Freelance Writing Steps for Magazine Article Writing Success

Many freelance writers aspire to write for magazines. The articles found within these glossy pages are full of advice and tips presented to us with eye catching titles that speak to us in some way, depending upon our lifestyle and future goals. We are often motivated to buy the magazine because of the titles we see on the cover. Titles such as "Get Hot Sexy Lips," or "10 Super-Foods to CURE your Depression," might trigger something in many people. These titles are designed to feed those who are hungry for this type of information. There is something out there for just about everyone, whether you like hunting or natural health, the information is at your fingertips.

Magazines are constantly looking for fresh ideas about current trends or new and interesting advice. Editors have their pick of the best freelance writers so it can be hard to break in to bigger publications without experience. However, with hard work and dedication it is possible to have your work published in your favorite magazine. New freelance writers should always test the waters, as they develop their skills by writing for smaller publications first. Gaining experience in smaller markets can help you to build the confidence needed to write for the "big Daddys" someday. There are certain steps to follow in order to gain assignments writing for any magazine, regardless of how big or small the publication is. Once you know your stuff you can then press on and further your freelance writing career.

After reading Writer's Digest- "Handbook of Magazine Article Writing", by Michelle Ruberg, I gained a deeper understanding of what it really takes to build my magazine article portfolio. There are many pieces to the puzzle when it comes to magazine article writing. After you've gained the skills and experience necessary to move forward, there are certain rules in place which can make this dream a reality. Following the advice of other successful freelance writers can help you to jump ahead, and avoid making some of the many mistakes that new freelance writers make.

According to Michelle, you should study the magazine first. After you come up with an idea for a marketable story you will then need to sell it to the editor by writing a query letter. You need to be able to communicate to the editor why you are the best writer for the piece and why your idea will appeal to their readers. You will need to put your "sales hat" on in order to be successful and gain an assignment. You might have many rejections before you gain your first assignment -this happens to every writer. However, you will have fewer rejections if you follow the rules. Before you even start constructing your query letter it is so important to know the magazine. Read several issues of the magazine! One way to study a magazine is to analyze the leads and closings of the articles, so that you understand the writing style that the magazine caters to.

Read on for some examples of openings and endings, directly from an assignment I did for my Magazine Article Writing class.

REAL SIMPLE- Family issue

Fall 2008

The Best Toothpastes

By Lori Bergamotto

Opening

"Brushing your child's teeth-or getting him to brush his own- can quickly become the battle of the bathroom. If the toothpaste tastes too medicinal, it may end up being spit right down the drain. If it tastes too much like cotton candy, he may suck on the brush like a lollipop while his teeth get short shrift. And, by the way, is that tutti-frutti stuff really doing much in the way of actual cleaning? Real Simple tested more than 24 toothpastes to find the ones that are dentist-approved and loved by kids. The results: some foaming at the mouth, but plenty of smiles."

This article is an example of great writing because it keeps the readers attention. The opening is great because it entices me to read more. She expresses herself with some humor which moms like me love to read. The first sentence is about how difficult it could be to get your child to brush his or her teeth and why. This is so true! I relate to her already and I want to read more. She describes it just how it is. Some toothpastes do taste awful while others are way too sweet and the child would rather suck on the paste than use it to clean their teeth.

Natural Health

May 2008

Plant a Healing Garden

By Jessica Cerretani

Lead- opening

"Growing herbs in your home can turn your windowsill into a medicine cabinet. The nutrients and antioxidants in herbs help boost immunity protect your heart and brain and calm your nerves. Experiment with these five herbs: They're easy to grow in regular potting soil and versatile in the kitchen, says, Gayle Engels education director of the American Botanical Council."

The lead is very interesting because I never would of thought of my windowsill as a medicine cabinet. The descriptive wording gets my attention and causes me to realize how practical and easy growing herbs can be. The Author makes it sound simple and straight forward from the start. She covers the importance of herbs in one sentence and then she makes it simple by saying that there are 5 essential herbs to experiment with. There are so many herbs and sticking with 5 for a person growing herbs for the first time is an easy way to start. The article then goes on to explain each herb in detail and how to grow it. The five herbs featured in the article are Sage, Basil, Rosemary, Lemon Balm, and Peppermint. This is a great educational article that is on my list of favorites. The author also recommends a great book called The Essential Guide to Growing and Cooking with Herbs. This is great for a novice such as myself.

Ending

"Find out which herbs grow well indoors or which parts of a plant are best to use in the kitchen with The Herb Society of America's Essential Guide to Growing and Cooking with Herbs." Then she goes into a little more detail about the book.

The article was great and very informative and the ending was also great because she showed the reader how they could find out more of the same with various herbs from a recommended book. When an author recommends a book I usually take notice especially if I really like the article because I will want to find out more on that topic.

Natural Health

May 2008

The Detox Supplement

By Matthew Solan

"Spring is the time to start fresh and purge your life of clutter, and that includes internal clutter-the toxins, gas and wastes that build up in your stomach and intestines."

I think this is a great opening because he is comparing how spring is a great time to start fresh in many aspects of your life including cleaning your body. The article then goes on to explain how cleansing works when done correctly as well as with supplement can help to cleanse your body naturally. The cleansing supplement is called Triphala. This is an herb that has a gentle cleansing effect without harmful side effects. He talks about using it in a tea form as well and what to expect.

Ending

"Triphala is usually sold in powder form, though it also comes as capsules. Look for organic varieties at health food stores and Ayurveda specialty shops. Best Brands are Banyan Botanicals or Supercritical. Check with your doctor before using this product."

A great ending which sums the article up nicely with product recommendations, which is just want I as a consumer like to hear.

Natural Solutions

October 2008

Slow Down, You Move Too Fast

Giving up multitasking brings surprising rewards

By Barbara Rowley

"The day the dog started barking, whenever I flipped open my cell phone, I knew something was wrong. I'd had hints before of course: Kids who didn't feel listened to, work details I couldn't remember, even a seriously stubbed toe when I tried to push a laundry basket across the floor with one foot while holding two trash cans in my arms."

Excellent opening which helps the reader to identify right away. She paints a picture of her life which causes us to take notice. So many of us including myself are constantly going and doing too much. When do we stop to smell the roses and really take notice of life's little pleasures? Are we too busy to really enjoy life? Are we always trying to get everything done? I know I feel like that somedays and I am forced to a certain extent but this article does help a person to become more balanced at least. I have a daily list of tasks that need to be completed each day but I make sure not to try to do too much at once and make time for family. For instance I try to get all of my writing and school work done before my husband gets home while taking lots of breaks during the day. I take the time to walk with the kids, read with them, and the evenings are usually just for family. There are times when I do some school work at night but for the most part I try to get it all done during the day so I have hours of focused time on the family. I play with the baby during the day a lot too, and he naps for about half the day off and on. My two year old also plays quietly by my computer while I work, but there are times when he pulls me off the computer for one on one time and I always go to him.

I really related to this author though because I can also be the same way when I have too much on my plate. Every day is different and I am busier during the week. The days which I try to get the most done is Mon-Thurs. Fridays I designate for a few tasks, errands, preparing the home etc, then Saturdays we rest and go to church, then Sunday is family day. I also get up early on Sundays to do some reading and homework. My schedule has lots of room for more work and when the kids are in school I will be working more but for now I only work part time. I can't imagine home schooling though because that is a full time job within itself. I know I will be a big part of their education but I can't imagine taking it all on myself unless I completely gave up the career. Now I do know of some mothers who both work and home and home school, but I like to have some free time. Okay now I'm writing a novel here so I better sum it up. I just really related to this particular article. The author goes into the price we pay for too much multitasking, and how to slow it down a bit while still being productive. As mothers we do so much but life can pass us by and our children can grow up too fast if we get too busy. She explains the importance of taking time out for certain tasks and being with your children and spending quality time with them.

Ending

"Like anyone who has kicked a bad habit, I have moments where I am tempted to lapse into my old ways. But for the most part, my new single focus has been delightfully eye-opening. As I write this, I can see that? I now have four new email messages. And Look at this new trick of mine: I'm not going to read them for 20 minutes. "

This is also great ending describing how her life has changed and how she is already implementing those changes even as she writes the article.

This was a fun assignment! I can truly appreciate what these writers have to offer and I hope that one day I can be in their circle with the big magazines as well. What a great learning experience!