I began freelancing with magazines. And that’s a logical choice for new freelance writers. But if you want a regular income, it makes sense to reach out to businesses that use content in their marketing. When the magazines you write for pay on publication, and that could be months before getting a check in the […]
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How to Easily Write with Kids at Home
Sitting at the kitchen table with my laptop, I finally hit “print” for the article I’d been struggling with for days. But nothing happened. Then the message appeared: “The printer is out of paper.” “Not again,” I mumbled as I hoofed it to the next room, tripping over my six-year-old sprawled on the floor […]
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Does a Freelance Writer Need a Contract?
The first time a magazine sent me a freelance writer’s contract, I was a nervous wreck. The editor of a different national publication was a friend of a friend, so I sent him a copy and asked him to decipher it for me. I’ve since become more comfortable with signing on the dotted line and […]
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4 Digital Tools for Writers to Keep You On Track
I’m a paper and pencil gal. No two ways about it, I love my paper planner, colored file folders, and 4-color pen. I even have a collection of Flair markers that I use for color-coding or just…coloring. But, when it comes to staying organized in my business, I use what works best–paper or not. As […]
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3 Amazing Ways to Create a Story Hook for Your Articles
Have you ever started reading a story in the newspaper or a magazine and turned the page after the first paragraph? I have. But wait a minute. Why did you do that? After all, the headline captured your attention, right? Yes, but unfortunately, the writer failed to create a story hook to keep you reading. […]
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Where to Find Good Writing Markets
Beginning freelancers frequently put the cart before the horse. Or rather, the idea before the target publication. Do you get an idea and run to write it up only to struggle to find a place to send it? That’s what I’m talking about. Finding good writing markets should be your starting point, not writing the […]
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How to Define Your Reader when Writing for Magazines
You have an idea for a story. You think you know of a publication to send it to. So, what’s the next step? Next, you need to define your reader. Defining the reader of a particular publication is essential in getting an editor to respond to your pitch. Some aspects of knowing your reader […]
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Need Story Ideas? 2 Quick Ways to Reslant 1 Idea into Many
Have you ever picked up a magazine, noted the cover story, and asked, “Why didn’t I think of that?” That happened to me once on the walk back from my mailbox. Seriously, my husband is a mattress professional so we get Sleep Savvy magazine each month. I read it regularly and have yet to pitch […]
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I Got a Rejection Letter, Now What?
You sent your first (or 50th) query letter last week and you’ve been checking your email every hour since. Relax! this could take a while. Editors receive scads of emails every day. (I know, I used to be one.) And, if it’s a really big pub, they probably don’t even have the time to respond […]
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4 Steps to an Organized Article Writing Process
Writing a magazine article isn’t rocket science. But, let’s face it, some folks got it and some don’t, right? Not because it’s hard or a special gift or anything. But because they just need an organized approach. If you’re struggling to get article assignments, or more importantly repeat assignments, from your favorite publications, follow these […]
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