Tips for Submitting to Magazines

By Alyssa Ast

Inspired by a recent email, I thought it was important we cover tips for submitting to magazines- given that the majority of our Writing Opportunities include them. Submitting to magazines, whether online or print, is radically different than submitting to content sites or other forms of online writing. The following are a few tips to help you submit to magazines if you are new to the game.

Choose your Target!

In order to increase your potential of being published when you decide to submit to a magazine, it is important you choose the right magazine for you. When choosing a magazine, make sure it covers topics you have an interest in or have experience in. You should choose magazines that have topics you have written about before or have first hand knowledge about.

Also, when choosing a magazine, take your style of writing and tone into account. Make sure the magazine will fit your style of writing and your tone--or your article may end up sounding too amateurish for the magazine.

If you are new to submitting to magazines, your best bet is to submit to smaller magazines, or trade magazines. Larger consumer magazines are much more exclusive and it can be difficult to break in. Once you have built up your experience and have a few credentials, then consider submitting to larger publications.

Know the Publication Inside and Out!

After you have selected a magazine to which to submit, you must know that magazine like the back of your hand. Do not submit to a publication you have never read before. Make sure you read a copy of the magazine at least once to gain a feel for what the editors are looking for and what the audience wants to read. If you do not read the magazine before submitting, you'll be shooting in the dark when writing your article.

Be sure you understand the writers guidelines. Make sure you read the guidelines fully and completely understand them. Read over the guidelines more than once to ensure you did not skip over a vital piece of information.

Time to Brag!

When submitting to magazines, editors want to know they are choosing experienced freelance writers. This means it is time to flaunt those credentials! Provide samples of your work or links to your other published work to editors to give them an idea of what type of writer you are and the quality of your work. Make sure your samples are top quality and not full of typos and grammar mistakes.

If you are new to the freelance writing game and your samples are limited, list your education or projects you have been involved with. You can get creative with your credentials. Include anything you have done that involves writing.

Taking the Plunge!

Submitting the article can be confusing for people that are new to the game. Do you send out a query or do you send out the full article? It really depends on what the publication is looking for. This is where the writer's guidelines come in. Somewhere in that long tangled mess of words, they'll state what the editors are looking for.

Proper Communication!

Proper communication with the editors is very important. Always keep the tone professional! Editors are busy people so keep all communication short and to the point. When creating the initial email or query letter, the basic format of the email should be as follows:

• Synopsis- An overview of your article narrowed down to one paragraph.


• Samples- Include links or samples of your work. If emailing, explain if they are attached files or web links. Keep it down to 2-3 samples. (And double check the writer's guidelines to be sure you follow instructions.)
  


• Closing- A strong closing statement with contact information. Do not forget contact information!!

Other Tips of the Trade

There are a couple more tips that should be noted. Don't be afraid to follow up on any submissions or emails. Be respectfully persistent and keep it professional. Be sure to check the writer's guidelines to find out when (or if) you should expect a response.

It is considered bad practice to submit to the magazines competitors. It is considered OK to send out multiple submission to publications in different cities, states, nations, and markets. It is perfectly fine to send out multiple submissions, but remember check the writer's guidelines. Some publications won't accept simultaneous submissions.

Make sure you get paid. While it is okay to do a couple of low or no pay articles in order to build up samples, don't get stuck in that rut-- especially once you have gained experience.

Most importantly of all, don't be afraid of rejection or criticism. Not everyone is going to like your work. Do not take it personally. Rejection is part of being a writer. It is something you must learn to take in stride and grow from it. Even the greatest writers have been rejected.

Don't forget to get your entries in for the WM Freelance Connection Monthly Contest!!! Deadline is coming up quick. Thank you to everyone that has already submitted their entry.

Photo: "Magazines 2" By Lusi Stock.xchng

Writing Opportunity: Cabin Life Magazine

By Angela Atkinson

Are you a cabin or cottage dweller? Do you know about home building, design or maintenance? Environmental issues, projects, entertainment or cooking? What about legal or financial issues? Outdoor activities?

If any of the above topics call to you, today's writing opportunity* may be just what you're looking for. Cabin Life Magazine is accepting queries for articles on all of these topics.

Writer's guidelines reprinted from the website, below:

CABIN LIFE, CABIN LIVING mostly uses articles by freelance writers working on assignment. We are interested in working with qualified writers with expertise in these areas:

* Home building
* Home design
* Home maintenance
* Home projects
* Lakeshore and environmental issues
* Outdoor entertaining
* Cooking
* Legal & financial issues
* Outdoor activities

Queries
Have a story idea? Send us an e-mail. (We can respond more quickly to e-mail than snailmail.) Query should outline the scope of the story as well as resources to be used. And give us a flavor of your writing style, while you're at it. Please, no phone calls. We prefer seeing a query rather than a finished manuscript because we are looking for a specific style and approach to stories. Sorry, but we cannot be responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photos.

The Market
Our readers love their vacation homes, whether it's a rustic cabin in the woods or a showcase timberframe on the lake. And those who are just dreaming use CABIN LIFE to plan their future retreat. Your own cabin experience will help immensely in writing about the unique culture and experiences encountered at this home away from home.

Writing Style
We want professionally written stories that are witty, informative and smart! Stories should be infused with authority, not full of quotes from sources and surveys. We're looking for a writing style that comes from first-hand experience, thorough research and personal knowledge of a topic.

Topics
From very practical to very imaginative, and dealing with the whole range of cabin culture, from home improvement, maintenance and finance to entertaining and dining as well as recreation and boating. If you've been there, you know what we're talking about.

Deadlines
We work approximately 6 months ahead of publication schedule, which means we need queries at least 8 months before publication date. It's best to contact us a year in advance for seasonal material.

Length
400-800 words for departments. 1,000-3,000 word for feature articles. Up to 700 words for a one-page story.

Photo Guidelines
Digital photos must be hi-res: 4x5.5 @ 300 dpi for quarter page; 8x5.5 @ 300 dpi for half page; 8.5x11 @ 300 dpi for a full page. We work with jpg and tiff files. Slides, transparencies and prints also are acceptable.

Contract and Payment
Pay varies depending on the article, the writer and the amount of research involved. Payment is made upon acceptance. All work submitted must be original property of the writer and should not have appeared in another publication. CABIN LIFE contracts for all rights.

Contacting Us
Send writing samples to Editor, CABIN LIFE, CABIN LIVING, 1001 E. Ninth Street, Duluth, MN 55805 E-mail to editor@cabinlife.com

Sample Issues
For a sample issue, please send a check for $7 to Sample Copy, CABIN LIFE, CABIN LIVING, 1001 East Ninth St, Duluth, MN 55805.

Thank you for your interest in CABIN LIFE,
CABIN LIVING magazine!

*Not your thing? Check out other WM writing opportunities!

Writers to Watch: Jenna White

By Kerrie McLoughlin

I knew I wanted to be a writer from an early age but lacked the confidence to pursue it until I was in my thirties. Jenna White is a 15-year-old not-yet-published writer from Mississippi I found out in Bloggy-Land. I was impressed that a teenager was so confident about being a writer and was actually acting on it. She writes fiction, as well as for FIVE blogs, including the Writer's Chronicle and As the Plot Thickens. Let's show her some support, shall we?

WM: What made you decide to start writing?

Jenna White: Reading. When I was in about fourth or fifth grade, I picked up a book called The School Story, by Andrew Clements. It’s about a girl named Natalie who writes a book and who has a best friend named Zoe who thinks it should be published. So Zoe becomes Natalie’s agent and they navigate the publishing industry, proving that you don’t have to be “grown up” to be a writer. That really stuck with me, and ever since I’ve dreamed of finding my Agent Zoe and getting something published. I actually keep a copy of The School Story at my desk so I can look at it when I get stuck and remind myself that, hey, writing isn’t just for the grownups.

WM: How much of your writing is for you and how much is for other people?

JW: I always write for myself first. If I don’t like what I’m working on, nobody else will, either, and besides that, I’m the one who has to put up with the story and the characters for God knows how long. Edits are when you think of the readers and the “other people,” but writing is for the writer.

WM: What sort of reaction do you get when you tell people you’re a writer?

JW: Stunned silence, disbelieving glances, some amused chuckles, and a lot of raised eyebrows. A lot of people in my age group declare that they want to be writers, but don’t mean it or don’t think it will be a lot of work. That sort of irks me, especially since everybody tends to lump me with that group. But I try my best to ignore the skepticism—I know I’m serious, and eventually they’ll all see they were wrong to think otherwise.

WM: Do you ever think about quitting?

JW: Oh, heck yes. But thinking about quitting and actually quitting are two different things.

WM: What do you like to wear when writing?

JW: Pajama pants and a tank top, I think, make for the best writing costume. And a hat. I have lots of hats, and I’ll switch them out every so often, if I feel like it. My current writing hat is topped with cat ears.

WM: You push out an incredible amount of work in a short time—for example, you wrote 50,000 words in thirteen days last November. How is that possible?

JW: A complete lack of any form of social life. Seriously. I’m not a band geek, a debate nerd, a drama chick, or a jock. When everybody else is at club meetings or at the ballgames, I’m in my office writing. Aside from that, I set goals. They range from lenient to just touching on evil, but I have a goal of a set number of words every day, usually one to two thousand on weekdays and three to five per day on weekends.

WM: What are your thoughts on writer’s block?

JW: I think that writer’s block is more a state of mind than anything. Sure, it can really mess with you, but if you’re really committed to the writing, you can push through and get over it, around it, or just break it down. Whenever I get “blocked,” I just keep writing and trust that I’ll get through it eventually. It always works.

WM: What advice would you give to other teens interested in writing?

JW: Just get out there and do it. Set goals and meet them. Be prepared to get frustrated, be prepared to deal with skeptics and people who think that you’re cute or funny or just plain stupid, and be prepared to spend many, many months on projects that might not ever see the light of day. Know that it’s not easy to write, but it’s always worth it. And know that writing is a journey, not a race, and that each step of the way involves growth and learning. Even the best writer in the world still has room to grow. You don’t learn everything there is to know about history or math or science or English overnight, and you can’t learn everything about writing in such a short amount of time, either.

WM: What sort of things do you prefer to write about?

JW: I’m a fantasy addict. From epic to urban, I’m there. If it’s got magic or paranormal goings-on, I’m there. In my writing, I like to work with things that toe the boundaries between fantasy and other genres, like science fiction, horror, or historical fiction. But no matter what I write, there’s always something a little too fantastic for reality.

WM: Which do you find more interesting to write about, good or evil?

JW: Oh, neither. The grey area is so much more fascinating. Call me a Romantic writer (and by that I mean like Hugo or Shelley, not Katie MacAlister), but plumbing the depths of morality is way, way more fun than just sticking to right and wrong. And, to me, villains are so much more frightening when you know that somewhere in there they have reasons and rationalizations. What’s even more frightening is when you agree with some of what they think and don’t know quite what side of the continuum they fall on.

WM: If you could possess any psychic/magical power what would it be?

JW: Ooh, I don’t know. Telekinesis, I think. It’s such a versatile power. Plus, think of all the “may the Force be with you” jokes I could crack!

WM: If a genie granted you 3 wishes, what would you wish for?

JW: An unlimited supply of sunflower seeds, an office paneled in dry-erase boards, and a tree house that I could move my writing studio into.

WM: If everything in the world had to be one color, what would you pick and why?

JW: Well, I rather like having a full rainbow of colors to paint the world with, but I guess I’d choose shades of green. Purple is my favorite, but too much of it sort of shocks the system. But green is a nice color, and I think different shades of it would suit the world nicely.

Tips for freelance writers: Ways to Boost Your Productivity

By Pam Houghton

Writing can be painful because you don't always know what to write about, or aren't satisfied with the words that are coming out. It's tempting to use your unfocused brain as an excuse to run to Starbucks for a skinny vanilla latte than to actually sit down and write. Not that I've done that. Uh-huh.

If you are a writer who has trouble gluing your behind to the chair, here are a few tips that might boost your productivity.

1. Join a writing group. Groups may vary in format, but the main purpose is for members to receive feedback on their writing. Which means - if you want feedback - you have to write something! The frequency with which groups meet varies. They may meet once a month (all year long), or once a week for shorter periods before taking a short or substantial break. Some groups read their pieces at the meeting followed by a critique session; others submit material prior to the meeting, giving members time to think about their response. Groups force you to write, especially since you lose out on valuable feedback if you arrive empty-handed. And a weekly or monthly meeting gives you practice writing for a built-in audience ready to read your work. (Check out our very own WM Freelance Connection writer's group!)

2. Start a blog. When I was having trouble coming up with new ideas for writing, I started a blog, thinking it a novel way to grind out a few sentences. I'd force myself to post something every day, even if it was nonsense. It helped get me in the habit of writing daily, to the point where I felt confident taking on other writing gigs. I eventually deleted the blog, because upon re-reading, it sounded like a teenage girl's diary without the naughty details. But it served its purpose.

3. Get a regular writing gig (even if you have to write for free). Yes, I think it's okay to write for free (for a while). Especially when you are starting out, trying to prove you can write quality stuff in quantity. It's important for editors and other future clients to know that you can reliably churn out material that's readable, lively and engaging. Examiner.com and Suite101.com provide opportunities for writers to write and publish frequently on the web. (Just don't expect to get rich.) If you are unpublished, websites such as these are good sources for building clips - and regularly exercising your writing chops. Most importantly, you acquire a comfort level with daily writing.

Imagine Yourself as a Travel Writer

By Rebecca Sebek

Travel writing is a niche market that has exploded is the last couple of years. If you have a passion for travel and writing, you could marry the two and become a travel writer. You may believe that writing travel is difficult, but breaking into travel writing is easier than you think.

Many travel writers begin by writing about where they live. For example, if you live in Phoenix, Arizona, drive out to the Grand Canyon and explore every inch of the magnificent park. Be brave and take a white water rafting expedition down the Colorado River. Your travel article will be of interest to someone in your state or country. The words your write could entice someone from Paris, France to visit the Grand Canyon. You could have a significant impact on your part of the world!

How to get started

Getting started in travel writing is easy. The first step is to setup a blog using Blogger, WordPress.com, or WordPress.org. These are free blog websites. Note: WordPress.org requires you to have a domain name. Once you set-up your blog, you can begin writing about your favorite travel destination, adventure travel, women’s travel, men’s travel, solo travel, or whatever type of travel you enjoy.

When you begin in travel writing, choose a “niche” market. Being too broad can drive visitors away from your website. After all, you want visitors to know and understand what it is you’re writing or blogging about on a daily basis. Plus, it can be a challenge to be everything to everyone.

Tip: For your website, choose a pleasing color scheme, add media such as graphics, videos (short form content is best), podcasts, and write posts on a regular basis. If you can’t post every day, three times a week will be fine. Google loves to see content on a website – unique content is king.

After you got your feet wet with a blog, you can contact your local newspaper editor and ask if they’d be interested in your travel articles. Some newspapers have shrunk or gone under, but you can still find open markets. Make sure you include a photograph with your travel article. If you don’t, the editor will ask you for one.

Another way you can get started in travel writing is to go on media trips. Sometimes you must pay for the flight, but you can receive vouchers for hotels and resorts. You may not get paid for the trip, but you’ll be able to list the credentials on your website and meet other travel writers. Media trips can put you in touch with other travel writers who can give you advice with your travel writing. You could run into travel editors who can give you pointers on how to get published in magazines and newspapers.

Travel writing is a learning experience

Travel writing has many forms. You could write guidebooks, memoirs, journals, blogs, magazine and newspapers articles, and travel literature. It’s a good idea to read the works of other travel writers. Well known travel authors are Paul Theroux, Bill Bryson, and many others. Read travel writing books such as L. Peat O’Neil’s See the World, Sell the Story or Lonely Planet Guide to Travel Writing. You can also take classes and workshops to hone your travel writing skills.

Travel writing is fun, but it’s also a learning experience. Traveling can teach you about yourself and the world at the same time. You’ll travel to far-off destinations and meet people you never thought you’d before in your life. You may not make a ton of money at first, but travel writing will open the doors for many other writing opportunities. It can take you places and broaden your horizons at the same time.

Travel writing will touch the depths of your soul; it will make you question your belief systems. You will view the world from a different perspective and think twice about what you read and hear in the media. You will never be the same – you’ve been warned!

3 Reasons Why Writers Don't Earn More

By Carol Tice

Gripes about pay are an epidemic these days in the writing world. But there's still a lot of good-paying assignments out there. So why aren't you making more money? In my experience mentoring writers, there are three main reasons:

#1. You're not marketing. When I talk to writers who're stuck making $10,000 or $20,000 a year, I usually begin by asking them about their marketing. Are they not getting responses to their queries? Feel they don't do well at in-person networking? Need help with their cold-calling skills?

The answers are always the same. It isn't that they need help improving how they do these things – they simply aren't querying, aren't networking, and aren't cold-calling. To sum up, they're not marketing their business, aside from perhaps shooting the occasional resume to an online job ad.

You've got to constantly be looking for new and better clients to keep your slate full. This is also how you raise rates – you find better-paying clients, and then one day you look at your roster and realize you're so busy you can drop the lowest-paying account. If you're actively prospecting, you get more new clients and can drop low payers faster, leading to higher average pay. If you're writing for $15 an article, it's because you're not taking the time to market your business and find better-paying markets.

#2. You're getting assignments instead of building relationships. New writers often get so excited about having an assignment that they forget -- every assignment should be, like they say at the end of Casablanca, the beginning of a beautiful friendship. You should link in social media to that editor so that you never lose track of them, even if they change jobs.

When you turn in your story, don't let the relationship momentum die. You should be ready with two or three additional story ideas. If you don't have ideas, at least ask the editor what their needs are coming up. Instead of a one-off, try to turn each relationship into a steady gig.

#3. You're not reselling. One great way to maximize your earnings is to take each story idea you have and sell it multiple places. Personally, I've recycled story ideas so much this year I'm dizzy. I'll write about a business topic for a Canadian conglomerate, then a U.S. magazine, then a corporate Web site. Reselling accelerates earnings because you leverage the research and expert interviews you did once across many paychecks, making you more efficient. You can interview one source and sell the story to their university magazine, a business magazine, a local newspaper…and so on. You fit more articles into each year more easily, you bill more, you make more.

What's it all boil down to? Be willing to go out and actively look for better-paying clients, and do your writing assignments more efficiently. Do that, and your income is bound to rise.

How to Use Adsense

By Kat Foust

As I browse the Internet and the forums that I belong to, I sometimes run across writers who are not only new to online writing, but are new to the Internet period. This takes me back to the days when I didn't even know how to cut and paste, but everyone talked like this was knowledge that we are all born with. Today as I considered what to post on the blog, I wanted to focus on a topic that many of us take for granted that everyone knows about. I chose Adsense because it is the basis for so much of the income for online writers.

Most sites that hire writers have Adsense on their pages. What happens is that Adsense posts ads that compliment the content of the page. So, if you're writing about puppy chow, the ads may be about puppies, dog food, veternarians etc. When someone clicks on the ad, the owner of that page gets paid. It's really that simple. That's why the key is to increase your traffic with appropriate placement of keywords and content. The more traffic you bring in, the more of a chance you have for people to click on the ads.

Many sites offer a percentage of the Adsense revenue they bring in while others offer only an upfront fee. If you have Adsense on your blog or site, then you collect the revenue yourself. All you need to do to set this up is create a google account and go through the process of creating your ad, then placing the code in the HTML. There are just a couple of things to keep in mind as you set up your Adsense account.
~Never, ever click on your own ads. Google tracks this and you can be banned from using Adsense because of that. Do not post requests on your site or blog for people to click on your ads. The clicks need to be natural.
~Update your Adsense pages regularly to let Google know it is an active page. This increases your traffic.
~Ads work better if they blend with the colors of the site.
~Toy with the placement of your ads to see what placement works best on your site.