Did you know that freelancers write most articles you find in magazines? Many newsstand magazines have few, if any, full-time writers. Almost every topic of interest imaginable has an associated magazine; if you like writing, you can find a magazine just right for you.

Magazines pay about $0.75 to $2.00 per word for nationally distributed magazines. Expect about $0.10 to $.35 per word for smaller, local publications.

What’s involved in freelance magazine writing?

The magazine market has a large window of opportunity for freelance writers, but you must follow strict guidelines about language, word count, deadlines, etc. If an editor says he wants 800 words and you submit an 850-word article, then expect a rejection letter in the mail.

You’ll also need to know how to pitch your skills so you and your submission appeals to editors. Magazine editors will overlook even very talented writers if they fail to market themselves appropriately.

How can I find freelance magazine writing jobs?

The Writer’s Market is the #1 source for magazines looking for freelance writers. You can access their listings online or purchase their book at most major bookstores. Check out Writersmarket.com to subscribe.

Listings such as these are indispensable for freelance writers because they give details about submission requirements. Follow them exactly for the best chance of an editor accepting your article for publication.

You can also find several no-cost resources on the Internet for writers. FreelanceWriting.com maintains a growing database of magazines seeking writers.

A word of caution: make sure any website you use is current. Submissions sent to the wrong person will tick editors off, even if you got the information from their own website. Avoid this blunder by calling to confirm submission guidelines and contact info.

How do I put together a strong article submission?

The most common way is to submit a query letter, which means letting the magazine editor know who you are and what you’d like to submit.

Query letters are usually in writing and include a self-addressed, stamped envelope (so you’re sure to get a response). A good query letter answers these questions:

1. Why is it critical for this magazine to publish your article?
2. What do you plan to include in your article?
3. What are your qualifications as a writer?

Like the article you intend to write, you should write your query letter in a concise and compelling format. Ask yourself what the editor’s needs are. You need to make the editor who reads your query letter as excited about your article as you are.

You also need to outline whether you’ll include quotes from experts, photos, etc. Finally, include any relevant clips you have from previous freelance writing gigs. In other words, if you’re hoping to write a financial piece, don’t send your clips about puppies and dessert recipes.

Proving your writing skills can be difficult if you’re just getting started. If a magazine hasn’t published you yet, try volunteer writing for community or school magazines. Save everything you have in print – it will get easier and easier to establish your credibility.

Another technique is simply to write the article for which you’d like to be paid and submit it to the magazine. It may take awhile to get a response, but this “shotgun” approach can help prove your writing skills without having much experience.

Whatever approach you choose, make sure to follow up in about a month if an editor hasn’t replied. Editors appreciate a writer who shows he’s serious about working for them.

Magazine solicitation example

Below is an example ad. See if you can spot what the magazine is looking for:

Topix is a magazine for teens devoted to keeping teens off drugs. We are currently accepting article submissions of 450-550 words. Please send submissions to Gloria at (address).

Not much information, right? Wrong! The ad has enough information to develop a great query letter. Here’s what we know:

- The magazine is for teenagers so your article should use language that appeals to teens.

- The magazine’s goal is to keep teens off drugs, so think of a topic that is cool for teens and promotes drug-free living. Ideas could be coping with peer pressure or drug-free fun on the weekend.

- You’ve got a guideline of 450-550 words, so follow it!

Knowing the magazine’s audience and what editors are looking for is important to getting published by a magazine. If you can identify those two critical points, you’ll be well on your way to freelancing for magazines.

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Freelance magazine writing can be one of the most rewarding careers available to a freelance writer. Successful magazine writers are articulate, have a wide variety of interests, and know how to research a topic. Many freelance magazine writers write for various magazines, not just one, and like to write on diverse topics and sell their articles to a variety of magazines and media outlets.

The key to writing for magazines and selling what you write is knowing your market. Most magazines focus on a fairly narrow range of content. One magazine might deal with the finer points of horse grooming. Another magazine might focus on the ins and outs of toy robot collection. And yet another might cover the beauties and travel opportunities available in Bali.

This degree of specialization means that magazine editors usually have a specific idea of what articles they’re seeking, sometimes even down to a specific writing style or voice. Since magazines typically cater to a “niche” audience of educated readers, you’ll need to write well-written and interesting articles; your articles will have to feel new to an established audience. If you’re writing for a parasailing magazine, then submitting a 500-word article about the basics of parasailing just won’t do.

You have two options to write salable articles. The first is to become deeply involved with the activities or topics which the magazine covers. If you’re planning to write and sell travel articles about Germany, take at least one trip to Germany. If you’re planning to write and sell articles about cat care, spend a few days with a cat yourself (or find a knowledgeable, cat-owning friend who’s willing to give you some good, real-life information).

Writing magazine articles is a form of journalism, and often adheres to the same standards of quality and truthfulness. Would you trust a news article about declining air and water standards in a nearby town if you could tell the writer had never set foot in that town? Of course not.

Unfortunately, most of us don’t have time to take on an entirely new hobby. That’s why the second way is usually the best option: write about what you know. We’re all complicated people. We all have stories to tell. We enjoy hobbies and activities that fascinate us. We can easily uncover material for a hundred or more articles. So think about what you can write about, and what interests you. It seems hard at first, but once you sit down and start thinking about it, the article ideas will flow. Once you have your article ideas and have written articles about what you know, start looking around for magazines that might be willing to buy them. Chances are good there’s a magazine covering your interests or hobbies.

How do you find suitable magazines, and how do you ask if editors are interested? There are many ways to find appropriate publishing venues for your articles. For one, you could go to your local bookstore and search the magazine racks. If you have an independent bookstore in your area, so much the better: you may find some titles that don’t circulate at the larger chains. You can also take advantage of Writer’s Market, which list pertinent information about hundreds of magazines, including typical rates and what editors seek.

Once you’ve picked your magazine, send the editor a query letter about your article. This should be short and sweet, briefly stating who you are, your previous publication history (editors like to work with proven successes–wouldn’t you?), and your article topic. The length, topic and addressee of your query letter will depend on the magazine; you can usually find information on submissions policies in the “credits” section or on the magazine’s website.

Send off your query letter and wait. Be prepared, as well, for rejection. There are many reasons editors won’t take an article, and few of them have to do with your skills as a writer. If you get a rejection letter, just take a few minutes to mourn before starting on your next article. The hardest sale to make is always your first sale; keep up a steady stream of good, well-marketed work, and the sale will come. When it does, pat yourself on the back; you’re on your way to freelancing as a magazine writer!

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These days, more and more people are doing freelance article writing for magazines. This is good news because it gives you more opportunities to improve your craft, as well as earn extra money.

In some cases, freelance article writing for magazines even pay more than your regular job. If you want to succeed in this industry, then follow these tips below.

1) Start with what you’re familiar with.

When you’re just starting to do freelance article writing for magazines, it’s best to begin with a title that you’re familiar with.

Do you often read sports magazines or fashion magazines? When you read a particular magazine often, you’re already used to the writing style and tone of the said magazine. This makes it easier for you to do a good job on that topic.

2) Use your connections.

Once you’re already doing steady freelance article writing for magazines, don’t be afraid to use connections. One of your co-writers or even employers could recommend you to more writing gigs, which in turn could help you create a name for yourself.

Freelance writers are usually highlighted in some magazines so writing a lot will give you more exposure (and more projects in the future).

3) Be original with your ideas.

A lot of magazines like giving their readers a different perspective. That’s what your job is. Even though you’re familiar with the writing style of a particular magazine, having a different point of view also gives you an edge. Magazines are always pushing forward and aiming for growth; freelance writers are usually their sources for new ideas.

Doing freelance article writing for magazines can be a profitable experience. I’m not just talking of money here, but also of career growth. You’re trained to deal with different kinds of articles and situations which help you improve your writing style in the long run.

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