If you're conducting research in a magazine, it probably has something to do with that magazine's focus somewhat paralleling your writing. (After all, you wouldn't read Good Housekeeping for research material of feudal Japan, would you?)
Stop to think a moment about where the articles in your research magazine came from. You guessed it-writers! Now, why are you researching a topic? To become a writer? Do you see the connection forming?
When you compare the number of magazine articles to the number of books published every year, you'll find the difference staggering. Writers that I've talked to say that it is much easier to receive a first break with a magazine publisher than with a book publisher. (I started writing books first and have just recently started trying to break in to the magazine publishing world. . . go figure!)
Chances are, if you're using this magazine for research on your topic, the topic you're writing on could be submitted to the magazine for publication. Jot down the publisher's information while you're taking notes (simple 3" x 5" recipe cards work great). Drop them a line and ask them if they'd be interested in your topic. Find out what their requirements are and submit an article on some of your research.
If your article gets published before your book is ready, it can be a considerable plus. When you start querying book publishers, mention that your article on a similar topic has already appeared in a publication. This lends credibility to your writing, since the magazine wouldn't have printed it unless it was worth something (or so the editor thinks!).
Think you can toss out those index cards if you've already had a book published? Think again. What better way to drum up sales for your book (and a little extra spending money) than writing a book review for a magazine. Check with the magazine and book publisher before you commit to a contract, but remember that it never hurts to ask about your options.
And now, a programming note:
Beginning in March, look for a different series of articles in this group. Have you ever wondered what REALLY happens in a publishing house? Do you picture a zone of cubicle-based editors furiously scrambling over piles of manuscripts or an editor with a window office over Manhattan playing darts with submission letters? (The reality lies somewhere in between.) I'm going to take you through the entire publishing progress, from the secretary's desk to the shipping department. You'll learn what editors, designers, and publication specialists like and hate, and you'll get a chance to hear some amusing stories from the publishing front lines. Click in on March 9th for the start of this exciting series!
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