Starting out? What you must know about writing articles for magazines

It’s very hard to break into any industry, never mind the magazine industry, known for its competitiveness, rejection letters and worse, zero response to article submissions from new writers.

Choosing to go solo as a freelancer can be a tough call, especially if you don’t have contacts with editors, or know a writing mentor who can advise you. What’s more, courses and resources aimed specifically at magazine journalists, teaching the unique style of magazine writing, have been scarce up till now. So it’s no wonder you might question whether you’re on the right track with your article.

We all need a little help in the beginning. Even if it’s just to know to which editor on the staff you need to mail your finished piece. What is the no-tears method to getting your masterpiece on the editor’s desk – and maybe even a prompt acceptance letter in your Inbox?

Here are 10 trade secrets you need to know.

1. How do I submit my first article?

You have two options.

“On spec”:

The first method is to write the article, and then e-mail the piece with a cover letter to the features editor of a magazine. You can find his or her details on the masthead page in a magazine, where the staff-members are listed.

When you send a completed article, it’s known as “submitting on speculation” (or “on spec”). This method works well if you’re a novice writer, and need a foot in the door with a magazine.

The editor can immediately assess the quality of your writing, and if it will fit with the style and tone of the magazine.

Remember, you will need to study the magazine carefully before you even start writing. Requesting the magazine style guide from the features editor is another way to tune in to the type of reader the magazine is targeting.

Usually the editor will let you know within a week or two if your piece has been accepted for publication. If you do not hear from the editor before this, you may need to give the features editor a call. Your conversation could run along the lines of: “Hi, I’m …. I sent you a piece two weeks ago called …. Did you get it? OK, good. Have you reached a decision on whether to buy it?”

Editors literally receive hundreds of letters a week from the public. Very often they haven’t even looked at your e-mail, because they don’t know your name. That’s where your call will help.

“Querying or pitching”:

The other option is to pitch your idea straight to the features editor in a query letter, and see if the editor is interested in your proposed article. If the features editor likes your idea and gives you the go-ahead to write the article, then you simply need to deliver the piece to deadline. This method works well if you’ve written for the magazine before, and the editor trusts that you will produce what you have promised in your query letter.

2. What makes for a good magazine journalist?

Surprisingly, good journalism is not just about fine writing skills.

Editors emphasise five key habits of their star journalists:

1. Their writing captures the unique tone, style and content of the magazine – and fits with the needs of the target reader.

2. They can stick to deadlines.

3. Their facts are accurate; their research is sound and thorough.

4. Their work is not “shoddy” – meaning that spelling, grammar and punctuation are correct, and sentences are carefully crafted.

5. They behave professionally, from their well-written cover letter to their invoice.

3. How much money can I make as a magazine writer?

Per word:

The going rate for junior journalists in South Africa is R1.50 per word, although some glossies have upped their rate to somewhere between R1.50 and R3.00 per word. Specialist writers get paid a minimum of R3.00 per word.

Per month:

Considering that most features are 1600 words in length (2200 words at most), you would bring in about R2400.00 per article. If you write, and sell, 6 pieces per month, your total monthly income would be R14400.00, with an annual income of R172 800.00. And then, remember, you’d still need to pay 25 % tax.

Seasoned journalists write about 13 pieces per month (this can include columns, advertorials and other business writing), and often gross up to R25 000 per month.

However, regardless of how many years you’ve worked in the industry, your income as a freelancer depends entirely on how hard you’re willing to work, how well you can write, the thoroughness of your research and your general professionalism when dealing with the publishing houses.

4. When do I get paid for articles?

Some publishing houses pay upon publication, i.e. the month-end following when your article appeared in the magazine. But what few know is that magazines work 6 to 12 months in advance, so the fee for the piece you sell today could only appear in your bank account a year later!

A few publishing houses, like Associated Magazines (with publications like Marie Claire, House & Leisure and Cosmopolitan) pay upon acceptance of your piece, which means roughly one month after acceptance.

5. How do I get paid for articles?

As a freelance journalist, you are in charge of your own “small business”, and are responsible for invoicing the publishing houses.

The features editor will let you know when you need to e-mail your invoice – either upon acceptance, or upon publication of your article to the accounts department.

6. How much scope is there for work?

It’s never been better! Magazine sales in 2006 increased by 40 % on the sales figures of 2005. “The SA magazine industry is booming,” say the judges of the Sappi PICA awards.

For example, youth magazines showed a 265.9 % growth for publications like Saltwater Girl (Atoll Media) and Seventeen (8ink Media) since 2000. Men’s Health (Touchline) topped a readership of 91,849. Publishing giant, Media24, reached sales of 143,434 for Sarie, and a whopping 355,487 for Huisgenoot.

There are well over six hundred publications and specialty publications looking for freelance contributions. Trade magazines for Edgars, Clicks, Southern Sun, Sun International, Discovery, Foschini, Lewis, Jet, Joshua Doore and Russels also offer work to freelancers, although they may pay slightly less per word.

7. How do I get commissioned to write an article?

Once an editor knows you and likes your work, it is likely that before long you will receive your first commission.

What is a commission? It’s when the editor asks you to write a piece on a particular topic, and gives you a brief to follow. You need to follow the specifications in the brief – and deliver to deadline. Very often – it’s easier to get work this way, than to go through the more work-intensive process of querying or writing on spec.

8. What skills do I need to increase my chances of making it in the industry?

The essential skills have already been mentioned under question 3.

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Starting out? What you must know about writing articles for magazines