Writing for the Magazine Industry: 'How To' Freelance Write

Magazines Looking for Experienced Writers to Lend Knowledge

Manda Spring
Non fiction magazines will usually feature 'how to' articles or other forms of explanatory pieces regarding the issues at hand. These are fairly simple to write and the pay can be great considering the amount of work involved. If you are looking to make a name for yourself as a factual writer then this is a great place to start. Below you can find various magazines that are currently looking for experienced freelance writers to dazzle them. If you think you have what it takes then take the time to apply.

Writing for the Magazine Industry: Personal Fitness

Muscle & Fitness: To write for this magazine, you must submit a query with clips to 2100 Erwin Street Woodland Hills, CA 91367. Maureen Farrar is the managing editor of this magazine. Articles usually run 800-1,800 words. Payment is on acceptance and is between $400-$1,000. You can write on informational, self-help, how-to, profiles, fitness, bodybuilding, injury prevention, exercises, and nutrition.

MuscleMag International: 80% of this publication is written by freelance writers. Send a query or complete manuscript with artwork to the editor Johnny Fitness at 5775 McLaughlin Road Mississauga, Ontario L5R 3P7 Canada. Articles go for 800-3,000 words and can be on topics such as self-help, how-to, informational, bodybuilding, strength training, health nutrition and fitness. They pay $80-$400.

Runner Triathlete News: 75% of this magazine is written by freelance writers. You can send complete manuscript to Lance Phegley the editor; rtnews@ix.netcom.com . Articles should run 800-1,000 words and be on topics like how-to articles, interviews, opinions, new product information, opinion, health, fitness and nutrition. Payment varies on article. www.runnertriathletenews.com .

Yoga International: If you are interested in writing for this magazine then send a query with outline and clips or send complete manuscript to managingeditor@yimag.org (managing editor Shannon Sexton) . Articles are 2,500-3,000 words. Topics include yoga, asana, spiritual triumphs, and belief systems. 75% of this magazine is written by freelancers. Payment varies.

Writing for the Magazine Industry: Sports

Sports Spectrum: is a sports magazine that focuses on athletes that have inspirational stories of faith. 90% of articles featured are from freelance writers. They pay .21 a word and have a $50 kill fee.

Sport Diver Magazine: This magazine is for those who love informational, personal experience, opinion, interviews and well written no fiction pieces. 60% of articles are by freelance writers. Pay rates vary here so it really depends on what these editors believe your work is worth. They are very nice people and are very welcoming. Contact Dave Branon at dbranon@rbc.org .

Splat: This is a magazine dedicated to the art and sport of the paint ball adventurers. They love articles written from unique yet passionate extreme sport players who know quite a bit about this particular sport. Pay varies here as well, as I said you must really like this activity and have experience whether you play or someone you know does. For more contact Editor Christopher Iaquinta at editors@splatmagazibe.com .

Skydiving: Your contact editor's name is Sue Clifton. They are looking for 'how to's' regarding the masterful skills behind this sport. Other pieces can include the newest rigging tools available and reviews of various products pertaining to skydiving. Articles are $50 each and columns usually vary in pay.

The Snowboard Journal: The editor for this cool magazine is named Scooter Leonard. Scooter does accept email (scooter@snowboardjournal.com) queries if you think you have written a piece that he may like well enough to print. This publication takes experience pieces, profiles, interviews and a wide variety of topics such as: The best destinations, snowboarding athletes, equipment and techniques. The rate is usually .20- .50 a word and approximately 75% of articles are written by freelance writers.

Writing for the Magazine Industry: Hobbies and Interests

Sky & Telescope: This magazine is for those writers whose hobbies include star gazing and astronomy. 60% of articles written come from freelance writers. .25 per word is the going rate for articles. Bud Sadler is the editor you will need to contact via query. All articles should be between 2,000 and 4,000 words so you could be making in the least $500 for these types of pieces.

Salt water Sportsman: The editor is David Di Benedetto and 100% of the articles are written by freelance writers. You can choose between articles, tips, and columns... of course pay will vary by these different department. So, if you, or someone you know, loves to fish along the coast then this will be a worthwhile magazine to work for.

Scott Stamp Monthly is a magazine all about stamp collecting. Michael Baadke will be your contact. He is looking for feature pieces that the collectors will enjoy and inspire. Postal history behind the stamps are always welcome but they must be well researched and well written. 25% of work comes from freelance writers.

Scrapbook Answers magazine is dedicated to scrapbooking hobbyists. 30% of the publications are by freelance writers and usually is around .50 per word. Creativity is key to writing for this magazine. The editor in charge is Leslie Ayers and she will accept completed manuscripts or queries, whatever you have and feel more comfortable with.

Soft Dolls and Animals: This magazine is for those whose hobby is all about sewing. The features are how to pieces and well written instruction. Pay rates vary by work. Please direct you queries to Kelly Philage, she is the editor in charge.

Writing for the Magazine Industry: Gardening

Gardening How To: This magazine is exclusive to the members of the National Home Gardening Club. To write for this prestigious publication you will need to contact Mary Pestel with a query and resume with a good, solid writing sample. This is a great magazine to write for as you will be making anywhere $300- $1,000 per accepted piece of work depending upon the type. 65% of published material is contributed by freelance writers.

Garden Design magazine is dedicated to many different types of gardeners and those attracted by the beauty of gardens. 40% of their writers are freelance. Jenny Andrews is the editor in charge of accepting writers and their work. Informational and How To features are always welcome.

Writing for the Magazine Industry: In Closing

These few ideas here are only to show you, if anything, that there are many avenues that are out there for you to explore your writing talents. Magazines are a great way to earn a lot of extra income, publishing credits for future assignments that you may have your eye on, or to land the cool job of staff writer or Editor. Go out there and give it a shot!

Published by Manda Spring

Manda Spring is a published author of books, screenplays, advertisements, and articles (in print magazines and online).  View profile

8 Comments

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  • Manda Spring3/29/2007

    Thanks so much 'Chaotic' and 'Aly'-- I am very pleased that so many can benefit from this series. There are so many great avenues that pay very well but for some reason there are freelance writers that have no idea the capacity of which they can write. Getting paid is the key to any career! Good luck to you both!!

  • Aly Adair3/29/2007

    Manda - thank you for all the great articles about freelance publishing. I am definitely going to try my hand at the next step. I have an educational publishing background, but I am still experimenting with becoming a writer. Having someone who can guide you through the competitive ropes of publishing is a real blessing. Great content!

  • Chaotic Ramblings3/29/2007

    Great article! I enjoy articles like this that give so much information. Very well written.

  • Manda Spring3/27/2007

    That's my goal. I often hear freelance writers say how difficult it is to find work when really it is a quit profitable career. I thought this would be an eye opening experience for all those willing to put their talents to work. Thanks Sherri for stopping by to read.

  • Sherri Granato3/27/2007

    Thanks for sharing. These will help many of us to submit our work to various magazines and sites.

  • Manda Spring3/26/2007

    You both are very welcome! I hope it is useful to you.

  • MARY MOSS3/25/2007

    Thanks for sharing this great information!

  • Carson DeLay3/25/2007

    Good article. I've been thinking about selling what I write. Thanks for the information.

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