Freelance Article Writing for Magazines

Freelance article writing for magazines provides a steady income for writers, but it takes research, hard work and planning to bring in enough money to make a living.

Freelance writing is a competitive market. If you are trying to break into the market, one way to get your foot in the door and collect those coveted clips for your freelance resume is to write filler articles. Clips are copies of your previously published articles that prove your track record. They show the publisher your style and the writing quality you offer to their magazine.

Filler articles are short and usually run between 300 to 800 words and yet pay well. Magazines use these short pieces to fill space on the page around their advertising and feature articles. Writing filler articles on hot topics that bridge a variety of publications offers a number of benefits. The first is that such articles can be submitted to multiple publications and can even be tweaked enough to sell the same article to more than on magazine. For example, the topic "Six Tips for a Cleaner House" could be offered to non-competitive markets including woman’s magazines, home improvement magazines and even publications targeting pet owners. In this way, one article has the potential to provide more than one clip and more than one paycheck.

Another plus when it comes to filler articles is that most of the time they don't require a query. Instead, the article is submitted using a short cover letter and can be sent to a number of publications at the same time. However, when you do this it is important to let the publication know that it is a simultaneous submission sent to noncompetitive markets.

While clips establish the fact that you can write, they don’t always prove that you can deliver what a particular magazine is looking for. When writing a feature, you'll have to sell your idea first. This is done in the form of a query or cover letter that not only presents your idea, but also sells you as the writer. That's right. You must convince the magazine that you are the person to write the proposed story or article. Offer a teaser to introduce your idea, why it's right for the market and what you propose to bring to the magazine.

When writing for magazines its important to determine your areas of expertise and to target magazines that publish related articles. Draw from your personal experience. This includes:

• Hobbies
• Talents
• Professional roles
• Passions and volunteer work

Your article ideas hold more credence when you pitch it as an expert on the topic.

Each publication has a specific set of guidelines. Check them to be sure your submission meets the specific needs stated. Use this information to hone your query, make sure you send it to the right editor and explain why your manuscript is perfect for their publication. Guidelines will include pertinent information such as:

• What the publication is looking for (what departments, fiction, non-fiction)
• What rights they buy
• Word count
• How much and when you get paid (on acceptance or on publication)
• Where, how, and to whom you should pitch the idea to

Freelance article writing for magazines is a process. It's important to target appropriate markets. When you do, be sure to polish your letter. You want it to represent your best writing because it's your proverbial foot in the door. Be sure to read and follow the guidelines, too, because it would be a shame to have your wonderful idea rejected because you don't know how to follow instructions correctly.

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