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5 - Look for
online issues of particular magazines. It is true that many use original content online (another good market to explore) but even different content will show you what type of material magazine is looking for.
6 - Read newspapers online. Do you want to write travel articles? Visit major newspapers online. Most hire freelancers to cover a great deal of their special interest articles. Contact information for, in this example, travel section editor will likely be available on website.
7 – Send for writer guidelines. Look in The Writer’s Market. If you are looking for parenting magazines and find one that sounds about right to you but you have never seen, send for writer guidelines and request a sample issue. Double check listing of magazine to see if there is a reduced price or you have to send a stamped envelope to receive a free copy.
8 - Go to library. This is so obvious! Make a bi-weekly appointment to go to library and review magazines you want to write for. Make notes. Use library’s copier to photocopy table of contents, or an article or two to review at home.
9 - If your public library does not carry magazines you want to know about, travel to a college library. They are set up for your kind of research. While most require student identification to use reference materials, you can read periodicals unimpeded.
10 - Bookstores! Grab a pile of magazines, buy that over-priced latte and carefully review magazines you have found to study (remember, if you spill on it, you buy it!)
Pamela White is the publisher of Food Writing, an online newsletter and author of FabJob’s guide to Become a Food Writer. Her newest book, Freelance Writing: Begin the Adventure is available at www.food-writing.com/pages/3/index.htm
