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!

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!

How about some good news? Today, instead of telling you ten thousand things you need to make sure that you are doing, or emphasizing how difficult it is to break into writing for print, I’m simply going to encourage you. That’s right. Today is a pep talk!

I was not a good writer when I began. Seriously. I was pretty average, used cliches, and I made a ton of stupid mistakes. Still, here I am, many years later. Writing.

I’m stubborn and I wanted it badly. If you have tenacity and patience–I’m here to tell you–you probably can do this thing. (Oh, and you’ll need a thick skin too!)

Pep talk time. Here are some things to do that will help keep you moving toward a career that includes writing for print publications:

Write down some goals. Say, 10 of them–and make them reasonable. Stick them in an envelope and post it somewhere by your desk. Don’t open it for a year–then see how you’ve done. It’s enlightening! Sometimes your goals have completely changed. Other times you reach them and move far beyond. It’s a fun way to keep track.

Subscribe to mags you like. Yes. I’m telling you to buy magazines–and read them! Don’t deny yourself the fun stuff just to save a few bucks. You need to read to write, and if you are going to shoot for the print world, you need to read magazines. Enjoy!

Keep a list of your accomplishments. Some days you are going to get discouraged. You’ll want to quit. Keeping a list of your successes will help remind you how far you’ve come. Even if it’s a short list, it can help boost your spirits. And remember…the list will continue to grow with time.

Some writers like to keep encouraging notes from editors they have worked with. Others, a list of magazines they have been published in. Whatever makes you feel good!

Join a group for writers. There’s nothing like support to keep you from feeling like you are in this alone. Other writers can make sure you keep things in perspective, serve as a sounding board for ideas, critique your work and help celebrate your accomplishments.

Educate yourself. Read books by other writers in the genre. If you keep learning, you’ll keep growing and getting better. If you keep getting better….well, you get the idea. It’s within your power to move forward. Take advantage of that fact and do something about it.

Develop some good “self-talk”. Don’t allow yourself to say things like, “I’m never going to get published” or, “maybe I’m not good enough”. Instead, keep the conversation positive. Phrases like, “I’m working hard toward this and it will pay off” or, “I’m creative and I just need to learn a bit more about how to harness that” can go a long way toward motivating you as a writer.

Print writing is a tough biz. But today isn’t about that. Today is about all the things you can do to get your spirits up and keep moving forward.

Can anyone else add to the mix? Feel free! Let’s really make this post peppy!

My name is Catherine–and the plan is for me to share some information with you about my experience with writing for print. I have been a full-time writer for many years, and have had my writing published in national, regional and trade magazines, as well as newspapers, books and custom publications. I have also written text for calenders and planners.

If it’s one thing I love it’s helping writers avoid making some of the mistakes that I did along the way.

So why should you listen to me? I’ll give you three reasons:

1. I have made piles of money writing for print publications.
2. I have broken into some big mags–examples include American Style, AAA Living, Boys’ Life and American Fitness, to name a few. 
3. I am willing to share some of the secrets about writing for print. You will find that not too many print writers want to give away their resources.

So with that…why don’t we start this journey by taking a closer look at some of the opportunities out there for getting published on paper. Here are some of the possibilities:

• Magazines. Don’t just think about the publications at your local bookstore–there are plenty of magazines out there that are mailed direct to the customer or are written specifically for a particular trade. I write for a publisher that puts together a lifestyle magazine for a very well-known client, and I have penned many a piece for trade magazines out there as well. Hospitals, associations and non-profits are other places to look for magazine writing opportunities. The pay rate range varies a great deal for this type of writing.
• Newspapers. There are all kinds of different ways to approach writing for a newspaper. You can get in touch with your local paper to see if they will pay for freelance work or you can write a travel piece for a big city publication. Pay for newspapers tends to be on the low side, but it is a great place to get some published clips if you can find a good angle.
• Catalogues. This market is not as large as it used to be, but there are still some jobs writing copy in print these days. Many tend to be employee positions, but sometimes you can find a temp spot as a freelancer. Pay varies.
• Greeting Cards. Create text for birthday cards, thank you cards and sympathy cards and make a little money in the process. You won’t get rich off of this one–but it is a fun writing job that doesn’t eat up too much time.
• Calendars and planners. Most of these gigs are on a per-project basis, but they can turn into an ongoing job if you impress the client.
• Books. You don’t have to write an entire book to get published in one. Other opportunities in this arena include travel guidebooks or anthologies. Many will pay in copies or pay writers a nominal fee, but the prestige can be huge. Some will pay a decent stipend, and fewer still will share royalties with the writer.

Although this isn’t an exhaustive list of places that you can get published in print, it can help you focus in on an area that you may find interesting. Whether you have been writing for the web or are just getting started on a writing career, print can be a little bit intimidating. Luckily there are plenty of ways to get going.

If you have yet to go into a Borders and pick up a magazine with your byline in it–perhaps it’s time to add that to your list of accomplishments. I’ll see if I can’t help you do just that.

I’m here to tell you–it feels pretty amazing.

The key is ghostwriting.

Yes, I know not everyone is a fan of ghostwriting. I’m not always crazy about it myself, but given that I do a lot of corporate communications / business writing, I’ve gotten used to it. On the plus side, it often pays quite well. On the downside, you don’t get a credited clip.

How Can Ghostwriting Get You Published in Trade Magazines?

When you ghostwrite for trade magazines, the magazine itself won’t be your client. Instead, you’ll write features for corporate clients, small businesses, or industry professionals. They then get the credit, and use their industry credentials to pitch the piece to those magazines.

I have yet to finally pitch a bylined freelance piece to a magazine. But I have finally been published in print more than a few times – always through this method.

Why it Can Pay More

Writing for an end client often pays more and has a better chance of publication. Why?

First of all, the client isn’t paying you for simply a feature. There’s added value here – they’re paying for the potential exposure and the role features credited to them can play in their own image building or image management campaigns. Corporate folks and business owners don’t always have the time to write features themselves, so you’re also offering added value in convenience and time saved. Your value to the end publication doesn’t often compete with your potential value to a third party client. These clients also often have bigger marketing and PR budgets than a trade publication’s budget to hire freelance contributors.

On top of that, those corporate clients aren’t looking to get paid by the magazine like a freelancer is. They’re contributing something for free for the credit, making a potentially identical article much more attractive coming from that client than from you.

This really isn’t something I’ve seen a lot of freelance writers doing. However, it’s very common in the PR world, which is why I started offering the service (when I was working full-time PR). I find the work rather enjoyable, and the pay at times is better than what I’d earn doing similar articles, so why not? If you’re not completely turned off by the idea of occasionally ghostwriting, give it a shot. It could be a good way to get your feet wet in print publishing if you haven’t already, especially if your clients are willing to serve as a reference on that previously-published work if you later decide to pitch stories under your own name.