Writing is hard work, and it’s even harder when you have to write a lot. That’s why I love the writing process so much it can be quite relaxing! It’s like meditation or yoga: the more you do it, the more natural it feels.
| Takeaway |
|---|
| Magazine writing is a dynamic and rewarding career path that’s open to anyone with a passion for storytelling and creativity. |
| Successful magazine writers often possess strong research and interviewing skills to gather compelling content. |
| Building a support system of fellow writers and mentors can provide valuable guidance and motivation throughout your writing journey. |
| Pitching your article ideas to magazines requires a personalized approach and a thorough understanding of each publication’s style and audience. |
| Embrace rejections as learning opportunities and use feedback to improve your writing skills and increase your chances of success. |
| Engaging headlines and captivating introductions are essential to hook readers and make them eager to explore your article. |
| Understanding the target audience and tailoring your content to their interests and preferences can significantly enhance the impact of your writing. |
| Staying informed about industry trends and current events can inspire fresh and relevant article ideas. |
| Time management and organization are vital to juggling multiple writing projects and meeting deadlines for various publications. |
| Embrace the adventure of being a freelance magazine writer, and savor the moments of discovery and fulfillment in your writing career. |
Start Thinking About The Next Day’s Story Or Column Before You Leave The Office
Before you leave the office, think about what you need to do for the next day.
Make a list of things that need to be done and figure out how much time you have before the deadline.
Do any interviews or research necessary for tomorrow’s story or column.
If it is still early in the week, think about what stories are coming up later in the week and start preparing for them now.
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You Don’t Have To Stay Stuck On Stories That Are Hard To Get
If you are having trouble getting a story, don’t be afraid to try something different. Try a different angle on the story, or a different approach to the person you are writing to. You can also ask for help from anyone who might have more experience than you do in that particular area of journalism.
You don’t have to be everywhere and the closer you get to being a journalist, the more you get used to people not wanting to talk to you.
The story you write about your day can be as simple or as complex as you’d like it to be. It could just be one or two paragraphs that describe what happened in the morning and afternoon, or it could be a full-length article with quotes from people who were interviewed during your day. Either way, try to focus on making sure your sentences are interesting and easy to read.
You don’t have to be everywhere and the closer you get to being a journalist, the more you get used to people not wanting to talk to you.
If someone doesn’t want their name printed in an article (or doesn’t want any part of their story printed), accept it with grace!
It’s easy enough for anyone else attending the event/meeting/etcetera where the interview took place; they might even take notes on what was said so they can relay them later on down through some other means – emailing or calling each other or whatever works best for each situation.
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Keep A Pen Handy
I keep a notebook in my bag and then when I’m pulling out my keys or wallet at the supermarket, I jot stuff down.
I have no idea how many ideas are floating around out there that never get written down because people don’t have pens on them, but it’s probably a lot! Don’t worry about writing down every idea as soon as it comes into your head just write things down sometimes.
And not just because you’re working on an essay or blog post: write anything and everything that comes to mind. You’ll be surprised how helpful this can be when trying to organize your thoughts later on.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from writing for so long, it’s that some of my best work has come from combining ideas from different sources into new ones (and vice versa).
For example last year during spring break we went camping in Joshua Tree National Park everyone had these little solar-powered lights called “Petzl Tikkas” which are pretty awesome (you hold them up like flashlights!).
Then when we were hiking through some dark areas they would light up the path ahead with their built-in LEDs! Plus they don’t give off any heat so if you put one in your pocket while hiking it won’t get hot against your leg as regular flashlights do.
Look At Every Moment Of Your Own Life As Potential Material
I’m not saying this to be morbid or depressing, but to give you a sense of how much there is to write about in your own life. The beauty is that most people don’t even realize all the stories they could be telling themselves.
When I first started writing, I was working as a secretary for an advertising agency and had no training as a writer or journalist I didn’t even know what journalism was!
All I knew was that things were happening around me that made me curious enough to start writing them down. And then something amazing happened: those stories were published in newspapers and magazines across America!
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Always Be Honest With Yourself About Whether You Can Pull It Off Before Accepting An Assignment
Before you decide to accept an assignment, consider your strengths and weaknesses. How much time do you have? Do you need more time than they’re offering? If so, can they give it to you?
Are there any red flags in terms of how this story might affect your relationship with the subject? Is there anything else in the back of your mind that could lead to complications down the road (e.g., a recent breakup)?
If so, are those complications likely to make working together more difficult or less difficult? The same questions should be asked about the editor and his or her relationship with the subject: How close were they before writing this piece together?
Do they know each other well enough that they can handle whatever comes up during this process together professionally without taking it out on each other later on down the line when deadlines come due?
Writing an article that editors love can open doors to more opportunities. Learn the secrets of successful magazine writers in our guide: How to Write an Article They Want to Publish. Discover techniques to captivate readers and increase your chances of publication.
Don’t Be Afraid Of Silence, Especially Over The Phone
This one is hard because most people are conditioned to fill every second of space with noise. If someone starts talking and you don’t have anything immediate to say, it can feel like awkwardness is about to take over and devour you whole.
But if you let the silence stretch too long, your interviewee will think that they’re boring you or making no sense at all (both likely, not true). So if this happens during a phone call or interview:
Take a breath don’t worry, no one can hear it! Then say “ahh…uhh…okayyyyy…” in an increasingly disappointed tone until they start talking again.
This cues them into their silence and allows them to say something else and remember: it may be embarrassing for us journalists sometimes but our subjects never know that we interviewed 15 other people who couldn’t ask good questions!
Stand Up And Breathe Deeply As You Start Each Piece Of Work
Focus on the task at hand. Think about the person you are talking to, whether it be a friend, family member, or colleague. Imagine what advice they might give you if they could see your work, would they suggest an edit or ask for more information?
Think about the story that you are writing. What makes these words interesting? What’s happening at this moment? How can we make this paragraph better?
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Conclusion
As you can see, writing for a living is a multifaceted job. There are so many different things to keep in mind when you’re trying to tell a good story from access to information to the time and space in which it was gathered or written down. It takes practice, but with enough of it (and some luck!) I think anyone could be successful in this career.
Further Reading
How to Write a Magazine Article: A comprehensive guide that walks you through the step-by-step process of crafting engaging magazine articles that editors and readers will love.
How to Get Into Magazine Writing: Learn the ins and outs of breaking into the world of magazine writing with this informative masterclass article.
The Daily Life Magazine: Explore a diverse range of captivating articles covering various topics and interests on The Daily Life Magazine website.
FAQs
What are the essential elements of a magazine article?
A magazine article typically includes a captivating headline, engaging introduction, informative content, and a compelling conclusion.
How do I pitch my article to a magazine?
Craft a well-written and personalized query letter highlighting your article’s unique angle and why it would resonate with the magazine’s audience. Send it to the appropriate editor for consideration.
What types of magazines should I target for my writing?
Identify magazines that align with your expertise and writing style. Consider both niche and mainstream publications to find the best fit for your articles.
How do I handle rejections from magazine editors?
Rejections are part of the writing journey. Instead of getting discouraged, use feedback constructively, and keep refining your work. Persistence and resilience are key in the magazine writing industry.
Can I write for multiple magazines simultaneously?
Yes, you can write for multiple magazines at once, as long as you can meet the deadlines and commitments for each publication. Be organized and manage your time effectively to handle multiple projects.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.