-specific. I have a client who wants me to do the research and the queries, in addition to the articles.

Do you have any recommendations for determining a fair fee for this service? I could come up with a fee for queries as I have a pretty good handle on the time needed but I don’t know how much time to consider for the research of targeted magazines and their query guidelines.

I do subscribe to writers digest so that helps immensely. Thanks for any tips, Catherine!

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Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:31:39 +0000

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By: Catherine L. Tully

Catherine L. Tully — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:30:06 +0000

@Rebecca…don’t give up! Everything takes forever in print (well, usually). Keep trying the greeting cards too…you never know when you’ll hit! Good luck with the guidebook…let us know how it goes.

@Barbara…an expat, eh? Very cool. You have a unique viewpoint and much to offer. Think about a travel piece perhaps, depending on where you are living…

Thanks for the comment, and I hope I can help you reach that next level!

By: Barbara

Barbara — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:47:28 +0000

Catherine, I’m really looking forward to reading your posts! I’ve broken into a few small niche national magazines but no big glossies yet. I really need to do this – not just because they’re more prestigious – but because as an expat writer, they’re the ones I have the most access to!

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:20:02 +0000

I’d like to be published in a national/international magazine. I tried to break into the greeting card field, but it didn’t happen. I’m not sure why because the greeting cards that are out are not that great — just my opinion. I create my own and sell them.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed and visualizing writing a guidebook. My application/letter went to the top and is in the hands of the editorial team. I’m sure they received a ton of letters and it’s only been one week. I know it takes some time before you hear anything.

By: Catherine L. Tully

Catherine L. Tully — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 05:24:39 +0000

Thanks Dan! Hopefully I can help!

Yo–still, huh? Yep, how it goes is right…any idea when or are you in the eternal waiting phase?