by Janette Peel

Created on: August 10, 2009

To make a go as a freelance writer, you need to supply exactly what the editors and publishers need, otherwise you will receive one of those unwanted rejection letters instead of a nice check.

The style, content and word length of the stories you write will depend on the publications you write for. There are many different media avenues out there. How do you decide which ones you want to write for? Can you write for a variety of titles or should you specialize? How do you know what sort of article particular media outlets require?

Like all industries, the magazine industry is diverse. While all magazines are similar in that they are comprised of words and pictures printed on paper, they differ widely in form, content, style, frequency, subject and target audience.

It is not difficult to understand that the writing printed in a rock music title would differ to that published in a trade magazine servicing the restaurant trade. Understanding that different magazines are servicing different markets and so require different writing styles is one of the key aspects of becoming a successful freelance writer.

Prospective contributors who write in a 'consumer style' are a common problem for editors of industry trade magazines. For example, Food Service News is an industry magazine which serves the Australian food and restaurant trade and many writers send in their stories thinking of the consumer - restaurant and food reviews- instead of industry-based material.

The fact that would-be freelancers don't understand the content of the magazines they are trying to write for, is a common complaint amongst editors and publishers. All magazines have a style and format worked out over time by analyzing and comparing readership demographics and market profiles.

Close reading of the material published in any given magazine will instantly reveal the sort of material that you should write if you want to have the best chance of getting published. Many freelancers however, insist on sending in material that is radically different in both style and content from the magazine they are trying to sell to.

Being adaptable means you can focus on your particular interest and maximize your publishing potential. Bear in mind, the importance of tailoring your work to suit different mediums. Being able to write in a variety of styles is an important skill to learn if you are to succeed as a freelance writer.

Style is quite difficult to define. In many ways, the style of a particular publication reflects the personalities of the people who put it together. Often a title's style is determined by how it wants to be seen by its target audience.

You need to be aware of a particular magazine's style both when pitching an idea and when writing your piece. A magazine's style will influence what sort of stories are acceptable and how they should be written.

After you have had some experience as a freelance writer, you will begin to develop your own style. As a professional writer you should be able to adapt your style to suit most circumstances, but you will quickly realize your limits. You've got to realize your limits and your strengths, and apply yourself to the sort of work that best suits you.

Developing a personal style, and recognizing the particular styles of the publications you work for, and then applying yourself to deliver appropriate material takes time and energy. It is part of the process of becoming a writer. Take the time to enjoy the journey and learn from the experience.

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