Writing articles for magazines is a great way to earn extra money. It can be challenging to get your first article accepted, but once you’ve built a reputation for quality work, you can start earning big money.
There are many ways to make money writing articles for magazines, including submitting your own stories, editing others’ work, and pitching stories. Here are a few tips that will help you find success with this career:
Choose a Target Publication
Magazines are a great place to earn money writing articles, but you need to be sure that you’re sending your pieces to the right publication. Most publications have specific guidelines for the topics they cover, their approach to writing, and the tone they prefer. You’ll also want to read their published articles and look for trends in what they’re focusing on so that you can write something that will stand out amongst the competition.
Consider a Special Interest Market
A special interest niche is a great way to build your reputation and find clients. Whether it’s an interest in gardening, food, or sports, there are likely to be many publications in that genre that need your expertise.
You can also find niche markets in certain industries by looking online for industry publications and trade groups. These are often harder to land than consumer publications, but they can pay more and offer a higher rate of pay per word.
Create An Outline
When you’re writing an article, it’s important to plan out your thoughts and write them out in a step-by-step fashion. This will ensure that you don’t miss any important points and keep your ideas organized.
Research
In addition to researching your topic, you’ll also need to do some research on the publishing industry and how to pitch your work. There are a few different resources that can help you do this, including the National Association of Freelance Writers’ Writer’s Market and WebWire.
Focus on Your Anecdotes
Whether you’re writing about politics or deep-sea diving, your anecdotes can set your article apart from the rest. Your unique story can give readers a reason to continue reading your work, and your credibility can help you build a loyal audience that keeps coming back for more.
Use Short and Simple Sentences
When writing for a magazine, it’s always best to stick to short sentences and easy-to-follow information. This will ensure that your readers can follow along without getting confused or frustrated.
Don’t Overdo Your Research
A common mistake that new writers make when writing for magazines is to overdo their research. This can lead to a stale piece of work that is hard to edit and publish.
If you’re new to the writing world, it’s a good idea to start out with an outline. This will help you stay on track and avoid missing any important points or writing sections that don’t fit in with the article.
Once you’ve written your outline, you can start drafting your article. Be sure to include a brief introduction and an outline of what you’ll discuss in the body of your writing. This will help the editor know what to expect from your work and give you a chance to show off your expertise before starting your article.
