by Barbara Stanley

Created on: June 29, 2009

As a writer for some of the smaller circulation magazines, I can tell you that the pay is usually very small. Sometimes, rather than getting a check at all, you will be entered into contests or sweepstakes, or maybe receive a small gift. Still, there are good reasons to write for these magazines. There is no greater feeling for a writer than to see her name printed beneath an article in a magazine that will be read by thousands or hundreds of thousands. You may never become famous by being published in Country Woman or Countryside magazine, but your friends and family will be impressed, especially if you buy them a copy.

Starting with smaller circulation magazines helps to build your confidence. A person can receive just so many rejection letters before becoming totally disillusioned and looking for another career. If you want to be successful as a magazine writer, you must read the magazine you intend to write for. There is no other way to have knowledge of what the magazine is looking for in stories and articles. Many of these magazines will ask readers for specific articles or stories on a particular subject for an upcoming issue. In fact, some magazines are virtually reader written.

Start with magazines you enjoy reading on subjects you already have experience with or knowledge of. Obviously, you will not want to write for Field & Stream if you have no interest in or experience with hunting and fishing. If you sew regularly and have some new ideas or easier way of doing something regarding sewing, you may want to get a subscription to Sew Weekly magazine. They have contests and actively seek readers photos of crafts and for sewing tips. Any magazine you subscribe to and write for can be used as a deduction on your income taxes as an expense for self-employment as an independent writer.

These magazines, while having fewer subscribers, still have high standards for submissions. Because they ask their readers for articles on specific subjects in almost every issue, they do receive hundreds of submissions every month. It is good to know that your article or story will not be published just because you took the time to send it in. There will be disappointment no matter who you submit your work to, simply because you will not have exactly what the magazine is looking for every time.

Start by looking in the magazine section of your favorite grocery store- no, not those on display at the cash register- for magazines that interest you or ones in which you have first-hand knowledge. When you find two or three and have had time to read them and decide whether you can contribute to them, buy a subscription. A subscription is much less expensive than buying individual issues and is easier to maintain records for that are needed at tax time. Write an article or story or maybe just a tip you have to share. Have someone proof-read your article and give some feedback before you write the final draft.. Save a copy of your submission in case the editor emails you with a question or wants more information. Keep submitting articles for at least a year before deciding to move on if none of your submissions make it into the magazine. In the end, if it is not fun and you lose interest in the magazine, try a few new ones. Either way, you will have practised your craft and improved along the way.

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