Lesson 1: What Should I Write About?
Researching Markets
The magazines that you buy and like to read will probably be the magazines in which you would like to see your articles published. Keep in mind the proviso, however, that it is often best to start submitting to magazines which are more accessible to new writers. These are likely to be those with a smaller circulation that pay less than the larger, well-established ones. Magazines such as Reader’s Digest and Woman’s Day, for example, are hard markets to break into. Generally if a magazine pays a lot, then it will be more difficult to ‘crack’. Even writing for free at the beginning can provide you with experience and published clips to send to editors. It must be admitted, however, that writers are often exploited or scammed, and really shouldn’t be expected to work for nothing. Charities are an exception, because you are using your skills to benefit a cause.
You should study your intended market thoroughly. Look at quite a few copies, or, if that isn’t possible, at least a sample copy, and look at:
Sometimes you can obtain a media kit which tells you about the readers of the magazine – their ages, interests and income, for example.
Sometimes it is easier to break into new magazines which often have a greater need for new writers.
Most magazines have sample copies and writer’s guidelines. Study these very carefully. Many editors complain that many writers who submit articles have never read any issues of their magazines.
There are many books of writer’s markets containing general guidelines for magazines. There are also many Internet sites such as Writer's Digest.com which contain several guidelines. Study these and circle all those which interest you as possible markets.
