Getting The Guidelines

When you are writing for print, the guidelines for the publication are the golden rule you need to follow. Problem is…not every magazine puts these on the web for you. So where do you find them?

Here are the two things I do most often:

+ Send an e-mail and ask for them.

Keep this simple. Don’t go on about yourself or send half-baked pitches. Simply request guidelines and thank the person for their time. Don’t get sent to the spam folder by trying a clever subject line. Just put something in there like “guidelines request” or “guidelines for writers”.

Who do you send the e-mail to? Depends on who is available. An editorial assistant is fine, but you can also ask for them from a managing editor, or an editor. Don’t try an editor-at-large (they may not even work directly for the publication), and if there are many choices, it’s probably a good idea to avoid the top editor position.

+ Google.

Not all guidelines can be found this way, but many can. Also, if you are looking for one magazine, you might also find related publications that you can pitch an idea to if you’re lucky. For example, if you are searching for guidelines for “Chicago Magazine” you might also find info on the “Chicago Reader”.

Getting A Response

Once you send in a query, the next step is waiting for a response. This can be a maddening experience. Here’s how to survive it:

+ Wait the amount of time the guidelines state before following up.

Don’t be pushy. If the guidelines say that you should receive a response within three months, don’t follow up in two. Respect the time-frame. If you don’t, you might blow it.

+ Send a gentle reminder.

If you have followed the previous step, follow up–but gently. (And wait two weeks or so before you do for good measure.) Send the original e-mail with a brief follow-up, and don’t write too much. Simply state you are checking in on a query submitted (add the date) and request an update.

Getting Paid

When the article has been submitted and you are ready to get paid, there are some things you should be aware of first. Some publications require you to invoice them, others do contracts and still others simply send a check. If this is your first time working for the publication, just ask what they prefer if they haven’t already made it clear.

If you have worked with them before, be sure to follow the protocol. Some things to keep in mind if you invoice include:

• Dating the invoice
• Submitting all of the information for payment (name, address or PayPal addy, SS# or EIN# if applicable)
• Describing the work completed

For contracts, be sure to:

• Know what you are signing
• Do the best you can to protect your rights to sell the piece again
• Keep a signed copy for your records
• Send them in immediately

Do you have any suggestions for getting the goods in print writing? If so, please share them here!

What? More money? Do tell, right?

Some magazines also offer partial (or full) articles on the web as well as in their print version. And some of them will pay more for it. This is one example of how you can slant things in your favor and make some extra cash when writing for print. I had one mag pay me extra to run a shortened version of a piece I wrote–and more money for the photos too. It wasn’t a lot, but it all adds up…

If a magazine wants to use your work on the web in addition to the printed publication–but they don’t want to pay extra–what should you do? You could say no–provided the contract doesn’t include that as part of the deal. Or…you might want to consider asking for a byline that has a link to your website (you do have a website, right?) as a substitute for actual cash. Or have them run your bio if they don’t want to do a link. That way at least you get something out of it.

Another way to get more mileage out of your print writing is to re-slant an article and sell it to an online publication. That way you do the research once and get paid twice. I’m here to tell you that it feels good. Naturally, this works the other way around as well. Just look up similar magazines on the web and change the focus of the piece so you aren’t doing the same exact thing–unless you are selling a re-print. If that is the case, just make sure you have the right to do so. (Rights should be a part of your contract.)

You can also save yourself some money by using the web to get ideas for articles. Instead of driving to the bookstore and buying magazines to flip through, browse online publications and get a feel for what topics are hot right now. It saves you gas money as well as time and the cost of the magazines.

One caution–if you are going to pitch a particular print pub, be sure you have actually looked at it before. There’s no substitute for that step, because each publication has their own particular voice and style. But for getting ideas and narrowing your focus, the web is perfect.

Over time I’ve come to realize that the online magazine market isn’t the enemy. Although print writing is by far my favorite, I’m all about making some extra dough–and the web provides an additional outlet for my writing skills. There is no reason you can’t do both.

So the next time you are going to send out some queries, try thinking things through in a way that will maximize your income. This means not counting the web out as a possibility. Don’t worry, I’m still old-school, but I’m not going to recommend that you ignore the chance to make additional dollars just so you can say you’re a print writer.

If the opportunity is there…why not take it?

Do you have any suggestions for other writers in terms of how to combine print and web writing? Something that has worked well for you? If so, please do share!

After some reflection I realized what it was.

When I write for the web, much of my focus is on clarity and readability. I try to keep sentences and paragraphs on the shorter side, and I feel pressured to get my point across quickly. I don’t really think people read on the web–and studies actually bear that out. Instead of kicking back to get involved with an article on the web, most people scan it quickly and then move on to the next thing. If they finish it at all.

I must admit, that is how I read on the web. Generally I’m looking for information, and even if I come across something that is more of an “enjoyable” read, I give it a quick once-over and then go on to another page. Don’t get me wrong–I love the web–but it just isn’t where I read for pleasure. Even devices such as the Kindle and the Nook point to the fact that people aren’t excited about spending a lot of time lugging their computer around to read.

Not so with print. I’ll again use myself as an example. When I pick up a magazine, it is usually when I have some free time to devote to reading. I sit back, leisurely flip through the pages and search for an article I want to read. When I find something, I read it thoroughly; immersing myself in the experience of the writer, or in the information they convey. If interrupted, I’ll fold the page over so I can return later and finish it. I rarely bookmark a page on the web to come back  and read the article.

There is also something to be said for the layout. Even though photos are used on the web, there is just something about the way a print publication can position them to highlight the content that I enjoy more.

So when it comes down to it, I believe that print publications allow the writer a better opportunity to truly communicate with the reader. I think they are more likely to spend the time on your piece–really “listening” to what you have to say, rather than skimming it. And I personally enjoy writing with that level of detail. This is why I still do it.

I write for many different clients–and a lot of them are on the web. But some of my most cherished assignments are lifestyle pieces for print publications. Please do ask me to write about the arts scene in my hometown or author an article about a trip I recently took. I’ll spend hours and hours thinking about it and then enjoy every moment of creating the piece. I always feel like I’m speaking directly to the reader when I write for print.

When I write for the web, I generally strive to be direct, helpful and informative (naturally, depending on what the piece calls for). I want to convey information to the reader and provide them with good links to solid resources. I tend to feel a bit more pressured when writing this way–and formatting is always hovering in the background as well. Keep it short. Keep it clean. I understand it, and even agree with it, but I just don’t like writing that way as much.

That’s why no matter how great the jobs are, or how much the pay is, given the choice I’ll write for a magazine every time. I love the web, but when it comes right down to it, I’d rather sit back with a cup of coffee and read a long, in-depth article about someone’s trip to Hong Kong in a travel magazine–and all the pictures that go with it.

And if I decide to book myself a trip to see the sights there–I’ll scout out the hotels and get the tickets online!

When you write for an online publication it is fairly typical to never meet the person you are working with. Most contact is established via e-mail and subsequent information/instructions usually follow in the same manner. With print, this is not necessarily the case–especially if you start local as so many print writers do.

Getting clips usually means working for smaller publications in the beginning–such as newspapers, local magazines and possibly even writing PR or marketing collateral for area businesses. While this may not mean you meet the editor in person, they are often close by–giving you an opportunity to reach out and sit down with them face-to-face. Whenever you are able to do this; do it.

In the greater publishing world, editors bounce from one magazine to another with astonishing speed. You can get an article accepted by a newsstand publication and not have the same editor by the time you are done writing the piece. Sometimes you may even get a query accepted, only to find out that the new editor has decided they don’t want to publish it after all. It’s tough to keep up!

Local publications tend to retain their personnel a bit better. Sometimes the editor at a local magazine is also the publisher or owner. Those who work at a newspaper may leave to go to another, but not at the pace of people who work for larger magazines. It can be well worth your time to cultivate these relationships a bit so that you become the “go to” gal or guy.

Now this doesn’t mean you have to take the editor out for a fancy lunch, but I would encourage you to try for a cup of coffee. Don’t just drop by their office with a last-minute invite either–feel them out about their schedule and see if they have interest before going for “the ask”. Keep it casual and close to where they work if at all possible, and by all means, pick up the check. After all, if the time spent results in regular work, it will be well worth it.

Here are a few solid ways to build a relationship with a local editor without being too pushy–and yes, I’ve done them all:

• Send a quick e-mail every month or two just saying hello and reminding the editor you are available for assignments. Include a little banter, such as asking them how they are doing and commenting on the weather. In other words, be polite–don’t just ask for work.
• Remember them during the holidays and on or around their birthday if you know when it is. If you don’t know their birthday, put that on your “to do” list.
• Send a brief note regarding something you wrote for the publication. For example, “I picked up the latest issue of My Local Magazine and was really pleased with the way my article on local shopping looked. Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to write it for you.” Keep it simple and sincere.
• Send pitches on a regular basis so that your name stays fresh in the editor’s mind.

Do you have any tips for establishing or maintaining a good relationship with the editors at your local publications? Feel free to share!

Today we’re going to talk about setting some goals that relate directly to a career in writing for print. Starting the NY off right can set the tone for the entire year, so it pays off to do a little “leg work” on the front end of things. Here are five great goals to pencil into January that will help you get set up:

1. Re-tool your resume(s).

Freshen up all of your resumes and include any print writing credits you haven’t yet added from last year. In print writing, staying current is important. Most editors will ask you for recent samples, so be sure you have them handy to send out. This also means checking in on your LinkedIn content, Facebook presence and any other online “resume-type” sites you belong to so that you can update them.

2. Reach out to editors.

This time of year most editors are just settling back into their routine, so it can be a good time to touch base. Shoot a quick e-mail to those you have already worked with and wish them a wonderful New Year. Then let them know you are available for assignments. You can also contact editors at publications you would like to write for–this works especially well for trade magazines.

3. Brainstorm and start a “tickler” file for the year.

A “tickler” file is a big list of possible article topics that you can flush out when you have the chance–or check for ideas when you are thinking about queries. Brainstorm a big list of ideas and keep them in one spot for times when you need some creative inspiration. Add to it as the year goes–when you have an idea, just pop it in there for future reference. It’s a very helpful tool!

4. Set a few goals and order subscriptions.

Choose a few publications you would like to land an assignment in for 2012 and order a subscription to them. Begin to get a feel for what types of articles they run, what their unique “voice” is like and what you might be able to contribute. Reading a publication on a regular basis is one of the best ways to get ready to pitch a query. You won’t duplicate what they’ve already run, and you will come across as having a thorough understanding of the magazine. Believe me when I tell you–editors really love that.

5. Set up your system for keeping track of queries.

No time like the NY to do this, and it really is necessary. Web writing typically does not have the kind of lead time that print writing does. You can send a query and the follow-up time can be as long as a whole year. If you have something that is already working for you…great! If not, think about what might help you stay on top of this organizational challenge and set it up. Outlook has a calendar feature that might work for some people, smartphones do as well. I use a big desk calendar so I can see the whole month at one time. It doesn’t really matter what you do, but having a plan is crucial.

Do you have any suggestions for print writers who are going into the New Year? Drop a comment below!

On a personal note–I really believe in taking the time in January to do some extra legwork and log the long hours. Getting things off to a good start has been one of the keys to my success as a print writer. I can’t emphasize enough how important I think it is to swing into the NY strong. And I wish you all the very best!

That said, you can use that time to get your foot in the door if you are smart.

This time of year editors tend to work ahead or put things off until there is more time. Queries move to the bottom of the “important” list, and your chances are not great in terms of getting attention for your brilliant writing ideas. So what’s a poor writer to do?

Introduce yourself.

I use the holiday season as a marketing period. Instead of trying to sell articles, I work on selling myself. Here’s how:

• Update all of your online pages. Freshen up your website. Check out the bio on your blog and make sure it’s current. Add to your LinkedIn profile. Go into the next year with all your info up-to-date and fresh.
• Send out holiday cards. This is a great way to maintain relationships with editors, other writers and those in related industries. They don’t have to be fancy, but take a little time to write a note inside and be sure to get them out early.
• Do a letter of introduction. This can be especially fruitful when it comes to trade magazines. If you are qualified to write for one, whip up a letter or e-mail that gives the editor a quick peek at your skills and credentials. Keep it brief, and let them know you are interested in being considered for work at their publication in the coming year. Be sure to include all your contact information.
• Be active on the web. This time of year is a good one to join writing forums, make comments on blogs and generally get your name out there a bit more. Visible is always a good thing, and since it’s hard to find time during the regular year to squeeze this sort of thing in, now’s a good time. And if you aren’t on Twitter yet–jump right on that bandwagon.
• Be a scout. You may not want to send out queries now, but you can do some research on publications and see which ones you are interested in approaching in 2012. It’s the perfect time to leaf through magazines, get a feel for the style and voice of different publications and choose the ones you want to target when things pick up.

The holiday season doesn’t have to result in a big slump. Use it to jump-start the next year in terms of business so you are ready to hit the ground running. And don’t forget to enjoy yourself a bit too!

Any tips for using this time wisely from those who have been around the block? Leave them below!

Glossies and trade mags are all well and good, but there are other things you can do if you want to get published in the print industry. Here is a list of some of them to help inspire you:

Greeting Cards

Got a knack for delivering a message? You may want to try your luck at greeting cards. Although this won’t line your pockets with the big bucks, it can be a great way to make some extra dough. Birthday cards are always in demand, but there are also markets for holiday cards, anniversary cards and others. Why not try it out? Brainstorm some ideas and jot them down to smooth out and work through. It can be a fun change of pace.

Calendars

Some calendars have text instead of photos–or in addition to them. Again, this may not make your car payment, but it can round out your monthly bottom line.

Newsletters

Some businesses hire professional writers to author a newsletter for one reason or another. Sometimes it is an in-house deal, while other times it is more promotional.

Brochures

Marketing copy is another area you may want to consider. Brochures, press kits and other “collateral” as it is referred to in the industry is always in demand.

Custom Publications

Not quite a trade mag, custom publications are usually those written by a particular organization. Sometimes they are produced by the group itself, but they are just as often outsourced to a custom publisher to handle. Prove yourself here and you could make some nice money.

So how do you get into this stuff? Per usual, Google is your best friend here. Google “writers guidelines, greeting cards” or a similar phrase and dig in. It really is that easy–and that difficult. You’ll find you have to really target your pitch and make sure you position yourself properly to get a response. But if you do–you can really find yourself in a nice spot. These markets are generally not as competitive as the magazine industry, precisely because:

A. People don’t think to try them, and

B. They aren’t as prestigious

I have actually done all of the above in my career and have found some really rewarding jobs in the process. And made some pretty good money too.

A few last words on the topic…

For newsletters and marketing materials, you’ll have to work a little harder than just using Google. Think local. See what companies and marketing/pr pros you have in your area and either call or drop an e-mail. (I’d actually suggest doing both.) Make sure you have a solid pitch ready, and some work to show them should they ask.

Has anyone else out there made some money in one of these arenas? I’d love to hear about it!

What?

What I mean by that is this–you have to promote yourself and your work if you expect to make a dent in the print publication market. These days, a big part of this has to do with social media.

Social media may seem like a strange thing to think of in terms of self-promotion–especially if you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet. Even if you have–using it to your full advantage can take time and effort.

Let me ask you this…do you know how to get more work in print by using social media?

That’s what we are going to deal with today.

First of all–and this is huge–social media isn’t just about you and your agenda. It’s about doing for others and developing relationships with people. In other words, if you are constantly just promoting yourself and your work, you might as well pass on using it at all as a tool. People will tune you out.

Take an interest in the conversations going on out there in the field. What are some of the “hot” issues? It pays off to do a little bit of listening before you jump in with both feet. See who’s talking, what they are talking about and why. When you have a feel for things, then start to connect a bit.

Here are some social media tips for promoting yourself on the web–without annoying others:

Do  feel free to talk about what you are working on now. Just keep it professional and brief. This can be a great way for people on social media to get a feel for what you write about and the types of projects you take on.

Do build relationships with people who are influential. Magazine editors and other people in print have Twitter accounts and nearly everyone has a Facebook presence of some sort these days. Add some people and pages each week and do a little legwork to make sure your network is reaching out to those who could give you an assignment or help you find work. It pays off.

Do post helpful information, such as links to great websites, videos or podcasts that you have found interesting or useful. It’s a great way to build goodwill.

Do your best to be polite. Thank those that follow you, re-tweet you or comment on your Facebook page or blog.

Do try to have conversations with others on social media when you have time. Let them get to know you a bit. The personal touch makes such a big difference.

Do post things regularly and keep up on your account.

Now, here are some things you will want to avoid doing:

Don’t be overly self-promotional. Think about how you feel when others are constantly Tweeting or posting about themselves. It’s irritating. Some promotional posts are fine–just make sure you mix them in with other things.

Don’t ask for work. Think of it this way–you wouldn’t just walk up to some editor that you never met before on the street and ask him/her for an assignment, right? The same guidelines apply here.

Don’t underestimate the power of commenting on things you like on Facebook or re-tweeting content you enjoy on Twitter. (Commenting on blogs counts too.) It might not get you a job immediately, but it can get you on the radar for a particular editor/publication.

Don’t mix business with pleasure. If you want to use social media to promote yourself and your work–don’t get too personal on the account. Finding the right balance is key. Think of it this way–when you tweet, imagine the editor for your dream assignment is reading it. If you wouldn’t say it to them directly, don’t post it.

This isn’t an all-in-one primer on social media, but I’m here to tell you that I’ve gotten work – paying work in print – from having social media accounts and being active on them. Yes, it takes time, but you have to promote yourself anyway, and this is a great way to do it. I would suggest the following “big three” for those who are looking to break into print, or get more assignments from magazines:

Twitter.

Twitter is powerful. You can directly connect with magazine editors and those in the print field in a way you never were able to before. Build your network slowly and listen before you jump in. Include a web address so people can find you if they want to get in touch.

Facebook.

You’ll need to decide how to handle this–if you want to use your “personal” page for business, or create a page for your writing presence. It’s up to you…just make sure to keep it professional. Make sure you include some information about your background and experience, as well as a way for people to contact you.

LinkedIn.

Many people consider this a “resume” site. It’s a great professional resource, and you can also join related industry groups on this site. Make sure you complete your profile, and try to gather some professional recommendations so you can showcase yourself in the best light possible.

Have you gotten work through social media? If so, I’d love to hear about it!

Desk Calendar

There’s nothing quite like a big desk calendar to keep things front and center in terms of queries out, contracts due and deadlines. Although you can use your computer to keep track of these things as well, I find that for magazine writing it is helpful to have everything right in front of me. Since you often work way ahead of holidays (6 months to a year for many print publications) it can be good to jot down notes or query ideas in the appropriate month. For example, my June month has ideas for the New Year written in the margin.

Standing File For Desk

I keep hard copies of my contracts in a standing file on my desk. That way I have an easy reference when it comes to  the terms of a contract, and if my hard drive crashes, I have a backup copy as well. Why is this suited to writing for print? Many times you will sign a contract that has specific rights information, and you’ll want to have that handy in case you can re-sell a piece down the line. I find this to be true more with magazines than things I write for the web, although it doesn’t hurt to keep that information on file either.

Clip File/Folder

When you write for print publications you wind up with hard copies of the pieces you get published. I keep a “clip file” of the best ones and scan them into the computer when I have time. They are in a folder on my desktop called “clips”. This is handy since many times an editor will ask you for samples of your writing before granting you an assignment. Instead of frantically looking for related pieces, simply check your clip file and attach. (Just remember not to send attachments without permission.)

Receipt Box

Call me old-fashioned, but I keep a small box on my desk for receipts. When you write for magazines, you will need to keep up on the industry and read publications before you pitch them. You can go to the library and flip through publications, get a subscription, or buy individual copies. If you purchase periodicals that are related to a pitch you are putting together, you should be able to deduct them as a write off at tax time. (Be sure to consult your tax professional for the guidelines and requirements for doing this so you are sure the purchases qualify.) For me, the box is a simple way to make sure I have the receipts when I go to pull tax information together.

Razor Blade/Utility Knife

Although I hesitate to recommend anything this sharp, it simply is the neatest way to remove pages from a magazine without ripping them. (Do so at your own risk–and please be careful!) Don’t press too hard, and don’t go to close to the binding of the publication. I also remove the cover of the magazine to scan and file, so I have a reference of what issue the piece appeared in. You can also do this with scissors, but it typically doesn’t come out as easy.

Writing Group

Again, this could apply to all freelance writers, but I have found it especially useful for magazine writing. Joining a group of writers not only gives you some support, but the networking opportunities are excellent. I have landed a few great jobs simply by letting other writers know that I am looking for additional work in the print field. It works.

Do you have any “tools of the trade” that have helped you stay organized or get more work in the world of print? If so, please share here!

When you write for a print publication, you will often sign a contract for the work agreement that you will have with the publisher. There’s a lot to know about this subject. Although I can’t cover everything here, I am going to go over some basics so that you aren’t going in cold…here goes…

First of all, always ask about a contract when you get an assignment. You won’t always get one (although for you it’s better if you do), but asking never hurt anyone. As with nearly everything in the writing industry, what happens next will depend on the publication.

If you get a contract, be sure to read it. Yeah, I know, sounds basic, but in this industry you have to really know what you are signing. If you sign away your rights to everything, you can’t use the piece again. This is generally referred to as “all rights” or  a “work for hire” agreement. Avoid that one if you can. You want to try and retain the rights to re-sell your piece elsewhere. Reprints bring extra dollars. And we can all use that.

“One time rights” means just as it says–the publication can use the piece one time. This is good.

“First rights” is also a good situation for the writer. It means that the publication gets to print the article before anyone else. (Be sure to read the fine print though….you may not be able to re-sell it for a certain amount of time.)

Rights aren’t the only thing that you need to pay attention to though. Also take note of whether there is a “kill fee”. What is that? It is an amount of money that the publication will pay you if the article doesn’t run. This is verrrry good–especially when it comes to print.

Why? Because they do kill stuff. Seriously. And it’s bad enough that you won’t get to see your hard work published. If you don’t get paid for it–it’s a double whammy. Not all magazines offer a kill fee, but it’s nice to know if it is on the table. Usually it’s only a small percentage of the agreed fee, but at least it’s something.

Another thing to look for is time-frame. The contract should tell you when the piece is due, and if there are any revisions included in the fee. This is important, because if you hand something in and then suddenly get it back with requests for changes, you’ll want to know if this is an expectation–or if you might actually get additional cash out of it. Good to know.

Some contracts are long. Some are short. Sometimes I’ve had an editor do a contract with me for the first couple of articles and then stop. It varies quite a bit, so get used to the fact that you’ll be reviewing many different documents. That never changes.

Finally, always hang on to a hard copy of your contract. Always. I have a folder with my contracts so that they are all in one spot and they are accessible should I need them. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to refer to the contract to see what rights I’ve sold. It happens a lot. My brain can’t hold all the information.

If you are unclear on anything in a contract, just ask the editor. They can usually clarify. If not, they can look into it for you.

Do you have a good tip about contracts that you can share with your fellow writers? We all learn from one another…share your best info here!