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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