how to write an essay for a magazine

How to Write a Magazine Article (in Ten Easy Steps)

When I was a little kid, I used to walk around my house with a notepad and inundate my parents with questions. Then I’d take those notes and use them to create a two-sentence “article,” which became features for one-page newspapers and magazines.

Fast forward about 20 years to when I saw my name in print for the first time. What a rush. Every writer should have a chance at that feeling; it’s one of the best.

The other best feeling, of course, is helping fellow writers land that byline. So, here’s how to write a magazine article, broken down into ten easy steps:

Step 1: Choose a magazine

If you’re thinking about how to write an article for a magazine, you may already have titles in mind. That’s great – go ahead and pitch them! 

It’s also fine not to have a target publication in mind. Don’t worry, they’re out there! 

There are household names like Cosmo, Time, and People, but they’re just the tip of the iceberg. 

For pieces that target the general public, including people with specific hobby interests, there are plenty of  in-flight magazines  and corporate-sponsored online publications looking for writers.  

For professional audiences, trade publications are great, and there’s plenty of them. You can find one by Googling the name of a specific industry plus “trade publication,” or check out  TradePub.com . Alternatively, if your topic is more general-audience oriented, think about pitching local/regional magazines, national magazines targeted at a certain age/income group or magazines which come as supplements with newspapers.

Whichever direction you decide to go, take plenty of time to choose the right magazine. The fit between an article and a magazine is a big part of whether that article succeeds.

Step 2: Get to know your audience

The only way to pitch the right article to a publication is to know what they already publish. Before you do anything else, get a copy of the magazine or check out its website and read some digitally printed articles – you should look for ideas for how to adapt your subject treatment to their style. 

Read at least five articles, regardless of format, and learn as much as you can about who the magazine is targeting. Try to  identify the target reader  by their:

• Marital and family situation
• Financial and socioeconomic status
• Personal interests and hobbies
• Professional status

Identify whether there are specific characteristics of the target audience that you should know. Trade publications, for example, inherently aim their content toward professionals in a particular field. Niche interest magazines… well, that one’s fairly obvious.

Step 3: Confirm or choose your topic.

Reading articles that the magazine has published will give you an idea not only of the magazine’s readership but also the story angles and tone that they tend to prefer, and therefore how to pitch them an idea which will be appealing. 

If you already have an idea….

Keep your eyes open for red or green flags (not literally, of course). Sometimes, you’ll find that your idea fits perfectly within the magazine’s content calendar. At other times, you’ll realize it’s not quite right for this publication.

Sometimes, the article won’t work no matter how hard you try, and that’s okay. It’s not anything against your article; it just means that you’ll need to pitch to a different publication. 

If you need an idea….

That’s also fine. It might even make your life easier because you don’t have to, as one writer I know delicately puts it, “kill off your baby.” You just have to find a baby, which is no easy task either.

As you’re reading the magazine you’ve chosen, brainstorm article ideas that come to you. They won’t all be winners but write them down anyway. Keep brainstorming as your mind processes what you’ve read. 

Meanwhile, pay attention to the news. You won’t necessarily pitch a hard-hitting political editorial, but current events inform almost every industry and even many hobbies. The US just elected a zombie as president? See if Good Housekeeping wants an exposé on how the White House might redecorate.

Step 4: Choose an angle

An angle is your approach to the topic. It’s your way of telling the audience why you care about the story and why they should too.

In researching this article (every article gets researched!), I encountered a spot-on  definition of angle :  “It’s the lens through which the writer filters the information… and focuses it to make it meaningful.” 

I like this definition because it clearly distinguishes the angle from the topic. Two writers can consider the same topic but because they view it from different angles – through different lenses – they create a completely different image.

For example, imagine two writers who are crafting articles about the recent zombie apocalypse. The first writer, who’s pitching to a trade publication for contractors, focuses on techniques for repairing zombie-damaged homes. The second wants to pitch to Psychology Today, so they choose the angle of how zombie PTSD has put an increased load on therapists’ private practices. How to ‘frame’ stories like this is a skill you pick up over time (and a good reason to be a generalist rather than a specialist, in many cases).

Step 5: Write a query letter

Your angle is the most important part of your query. It tells the editor most of what they need to know about why your article matters, who will want to read it, and why you feel compelled to write it. This will be the first sentence or two of your pitch.

You’ll also need to include a little bit  about yourself as a writer . Think of this as a mini-bio (emphasis on the mini). Open with a few compelling words about what you write and why you’re qualified to write it. If you have names to drop – a degree you’ve earned, a certification, or big-name magazines that have published your writing – definitely drop them. 

All told, your pitch should be no more than two paragraphs. One is better. It shows you can express a complex idea succinctly. Editors love that.  Here’s a full guide on how to writing a query letter , which you may find useful.

Step 6: Know the job

From here on out, we’re assuming that you got the gig. This may not be the case the first time around and that’s normal. Don’t give up if you get a few – or many – rejections before you get an article accepted.

Once you do, of course, step 5.5 will be to celebrate. You’ve earned it. Then it’s time to dust the confetti off your shoulders, finish off your last bite of cake, and get down to business.

Read the message from the editor who hired you. Make sure you know what their expectations are for the piece. That includes word count, deadline, and any structural requirements the publication has given you. 

If they haven’t given you a style guide, ask if they have one – it’ll tell you how to write in the house style and will dramatically cut down the editing you (or the subeditor) will have to do after you submit your piece. Make sure you know whether they use AP style, Chicago, or something else altogether.

Step 7: Research the topic

Researching is one of my favorite aspects of writing. It’s like brainstorming in reverse – instead of waiting to see what’s going to come out of my fingers, I just have to keep my mind open for exciting facts and new ways of thinking.

Let your research take you where it will, but always check the legitimacy of the source before you use it. Look for:

• Publication dates  within the last year or two. Nothing from a prior decade, unless you’re specifically looking for historical information
• Credible authors  with verifiable backgrounds. If you don’t already recognize the website and the author as highly respected, check credentials. 
• Primary sources , or as primary as possible. If an article references a study, keep digging until you find the study, and then use that.   

Step 8: Interview sources

Look at your research and think about what sub-topics might benefit from first-hand accounts or the insights of working professionals. Interviews add a lot to an article, and editors love them.

Finding an expert

There are lots of  ways to find experts , from tapping your network to cold calling an association or agency in the industry you’re targeting. PR agencies can also be great resources for pointing you toward someone who has specialized expertise in a particular topic.

Interviewing the expert

Prepare, prepare, prepare. Make a list of questions beforehand and check it against your outline to be sure you’re not missing anything. Make sure your list includes the basic information like name, job title, and location.

Hold the interview  at a time and place that’s convenient for the source. Record the interview if you can get explicit permission and if the source seems comfortable with being recorded. 

Ask as many open-ended questions as possible. It’s okay to follow the source’s lead if they take you in an unexpected direction but don’t stray too far off-topic. 

Step 9: Create an outline

Outlining is another of my favorite parts of writing. There’s just something about taking all of those chaotic research notes and putting them in a nice neat outline.

There are lots of ways of outlining, and you should feel free to use whichever technique appeals to you. Personally, I like a basic skeleton outline. It lets me line out all of the sub-topics I want to write about, in the order I want to write about them. Then I make a brief note of the supporting details.

Here’s a sample of what it might look like (thanks to the Writing Center Workshop ).

This is just a template. No one will be seeing your outline but you, so choose any structure and style that makes your writing life easier. 

Step 10: Write!

This is the really fun part, and it gets to be even more fun when you’ve invested the time in solid researching and outlining. By the time you get to this part, you’re so well-prepared that the words can just flow.

Now you have a road map for writing for a magazine, all the way from concept to execution. So what are you waiting for? Go write, and come back to add the piece to your portfolio when you get your byline!

Ellie is a full-time freelance writer with a background in playwriting, theater, and dance. She especially loves writing articles that help creatives and freelancers manage their time, talent, and money.

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How to Write a Magazine Article

Last Updated: October 11, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Gerald Posner . Gerald Posner is an Author & Journalist based in Miami, Florida. With over 35 years of experience, he specializes in investigative journalism, nonfiction books, and editorials. He holds a law degree from UC College of the Law, San Francisco, and a BA in Political Science from the University of California-Berkeley. He’s the author of thirteen books, including several New York Times bestsellers, the winner of the Florida Book Award for General Nonfiction, and has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History. He was also shortlisted for the Best Business Book of 2020 by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 934,932 times.

Magazine articles can be a big boost for seasoned freelance writers or writers who are trying to jump-start their writing careers. In fact, there are no clear qualifications required for writing magazine articles except for a strong writing voice, a passion for research, and the ability to target your article pitches to the right publications. Though it may seem like magazines may be fading in the digital age, national magazines continue to thrive and can pay their writers $1 a word. [1] X Research source To write a good magazine article, you should focus on generating strong article ideas and crafting and revising the article with high attention to detail.

Generating Article Ideas

• Check if the bylines match the names on the masthead. If the names on the bylines do not match the masthead names, this may be an indication that the publication hires freelance writers to contribute to its issues.
• Look for the names and contact information of editors for specific areas. If you’re interested in writing about pop culture, identify the name and contact information of the arts editor. If you’re more interested in writing about current events, look for the name and contact information of the managing editor or the features editor. You should avoid contacting the executive editor or the editor-in-chief as they are too high up the chain and you will likely not interact with them as a freelance writer.
• Note recent topics or issues covered in the publication and the angle or spin on the topics. Does the publication seem to go for more controversial takes on a topic or a more objective approach? Does the publication seem open to experimentation in form and content or are they more traditional?
• Look at the headlines used by the publication and how the articles begin. Note if the headlines are shocking or vague. Check if the articles start with a quote, a statistic, or an anecdote. This will give you a good sense of the writing style that gets published in that particular publication.
• Note the types of sources quoted in the articles. Are they academic or more laymen? Are there many sources quoted, or many different types of sources quoted?
• Pay attention to how writers wrap up their articles in the publication. Do they end on a poignant quote? An interesting image? Or do they have a bold, concluding thought?

• These inspiring conversations do not need to be about global problems or a large issue. Having conversations with your neighbors, your friends, and your peers can allow you to discuss local topics that could then turn into an article idea for a local magazine.

• You should also look through your local newspaper for human interest stories that may have national relevance. You could then take the local story and pitch it to a magazine. You may come across a local story that feels incomplete or full of unanswered questions. This could then act as a story idea for a magazine article.

• You can also set your Google alerts to notify you if keywords on topics of interest appear online. If you have Twitter or Instagram, you can use the hashtag option to search trending topics or issues that you can turn into article ideas.

• For example, rather than write about the psychological problems of social media on teenagers, which has been done many times in many different magazines, perhaps you can focus on a demographic that is not often discussed about social media: seniors and the elderly. This will give you a fresh approach to the topic and ensure your article is not just regurgitating a familiar angle.

Crafting the Article

• Look for content written by experts in the field that relates to your article idea. If you are doing a magazine article on dying bee populations in California, for example, you should try to read texts written by at least two bee experts and/or a beekeeper who studies bee populations in California.
• You should ensure any texts you use as part of your research are credible and accurate. Be wary of websites online that contain lots of advertisements or those that are not affiliated with a professionally recognized association or field of study. Make sure you check if any of the claims made by an author have been disputed by other experts in the field or have been challenged by other experts. Try to present a well-rounded approach to your research so you do not appear biased or slanted in your research.

• You can also do an online search for individuals who may serve as good expert sources based in your area. If you need a legal source, you may ask other freelance writers who they use or ask for a contact at a police station or in the legal system.

• Prepare a list of questions before the interview. Research the source’s background and level of expertise. Be specific in your questions, as interviewees usually like to see that you have done previous research and are aware of the source’s background.
• Ask open-ended questions, avoid yes or no questions. For example, rather than asking, "Did you witness the test trials of this drug?" You can present an open-ended question, "What can you tell me about the test trials of this drug?" Be an active listener and try to minimize the amount of talking you do during the interview. The interview should be about the subject, not about you.
• Make sure you end the interview with the question: “Is there anything I haven’t asked you about this topic that I should know about?” You can also ask for referrals to other sources by asking, “Who disagrees with you on your stance on this issue?” and “Who else should I talk to about this issue?”
• Don’t be afraid to contact the source with follow-up questions as your research continues. As well, if you have any controversial or possibly offensive questions to ask the subject, save them for last.

• The best way to transcribe your interviews is to sit down with headphones plugged into your tape recorder and set aside a few hours to type out the interviews. There is no short and quick way to transcribe unless you decide to use a transcription service, which will charge you a fee for transcribing your interviews.

• Your outline should include the main point or angle of the article in the introduction, followed by supporting points in the article body, and a restatement or further development of your main point or angle in your conclusion section.
• The structure of your article will depend on the type of article you are writing. If you are writing an article on an interview with a noteworthy individual, your outline may be more straightforward and begin with the start of the interview and move to the end of the interview. But if you are writing an investigative report, you may start with the most relevant statements or statements that relate to recent news and work backward to the least relevant or more big picture statements. [10] X Research source
• Keep in mind the word count of the article, as specified by your editor. You should keep the first draft within the word count or just above the word count so you do not lose track of your main point. Most editors will be clear about the required word count of the article and will expect you not to go over the word count, for example, 500 words for smaller articles and 2,000-3,000 words for a feature article. Most magazines prefer short and sweet over long and overly detailed, with a maximum of 12 pages, including graphics and images. [11] X Research source
• You should also decide if you are going to include images or graphics in the article and where these graphics are going to come from. You may contribute your own photography or the publication may provide a photographer. If you are using graphics, you may need to have a graphic designer re create existing graphics or get permission to use the existing graphics.

• Use an interesting or surprising example: This could be a personal experience that relates to the article topic or a key moment in an interview with a source that relates to the article topic. For example, you may start an article on beekeeping in California by using a discussion you had with a source: "Darryl Bernhardt never thought he would end up becoming the foremost expert on beekeeping in California."
• Try a provocative quotation: This could be from a source from your research that raises interesting questions or introduces your angle on the topic. For example, you may quote a source who has a surprising stance on bee populations: "'Bees are more confused than ever,' Darryl Bernhart, the foremost expert in bees in California, tells me."
• Use a vivid anecdote: An anecdote is a short story that carries moral or symbolic weight. Think of an anecdote that might be a poetic or powerful way to open your article. For example, you may relate a short story about coming across abandoned bee hives in California with one of your sources, an expert in bee populations in California.
• Come up with a thought provoking question: Think of a question that will get your reader thinking and engaged in your topic, or that may surprise them. For example, for an article on beekeeping you may start with the question: "What if all the bees in California disappeared one day?"

• You want to avoid leaning too much on quotations to write the article for you. A good rule of thumb is to expand on a quotation once you use it and only use quotations when they feel necessary and impactful. The quotations should support the main angle of your article and back up any claims being made in the article.

• You may want to lean on a strong quote from a source that feels like it points to future developments relating to the topic or the ongoing nature of the topic. Ending the article on a quote may also give the article more credibility, as you are allowing your sources to provide context for the reader.

Revising the Article

• Having a conversation about the article with your editor can offer you a set of professional eyes who can make sure the article fits within the writing style of the publication and reaches its best possible draft. You should be open to editor feedback and work with your editor to improve the draft of the article.

• You should also get a copy of the publication’s style sheet or contributors guidelines and make sure the article follows these rules and guidelines. Your article should adhere to these guidelines to ensure it is ready for publication by your deadline.

• Most publications accept electronic submissions of articles. Talk with your editor to determine the best way to submit the revised article.

Sample Articles

Expert Q&A

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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about writing an article, check out our in-depth interview with Gerald Posner .

• ↑ http://grammar.yourdictionary.com/grammar-rules-and-tips/tips-on-writing-a-good-feature-for-magazines.html
• ↑ https://www.writersdigest.com/writing-articles/20-ways-to-generate-article-ideas-in-20-minutes-or-less
• ↑ http://www.writerswrite.com/journal/jun03/eight-tips-for-getting-published-in-magazines-6036
• ↑ http://www.thepenmagazine.net/20-steps-to-write-a-good-article/
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R5f2VV58pw
• ↑ https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-nonfiction/how-many-different-kinds-of-articles-are-there
• ↑ http://libguides.unf.edu/c.php?g=177086&p=1163719

About This Article

To write a magazine article, start by researching your topic and interviewing experts in the field. Next, create an outline of the main points you want to cover so you don’t go off topic. Then, start the article with a hook that will grab the reader’s attention and keep them reading. As you write, incorporate quotes from your research, but be careful to stick to your editor’s word count, such as 500 words for a small article or 2,000 words for a feature. Finally, conclude with a statement that expands on your topic, but leaves the reader wanting to learn more. For tips on how to smoothly navigate the revision process with an editor, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Write an Article for a Magazine: Expert Tips and Tricks

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on Published: June 14, 2023  - Last updated: June 23, 2023

Categories Writing

Magazine writing is a unique form of art that requires writers to carefully blend elements of storytelling, informative research, and reader engagement. Crafting an article for a magazine demands a flair for creative writing and an understanding of the submission process and the specific expectations of the magazine’s audience.

With a clear idea of the subject matter and a strong knack for storytelling, anyone can venture into the world of magazine writing and make a lasting impact on the readers.

The journey of writing a magazine article begins with understanding the fundamentals of magazine articles and their unique characteristics. It requires a thorough understanding of the target market, a well-defined topic, and an unmistakable voice to engage readers.

By focusing on these aspects, writers can create articles that resonate with a magazine’s audience, leading to potential ongoing collaborations and publication opportunities.

Key Takeaways

• Magazine writing involves a blend of storytelling, research, and reader engagement.
• Understanding the target audience and article topic is crucial to success.
• Focusing on writing quality and a unique voice can lead to ongoing publication opportunities.

Understanding Magazine Articles

Types of magazine articles.

Magazine articles can differ significantly from newspaper articles or other forms of writing . Several types of magazine articles include features, profiles, news stories, and opinion pieces. Feature articles are in-depth stories that provide substantial information about a specific subject, often written by freelance writers.

Profiles focus on an individual or organization, showcasing their accomplishments or perspective. News stories are shorter pieces that report timely events and updates, while opinion pieces allow writers to share their viewpoints on relevant matters.

The Purpose of a Magazine Article

The primary purpose of a magazine article is to entertain, inform, or educate its readers in an engaging and visually appealing manner. Magazine writing is crafted with the reader in mind, considering their interests, knowledge level, and preferences.

The tone, structure, and style may vary depending on the target audience and the magazine’s genre. This approach allows for a more flexible, creative, and conversational writing form than news articles or research reports.

Magazine articles are an excellent medium for freelance writers to showcase their writing skills and expertise on specific subjects. Whether they’re writing feature articles, profiles, or opinion pieces, consistency, factual accuracy, and a strong connection with the reader are essential elements of successful magazine writing.

Developing Your Article Idea

Finding a story idea.

Developing a great article idea starts with finding a unique and compelling story. As a freelance writer, you must stay updated on current events, trends, and niche topics that can spark curiosity in the readers.

Browse newspapers, magazine websites, blogs, and social media platforms to stay informed and derive inspiration for your topic. Engage in conversation with others or join online forums and groups that cater to your subject area for fresh insights.

Remember to select a theme familiar to you or one with expertise. This approach strengthens your article’s credibility and offers readers a fresh perspective.

Pitching to Magazine Editors

Once you’ve generated a story idea, the next step is to pitch your concept to magazine editors. Start by researching and building a list of potential magazines or publications suited to your topic. Keep in mind the target audience and interests of each publication.

Instead of submitting a complete article, compose a concise and engaging query letter. This letter should encompass a brief introduction, the main idea of your article, your writing credentials, and any previously published work or relevant experience.

When crafting your pitch, aim for clarity and brevity. Magazine editors often receive numerous submissions, so make sure your pitch stands out.

Tailor the tone of your query letter according to the general style of the target magazine, and consider mentioning specific sections or columns you believe your article would fit.

Patience and persistence are key attributes of successful freelance writers. Always be prepared to pitch your article idea to different magazine editors, and do not hesitate to ask for feedback in case of rejection. Refining and adapting your story ideas will increase your chances of getting published.

Remember to follow the guidelines and protocols established by the magazine or publication when submitting your query letter or article pitches. Also, some magazines may prefer to work with writers with prior experience or published work in their portfolios.

Consider starting with smaller publications or creating a blog to build your credibility and portfolio. With a well-developed article idea and a strong pitch, you’re on the right path to becoming a successful magazine writer.

Writing the Article

The writing process.

The writing process for a magazine article generally involves detailed research, outlining, and drafting before arriving at the final piece. To create a compelling article, identify your target audience and understand their preferences.

This will allow you to tailor your content to suit their needs and expectations. Next, gather relevant information and conduct interviews with experts, if necessary.

Once you have enough material, create an outline, organizing your thoughts and ideas logically. This helps ensure a smooth flow and lets you focus on each section as you write.

Revising your work several times is essential, checking for grammar, punctuation, and clarity. Ensure your language is concise and straightforward, making it accessible to a broad range of readers.

Creating an Engaging Opening

An engaging opening is critical in capturing the reader’s attention and setting the tone for the entire article. Begin your piece with a strong hook, such as an intriguing anecdote, a surprising fact, or a thought-provoking question. This will entice readers to continue reading and maintain their interest throughout the piece.

Remember that different publications may have varying preferences, so tailor your opening accordingly.

Organizing Your Content

Organizing your content is essential in creating a coherent and easy-to-read article. Consider segmenting your piece into sub-sections, using headings to clarify the flow and make the content more digestible. Here are some tips for organizing your content effectively:

• Utilize bullet points or numbered lists to convey information in a simple, organized manner
• Highlight crucial points with bold text to draw readers’ attention
• Use tables to present data or comparisons that may be difficult to express in plain text

As you organize your content, keep your target audience in mind and prioritize readability and comprehension. Avoid making exaggerated or false claims, damaging your credibility and negatively impacting the reader’s experience.

Remember to adhere to the submission guidelines provided by the magazine, as each publication may have different preferences and requirements. Following these steps and maintaining a clear, confident tone can create an engaging and informative magazine article that resonates with your readers.

Polishing Your Article

Proofreading and editing.

Before submitting your article to a magazine, ensure it is polished and error-free. Start by proofreading for grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes, making your article look more professional and credible. Using tools like grammar checkers is a good idea, but an experienced writer should also manually review their piece as the software might not detect some mistakes.

Editing your article is crucial, as it helps refine the structure and flow of your writing. Eliminate redundant or unnecessary words and reorganize paragraphs if needed. Consider asking a peer or a mentor to review it for an unbiased perspective.

Keep the magazine’s desired writing style in mind, and adapt your article suitably. For example, a news article may require a concise and informative tone, while a feature in a magazine on pop culture may call for a more conversational and engaging approach.

Using Appropriate Language and Style

To make your article stand out, it is essential to use appropriate language and style. Unlike online publication or social media writing, magazine journalism usually demands a more refined and professional tone. Focus on using a clear, neutral, knowledgeable voice conveying confidence and expertise.

Here are some tips to ensure your article fits the magazine’s desired style:

• Ensure you have a compelling subject line that captures the reader’s attention.
• Depending on the type of article you’re writing, decide if your piece should follow a more scholarly approach, like in a scholarly journal, or a more relaxed, opinion-based style found in lifestyle magazines.
• Use relevant examples to support your points, but avoid making exaggerated or false claims.
• Consider your audience and their interests. Choose the right vocabulary to engage them without making the content too pretentious or complicated.

By carefully proofreading and editing your work and using appropriate language and style, you can ensure your magazine article shines. Remember to stay true to your voice and the magazine’s requirements, and maintain a professional tone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key components of a magazine article.

A magazine article typically includes a headline, introduction, body, and conclusion. The headline should be striking and attention-grabbing to capture the reader’s interest. The introduction sets the context and tone of the piece while giving the reader a taste of what to expect.

The body of the article is where the main content and message are conveyed, with vital information, examples, and analysis.

The conclusion summarizes the article by summarizing the main points and often providing a call to action or a thought-provoking question.

What is an effective writing style for a magazine article?

An effective writing style for a magazine article should be clear, concise, and engaging. It is essential to cater to the target audience by using language that resonates with them and addressing relevant topics. Keep sentences and paragraphs short and easily digestible, and avoid jargon unless the publication targets industry professionals.

Adopting a conversational tone while maintaining professionalism usually works well in magazine writing.

How should the introduction be written for a magazine article?

The introduction of a magazine article should engage the reader right from the start by grabbing their attention with a hook. This can be an interesting anecdote, a fascinating fact, or a provocative question. The introduction should also establish the flow of the rest of the article by providing brief context or outlining the piece’s structure.

What are the best practices for structuring a magazine article?

The structure of a magazine article should be well-organized and easy to follow. This often means using subheadings, bullet points, or numbered lists to break up the text and emphasize important content. Start with the most important information, then move on to supporting details and background information. Maintain a logical, coherent flow between paragraphs, ensuring each section builds on the previous one.

How can I make my magazine article engaging and informative?

To make a magazine article engaging and informative, focus on finding the right balance between providing valuable information and keeping the reader entertained. Use anecdotes, personal stories, and real-life examples to make the content relatable and genuine. When applicable, include engaging visuals (such as photos or illustrations), as they aid comprehension and make the article more appealing. Finally, address the reader directly when possible, making them feel more involved in the narrative.

What are some useful tips for editing and proofreading a magazine article?

When editing and proofreading a magazine article, focus on the bigger picture, such as organization and flow. Ensure that the structure is logical and transitions are smooth and seamless. Then, move on to sentence-level editing, examining grammar, punctuation, and style consistency. Ensure that redundancies and jargon are eliminated and that the voice and tone match the target audience and publication. Lastly, proofread for typos and errors, preferably using a fresh pair of eyes or a professional editing tool.

Magazine Article Structure: How to Master the Layout

Understanding the intricacies of a magazine article’s structure is crucial for writers and readers. A well-structured magazine article ensures clarity and engagement and enhances the reader’s comprehension and retention of the content. From captivating leads to compelling conclusions, every element plays a pivotal role.

Table of Contents

Visual elements, sidebars, and subheadings are also woven to provide depth and context. With the diverse formats available, it’s essential to discern which structure best fits the content and audience. Mastery of these structural elements promises impactful and memorable magazine articles.

Introduction to Magazine Article Structures

When picking up a magazine, readers must recognize the careful planning and structure of crafting each piece. However, the backbone of a magazine article is its structure, an invisible force guiding the narrative and ensuring clarity and engagement.

Why Structure Matters

Understanding the structure of a magazine article is beneficial for writers and readers. Just as architects need blueprints and chefs require recipes, writers rely on structure to build a coherent and impactful piece . The structure offers a systematic approach, ensuring that the writer’s message is conveyed precisely and that the reader’s journey is smooth and intuitive.

For readers, a well-structured article provides a clear path to comprehension. It ensures that the introduction grabs their attention, the main content delivers valuable information, and the conclusion ties everything together, leaving them with a clear takeaway or thought.

Components of a Magazine Article

At a high level, a magazine article consists of:

The Lead: This is the hook, the captivating start that grabs the reader’s attention.

The Body: This section delves into the heart of the topic, whether it’s an in-depth investigation, a profile, or a feature on a particular subject.

The Conclusion: It wraps up the article, providing closure or sometimes leaving the reader with something provocative to think about.

However, this is a simplification. Depending on the type of magazine article, the structure can vary, with elements such as sidebars, pull quotes, and visual aids adding depth and richness to the content.

Gains for the Reader

When readers familiarize themselves with these structures, they begin to read with a more informed perspective . They can anticipate the flow of the content, knowing where the author might present crucial facts, opposing viewpoints, or anecdotal evidence. This knowledge enriches the reading experience, allowing readers to extract more value from the article.

Moreover, an awareness of structure can heighten readers’ critical thinking skills. By understanding how an article is constructed, readers can more effectively assess the strength of an argument, the research’s depth, or the narrative’s bias.

A Mutual Understanding

In essence, the structure of a magazine article serves as a bridge between the writer’s intent and the reader’s understanding. For writers, it’s a tool to convey their message effectively. For readers, it’s a lens through which they can better interpret and engage with the content . A mutual appreciation of this structure ensures that the dance between writer and reader is harmonious, with each step or sentence leading seamlessly to the next.

The Anatomy of a Lead for a Magazine Article

In any compelling narrative, the beginning often sets the stage for what’s to come. For magazine articles, this critical beginning is known as the “lead.” It’s the gateway into the story, providing a glimpse of the content that awaits. The lead’s role is paramount: it either entices the reader to venture further into the article or fails to capture their attention, causing them to move on.

A magazine article example can significantly illuminate the power of a strong lead. Consider two articles on the same topic: while one might begin with a shocking statistic, the other could open with a personal anecdote. Both are valid approaches, but their impact on the reader can vary significantly depending on their execution and the target audience.

Different Types of Leads and Their Purposes

Anecdotal Lead: This type begins with a short story or personal account related to the main topic. It aims to humanize the subject and forge an emotional connection with the reader. For instance, a magazine article example about climate change might start with a villager’s firsthand account of witnessing glacier melt.

Question Lead: This lead engages the reader’s curiosity by posing a thought-provoking question. “What if you knew the exact day you’d die?” could be an intriguing lead for an article about genetic predictions.

Statistic Lead: This lead utilizes complex data or surprising statistics to underscore the article’s significance. An article discussing smartphone addiction might start with, “75% of millennials check their phones within 5 minutes of waking up.”

Descriptive Lead: Painting a vivid picture, this lead immerses the reader in a setting, scene, or situation. For a magazine article example about a bustling city market, the lead might dive into the cacophony of sellers, fragrances, and colors.

Quotation Lead: Beginning with a relevant quote, this lead lends authority or contrasts viewpoints. An article on freedom might open with a quote from Nelson Mandela or Martin Luther King Jr.

Contrast Lead: This lead highlights the disparity by juxtaposing two opposing ideas or scenarios. An article about the digital divide might start by comparing a day in the life of two students, one with and one without internet access.

Mastering the Lead: A Foundation for Success

Regardless of the type, a lead’s primary function remains consistent: to captivate and guide the reader into the article’s main body. It’s the reader’s first impression; as the old adage goes, first impressions matter. Whether drawing from a magazine article example or crafting an original piece, understanding the anatomy of a lead is crucial for anyone aiming to engage and inform their audience effectively.

Main Body Formats: From Narratives to How-Tos

The main body of a magazine article is where the meat of the content lies. It’s the detailed exploration, the unfolding narrative, the in-depth discussion. Depending on the content and purpose, the magazine article format for the main body can vary widely. From weaving engaging narratives to instructive how-tos, the format chosen significantly influences the reader’s experience and comprehension.

Narrative Format

Application: Used primarily for personal essays, long-form journalism, and features.

Description: This format relies on storytelling techniques, often flowing like a novel or a short story. It might follow a chronological order or use flashbacks, with character development, plot, and a climax.

Real-life Example: An article detailing a mountaineer’s ascent of Mount Everest would use the narrative format. It would chronicle the journey from the base camp and capture the challenges, personal emotions, and eventual triumph or setback.

Expository Format

Application: Common for articles that aim to inform or explain without the writer’s personal opinion.

Description: This format provides a straightforward, fact-based explanation of a topic. It relies heavily on research, expert quotes, and data.

Real-life Example: An article exploring the reasons behind bee population decline, detailing the role of pesticides, climate change, and habitat loss, would adopt an expository magazine article format.

How-to or Instructional Format

Application: Used for articles that guide the reader through a process or instructions.

Description: This format breaks down a task into digestible steps, often supplemented with tips, illustrations, or cautionary notes. It’s direct and often written in the second person, addressing the reader directly.

Real-life Example: An article teaching readers how to create a rooftop garden, complete with steps, necessary tools, and best plants for rooftop environments, would utilize this format.

Q&A Format

Application: Typical for interviews or articles that revolve around experts’ insights.

Description: Presented as a series of questions followed by answers. This magazine article format is straightforward but engaging if the questions are insightful and the solutions provide depth.

Real-life Example: An interview with a renowned climate scientist, where they answer queries about global warming, its impact, and mitigation measures, would adopt a Q&A structure.

Listicle Format

Application: Popular in modern digital magazines or platforms catering to readers looking for quick, engaging reads.

Description: As the name suggests, it presents information in a list form, often numbered or bulleted.

Real-life Example: “10 Revolutionary Women Writers of the 21st Century” would be a listicle briefly describing each writer and their contributions.

Embracing Versatility

The main body’s structure of a magazine article is as varied as the topics they cover. By understanding each magazine article format and its applications, writers can ensure their content is engaging and compelling, catering to their readers’ specific needs and preferences.

Using Sidebars for Additional Insight

In magazine layouts, sidebars often stand out as strategic design elements, adding layers of context, detail, or intrigue to the main content. A well-designed sidebar doesn’t just supplement the article but elevates it, providing readers with enriched understanding and engagement.

The Role of Sidebars in Magazine Article Design

The primary function of a sidebar in a magazine article design is to offer supplemental information related to the main content. Instead of disrupting the flow of the article with tangential or in-depth details, sidebars house this additional data, ensuring the main narrative remains crisp and focused. Sidebars can:

Highlight Key Points: Summarizing essential information or presenting “at a glance” insights.

Delve Deeper: Offering a more in-depth exploration of a specific point mentioned in the article.

Provide Context: Sharing background information or historical data relevant to the topic.

Showcase Visuals: Including charts, graphs, or images that support the article’s content.

Share Testimonials or Quotes: Giving voice to experts or those affected by the topic.

Designing Effective Sidebars

The magazine article design for sidebars varies, but there are a few best practices to ensure they serve their purpose effectively:

Contrast with Main Content: Different fonts, colors, or backgrounds differentiate the sidebar from the primary content.

Keep It Concise: Sidebars should be brief, offering bite-sized information. Overloading a sidebar can overwhelm readers and detract from its purpose.

Strategic Placement: Position the sidebar close to the relevant content, ensuring readers naturally gravitate towards it as they progress through the article.

Use Clear Headings: If the sidebar contains different types of information, use subheadings to guide the reader.

Enhancing Reader Engagement and Understanding

Including sidebars in a magazine, article design does more than beautify a page or fill space; it significantly amplifies reader comprehension and interaction. By offering additional insights without breaking the primary narrative’s flow, sidebars cater to readers who crave a deeper dive into specific points.

For instance, in an article about the benefits of organic farming, a sidebar could provide statistics on increased organic produce sales over the years. This immediate access to supplemental data can strengthen the article’s argument and give readers a holistic understanding.

Moreover, for readers skimming the article, sidebars can act as focal points, drawing their attention to critical facts or insights that might otherwise be buried in the main content.

The Sidebar’s Pivotal Role

Sidebars play a pivotal role in the intricate dance of magazine article design. They enhance aesthetics and enrich content, providing readers with a multi-dimensional exploration of topics. When designed with purpose and precision, sidebars can transform a good article into a great one.

The Power of Effective Headings and Subheadings

The tapestry of a magazine article is not just its intricate and detailed content but also its magazine article frame—constructed using headings and subheadings. While these elements might seem simple, they wield a transformative power in guiding and enhancing the reader’s journey and comprehension.

Significance in the Magazine Article Frame

Within the complex structure of a magazine piece, headings and subheadings function as navigational beacons. Just as a map uses landmarks to help travelers find their way, the magazine article frame uses these elements to direct readers through its content.

Setting the Tone: The main heading is the reader’s first interaction with the content. A well-crafted header grabs attention and sets expectations, highlighting the article’s tone and focus.

Segmentation: Particularly in lengthy articles, subheadings break the text into digestible sections. This segmentation aids readers in understanding the article’s flow and the progression of ideas.

Facilitating Skimming: Only some readers dive deep into the content in today’s fast-paced world. Many skim to gather the gist. Headings and subheadings allow these readers to quickly pinpoint areas of interest and understand the main takeaways.

Breaking Down Information Effectively

An article without clear divisions can appear daunting, much like a long, winding road without signposts. Headings and subheadings work to classify information, making it accessible and easily digestible.

Highlighting Key Points: Through concise and impactful subheadings, writers can emphasize the core ideas of each section, ensuring readers grasp the essential messages even if they don’t delve into every paragraph.

Creating a Logical Flow: Sequential and thoughtfully crafted headings guide readers through a logical journey, from introducing a topic to providing evidence, showcasing examples, and concluding.

Aiding Memory Retention: By compartmentalizing information, headings and subheadings make it easier for readers to recall details. The human brain often remembers structured information better than continuous, undivided content.

Crafting Effective Headings in the Magazine Article Frame

While the utility of headings and subheadings is evident, their efficacy relies on their construction. An impactful header should:

• Be concise yet descriptive.
• Engage the reader’s curiosity.
• Reflect the content it precedes.
• Be consistent in style throughout the article, ensuring a cohesive magazine article frame.

The Unsung Pillars

While imagery, quotes, and narrative arcs often steal the limelight in magazine articles, the humble headings and subheadings remain the unsung pillars of the magazine article frame. They structure and shape the content , ensuring the message is noticed in the maze of words. As integral parts of the magazine article frame, they are pivotal in enhancing readability, understanding, and engagement.

Integrating Visual Elements: Photos, Illustrations, and Infographics

The intricate blend of words in a magazine article forms a tapestry of information, weaving narratives and presenting insights. However, visuals such as photos, illustrations, and infographics play a quintessential role in any effective magazine article template. They are not mere decorations but powerful storytelling tools that complement and amplify the textual content.

The Role of Visuals in a Magazine Article Template

Instant Engagement: A picture is worth a thousand words. In the bustling world of content consumption, visuals can instantly grab readers’ attention, anchoring them to the article. Before delving into the textual content, an evocative image or a captivating infographic can intrigue readers, setting the tone for what’s to come.

Complementing the Text: A magazine article template’s relationship between text and visuals is symbiotic. While words convey detailed information, visuals support, emphasize, and enhance those details. For instance, an article on wildlife conservation becomes infinitely more impactful when accompanied by a striking image of an endangered species in its natural habitat.

Breaking Monotony: Long-form articles can appear daunting and monolithic. Integrating visuals breaks the textual monotony, offering readers a refreshing change of pace and facilitating easier content digestion.

Facilitating Understanding: Complex topics or data-heavy discussions can be challenging to convey solely through words. Here, infographics shine. They simplify intricate data, presenting it in a digestible, visually appealing manner. A magazine article template incorporating infographics can transform a dense topic into an engaging, easily understandable narrative.

Enhancing the Magazine Article Template with Varied Visuals

Photos: Authentic, high-resolution images can evoke emotions, set contexts, or provide real-life examples. They add a layer of realism to the article, allowing readers to visualize described scenarios or subjects.

Illustrations: These offer a more flexible and creative avenue than photos. Images can be tailored to match the article’s tone, whether whimsical, serious, or abstract. They add a unique flair to the magazine article template, making it stand out.

Infographics: As visual representations of information, infographics distill complex data or concepts into easily graspable visuals. They’re especially effective in articles that deal with statistics, processes, or timelines.

The Visual-Textual Symphony

The art of crafting an influential magazine article lies in the harmonious integration of text and visuals. In a well-designed magazine article template, each visual element is strategically positioned to reinforce, complement, and elevate the textual content. Through this blend, articles achieve a dynamic, multifaceted form of storytelling, ensuring readers understand and experience the content.

The Art of Crafting a Memorable Conclusion for a Magazine Article

In magazine articles, every section has a unique role, from the gripping leads to the compelling body. But, within the intricacies of a magazine article layout, the conclusion stands out as the final note. This swan song leaves a resonant echo in the reader’s mind. Much like the finishing stroke in a painting, it completes the picture, offering readers clarity, insights, and a sense of fulfillment.

The Quintessential Role of a Conclusion in the Magazine Article Layout

Every component of a magazine article layout has a purpose, and the conclusion is no exception. It is the culmination of the reader’s journey, a destination that should leave them informed, contemplative, and spurred into action.

Leaving a Lasting Impression: The ending of an article often defines its remembrance. While readers may skim sections of the main body or gloss over details, the conclusion offers a summarized essence, reinforcing the core message. A memorable conclusion ensures the reader leaves with a clear takeaway, deepening the article’s purpose in their memory.

Providing a Sense of Completion: The conclusion acts as the seal, closing the narrative. In a well-structured magazine article layout, the conclusion ensures all threads spun in the narrative converge, offering readers a rounded perspective. This closure prevents readers from feeling adrift, ensuring they leave with a sense of satisfaction.

Inspiring Action and Reflection: Beyond mere summarization, a robust conclusion nudges readers towards introspection or tangible action. Whether challenging them with a thought-provoking question, presenting a call to action, or urging them to reconsider preconceived notions, the conclusion’s potential to instigate change is immense.

Tailoring the Conclusion to the Magazine Article Layout

While the significance of a conclusion is undeniable, its effectiveness is contingent on how it’s integrated into the overall magazine article layout.

• Consistency with the Theme: The conclusion should harmonize with the article’s overarching theme, ensuring a fluid transition from the main body.
• Avoid Introducing New Elements: A conclusion is a synthesis, not a place for fresh revelations. New information can jolt the reader, detracting from the sense of closure.
• Engage Emotionally: Evoking emotions, whether hope, concern, or inspiration, amplifies the lasting power of the conclusion. An emotional connection ensures readers carry the article’s essence with them.

The Lasting Legacy of Conclusions

In the multifaceted design of a magazine article layout, the conclusion emerges as the final brushstroke, the defining silhouette against the backdrop. Its power lies in its subtlety, its ability to encapsulate the narrative’s spirit, and its potential to leave a lingering trace in the mindscape of readers. Crafting this section with intention and finesse ensures that an article doesn’t just end but resonates, echoing its core message long after the last word is read.

Common Magazine Article Types and Their Unique Structures

The world of magazine article writing is rich and varied, offering a plethora of formats that cater to different content needs and audience preferences. Each type of article possesses a distinct structure crafted to enhance its primary objective. Let’s delve into some common magazine article types and unpack their unique structural nuances, offering illustrative examples for better understanding.

Feature Articles

Structure: This is the crown jewel of magazine article writing, often diving deep into a topic, person, event, or trend. Feature articles typically start with a strong lead, setting the tone and drawing readers in. They then progress through a detailed body with subheadings, anecdotes, interviews, and personal reflections. The conclusion often circles back to the lead, offering closure.

Example: A feature article on the impact of climate change on polar bears might begin with a heart-wrenching account of a lone bear’s struggle, delve into scientific data, expert opinions, and local stories, before ending with a broader reflection on nature’s fragile balance.

Structure: Profiles focus on individuals, providing an in-depth look at their life, achievements, personality, and more. After a compelling introduction highlighting the individual’s significance, the body elaborates on their background, significant milestones, challenges, and personal anecdotes. The conclusion often offers insights into their future plans or broader impact.

Example: In magazine article writing, a profile on a renowned author might begin by discussing a pivotal moment in their latest book, dive into their writing journey, personal life, and literary achievements, and conclude with their legacy in the literary world.

News Stories

Structure: Unlike newspapers, magazine news stories offer more depth. They commence with a headline and lead that outlines the main event or update. The body provides detailed information, background context, related events, and expert opinions. It concludes with implications or future predictions.

Example: A news story about a technological breakthrough in renewable energy sources might start with the discovery’s announcement, explain the technology, its potential benefits and challenges, and conclude with its potential global impact.

How-to Articles

Structure: These are instructional pieces. They start with an introduction explaining the importance of the task. The main body follows a step-by-step format, often accompanied by subheadings, bullet points, and images for clarity. The conclusion offers additional tips or emphasizes the benefits of completing the task.

Example: An article on “How to Grow Organic Tomatoes” would detail the process, from selecting seeds to harvesting, guiding readers through each phase with clear instructions and visual aids.

Structure: Reviews assess products, books, films, etc. They begin with an introduction that provides context. The body delves into features, pros, cons, and personal experiences. The conclusion offers a verdict or recommendation.

Example: A movie review might introduce the film’s context, discuss its plot, characters, direction, and cinematography strengths and weaknesses, and end with a recommendation.

In Summation

The diversity in magazine article writing ensures writers can approach subjects from various angles, presenting engaging and apt content. By understanding the unique structures associated with each type, writers can craft pieces that resonate, inform, and captivate their readers.

What are feature articles?

Feature articles are comprehensive pieces that delve deep into a topic, person, event, or trend. They combine detailed analysis, anecdotes, interviews, and personal reflections to give readers an in-depth understanding.

Are magazine news stories similar to newspaper articles?

While both report on current events, magazine news stories offer more depth and context than their newspaper counterparts. They often include background information, related events, and expert insights.

What is the primary objective of a how-to article?

How-to articles are instructional pieces guiding readers through a process or task step-by-step . They are structured for clarity, often using subheadings, bullet points, and visuals to ensure understanding.

How do reviews offer a verdict or recommendation?

Reviews assess products or media by discussing their features, strengths, and weaknesses. Based on this assessment and the writer’s personal experience, a conclusion provides a verdict or recommendation to readers.

Can a magazine article combine multiple formats?

While each type has a distinct structure, skilled magazine article writing can blend elements from various formats to create a unique, engaging piece tailored to the topic and audience.

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Writer's Guidelines

Thank you for your interest in submitting a story idea to  AARP The Magazine  for review. The magazine rarely uses unsolicited ideas. Any material you submit will not be returned. That said, writers may submit pitches based on the following guidelines: 

Story idea letters should be no more than one page long and should provide links to recent writing samples. Your letter should present your idea, give details on how you would approach it, provide some sense of your writing style, and name the section of the magazine for which the piece is intended.

Do not submit the full text of the story you are proposing unless it’s a personal essay. Do not send us email attachments.

We cover stories of interest to people over 50 in these categories:

• Work and Money:  investments, savings, retirement, and job issues
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• Consumerism :   practical information and advice
• Relationships:  family matters, caregiving, living arrangements, grandparenting
• Human Interest: dramatic, recent, inspiring narratives about people over 50
• Personal Essay:  thoughtful, timely, new takes on matters of importance to our readers

Note: We do not consider pitches from writers based outside of North America. If you send us a pitch that is plagiarized or A.I.-generated, your email address will be blacklisted and blocked.

To submit your pitch, either e-mail it to  [email protected]  as plain text within the body of your message or mail it to the following address:

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How to Successfully Pitch an Article to a Magazine (and Get Published)

Jessica Michael

So you think you have a great idea for an article, but you're not sure what to do next? In this article, we'll teach you top tips and tricks for how to pitch your story idea to a magazine and get your piece published.

Why pitch an article to a magazine?

There are many reasons to pitch an article, essay, or story idea to a media outlet.

If you're a writer, getting your stories published may be part of your income. It can help you get exposure for your work, and it can build out your writing credentials.

But even if you aren't a professional writer, getting an article in a magazine can have important benefits. It can be a great way to market your business if you write for a magazine in your industry. If you have a particular area of expertise, writing articles about your subject matter can boost your professional profile.

In addition, Some degree programs or job positions (such as those in the sciences) require or strongly encourage publication.

You may also find yourself writing an article simply because you have a good story to tell or because the subject matter is important to you, and you think people could benefit from knowing about it.

Finding the right outlet

Regardless of why you want to get an article published, the first step is figuring out which media outlets are most likely to publish your piece.

A great way to start researching what outlets to pitch is to do a Google search on your subject matter. See what media outlets have been covering it or if there are outlets specifically dedicated to the topic. You can do the same on social media by searching relevant hashtags.

Obviously, you don't want to pitch an article about baking sourdough to a hard-hitting news journal, or a lighthearted travel piece to an arts magazine. Larger outlets will cover multiple verticals (think Conde Nast , New York Magazine , etc.), so you'll want to make sure you are pitching to the right editor for that heading.

You'll want to read some sample articles to get a sense of voice, content, and style. Even if a media outlet hasn't covered what you're writing about, if it falls underneath the general umbrella of topics they like to cover, and your writing is a good fit for their style, you may find a match.

Make sure they haven't already published a similar piece. A quick Google search of the topic plus magazine title should help with this. You may also be able to do a site search using keywords.

In addition, there are a multitude of databases and free newsletters that collate media outlets to pitch and submit to, depending on the type of writing you do. Duotrope , The Open Notebook , and Kavyar are only some of the many resources you can subscribe to in order to track the latest calls for submissions.

Print magazines

Print magazines are often considered prestige media, especially these days when most content is online. If you are able to get published in a well-regarded print publication, it can go a long way to establishing your reputation.

However, there are much fewer print magazines than there used to be which means they are often significantly harder to get accepted into. They also tend to favor staff writers, columnists, and journalists that they work with frequently. The good news is that many print publications also have an online presence, so when you submit, you will be considered for both their print edition and their online platform.

Online magazines, news outlets, and blogs

Most content is now found online, which means there is a good chance that you will be pitching to online press platforms and blogs as part of your process. Online outlets have the benefit of being numerous, so it's more likely you'll be able to find one that fits your writing and your topic. It can also be easier to get picked up as a new writer since there are more online opportunities available, which can help you build your writing credentials and have a chance to be published in bigger outlets down the line.

The downside is that they vary tremendously in quality and reputation. You'll need to do some homework to verify the legitimacy of any online platforms that you pitch to. 

Writing a Pitch

Once you've figured out the magazines you'd like to pitch, you'll need to craft a convincing pitch that catches the editors' interest and paves the way for your piece to be picked up for publication.

Most pitches are done via email, so the first thing a submissions editor is going to see is your subject line. You'll want a subject line that clearly states the topic and story angle. Many publications also require you to state that the email is a story pitch in the subject line. Check their pitch guidelines to be sure.

Once you've created an interesting and informative subject line, you'll want to write an email that keeps an editor's interest. Remember, they may receive hundreds of pitches a day, so be sure to keep it short, concise, and clear. State the bottom line and any sources or research you plan to include, and why you are qualified to write the piece.

Ultimately, you need to be able to present a unique angle--why is this interesting? Who will read it? Why are you qualified to write about it? --and to do so with as few words as possible while still explaining the gist of the article.

Be sure to begin the email with the name of the editor or editors that will be reading it. Sometimes, an outlet will have a submissions editor specifically for pitches and will include that editor's name in their submissions and pitching guidelines. If not, check the masthead or the staff list to find out which editor oversees the media vertical that you are pitching to.

Some pitches require a bio. Focus on your expertise in the subject matter and/or your writing experience. Make sure to mention any larger publications your work has been featured in (a general rule of thumb is to list no more than 3), and keep it under 150 words. If a bio isn't specifically required, you can include this information at the end of your pitch.

Make sure you end the pitch politely and with an offer to share more information if they are interested.

Figuring out a magazine's pitch guidelines

Every media outlet has its own pitch guidelines. Some magazines want you to include the entire article in the body of the email or as an attachment. Some magazines specifically ask that you don't include the completed work. In addition, some magazines work with submission websites where you input or upload your information, and others want you to pitch the editor of the vertical you are submitting to. They may also have different requirements in terms of what to include in a pitch and how long the pitch should be.

You'll need to research each magazine's pitch guidelines, and tailor your pitch accordingly. You can often find submission or pitching guidelines on a magazine's website. Another trick is to Google "[magazine name] + pitching guidelines". Submission and pitching guidelines are different but are often included under the same banner, so check both.

Should you send the whole article?

Some editors, journals, and magazines want you to have a finished product when you send a pitch their way. This can be especially true if they've never worked with you before or if you are a relatively unknown writer. However, many magazines want to hear your pitch before they give you the ok to write the article.

If the article you want to write is relatively short, we recommend going ahead and writing it out before you pitch. That makes it easy to send the finished product if your story does get the thumbs up. It can also help you refine your pitch because you know exactly what the article will consist of. That being said, it's important not to send the full article unless it's asked for.

If what you are pitching is complex, lengthy, has multiple sources and so on, sending a pitch before you write your piece can be important. First of all, it lets you know if anyone will pick up the story before you put all of the effort into writing it. It also allows the editor you're working with to give you guidelines on how they want the article written and the story angles they're most interested in. This gives you a chance to craft the piece in a way that fits best with the media outlet.

If it's an editor or an outlet you've worked with previously, getting approval for your pitch before you write it can also be a great way to make sure you write it with the magazine in mind and makes it more likely they'll publish it once it's finished.

Simultaneous pitching

Many publications allow you to pitch to more than one magazine at a time, as long as you withdraw your pitch via email or submissions manager ASAP if it gets accepted elsewhere. However, higher prestige magazines such as The New Yorker , GQ , Elle , etc. want you to pitch them exclusively.

When that's the case, they will usually provide a timeframe within which you should expect to hear from them if your pitch is accepted. If you don't hear anything within their defined timeframe, you can feel free to pitch elsewhere. 

Pitching versus submission guidelines

Pitching is basically an enquiry asking an outlet if they are interested in hearing more about your idea. It's short and informative, explaining the story angle clearly but without going into a full summary. Pitch guidelines are the guidelines an individual media outlet provides that tells you the nuts and bolts of how to pitch them.

Submission guidelines deal with how to send a completed article, including length and formatting requirements. While in this article, we're not focused primarily on how to submit a piece, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the submission guidelines of the outlets you pitch. Particularly, some outlets prefer that you submit a completed piece per their submissions guidelines rather than sending a pitch first.

Getting Paid

Generally speaking, op-eds or guest essays are usually unpaid. Print articles are usually paid. Online articles can vary tremendously. The larger and more well-known the magazine, the more likely that they pay their writers.

Unfortunately, there isn't really a standard pay rate these days, and many outlets don't pay at all or pay very little. That may not matter if what you are looking for is exposure, but if you only want to publish paid pieces, make sure you check the fine print on what the going rate is for that particular publication.

How to pitch if you have no publishing experience

Making the transition from writer to published writer can be challenging sometimes, but everyone who is a published writer started out as a writer with no publishing credentials.

When you pitch as an unpublished writer, focus more on the power of the story and your unique ability to tell it. If you've got special expertise in the subject, make sure to highlight that. Many writers have had their first piece accepted in a large publication because their story and writing style was interesting and engaging to the editors.

In addition, it may be beneficial to pitch smaller publications, local media outlets, and blogs where you can write guest posts . These can be a bit easier to get accepted into and are a great way to build out your writing credentials over time.

Realistic expectations

It can take a while to get a piece published, even if it's excellent, so don't give up. Pitch often and widely. A good rule of thumb is to pitch a story to 25 to 100 outlets before putting it aside.

If you are having trouble landing it, ask for feedback from other writers and readers you know who would be willing to give your piece a readthrough. You can even work with professional editors and writing coaches to refine your craft and make it more likely you'll get published.

Creating a writing portfolio for your published articles

Once you've been published, you'll want to create an online writing portfolio that showcases your articles. Journo Portfolio is a great option, with features like automatic article backups and auto importing. Learn more here .

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Making the best use of images on your writing portfolio.

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How to build a creative writing portfolio that attracts clients [with examples].

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What to include in your writing portfolio when you're just starting out, curated by journo portfolio.

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• How to cite a magazine article in APA Style

How to Cite a Magazine Article in APA Style | Format & Examples

Published on February 1, 2021 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on December 27, 2023.

To cite a print magazine article in APA Style , list the author’s name, the publication date, the article title, the magazine name, the volume and issue numbers if available, and the page range of the article.

Our free APA Citation Generator can help you create accurate citations for magazine articles.

Cite a magazine article in APA Style now:

Table of contents, citing online magazine articles, frequently asked questions about apa style citations.

To cite an online magazine article, follow the print format but add the URL at the end. Volume and issue numbers, as well as the page range, may be omitted if they’re not stated anywhere.

More academic magazines may list a DOI , much like a journal article . Always use a DOI if one is available; otherwise, try to find a stable URL on the page (e.g. under a “Share” button).

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Include the DOI at the very end of the APA reference entry . If you’re using the 6th edition APA guidelines, the DOI is preceded by the label “doi:”. In the 7th edition , the DOI is preceded by ‘https://doi.org/’.

• 6th edition: doi: 10.1177/0894439316660340
• 7th edition: https://doi.org/ 10.1177/0894439316660340

APA citation example (7th edition)

Hawi, N. S., & Samaha, M. (2016). The relations among social media addiction, self-esteem, and life satisfaction in university students. Social Science Computer Review , 35 (5), 576–586. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894439316660340

When no individual author name is listed, but the source can clearly be attributed to a specific organization—e.g., a press release by a charity, a report by an agency, or a page from a company’s website—use the organization’s name as the author in the reference entry and APA in-text citations .

When no author at all can be determined—e.g. a collaboratively edited wiki or an online article published anonymously—use the title in place of the author. In the in-text citation, put the title in quotation marks if it appears in plain text in the reference list, and in italics if it appears in italics in the reference list. Shorten it if necessary.

When you quote or paraphrase a specific passage from a source, you need to indicate the location of the passage in your APA in-text citation . If there are no page numbers (e.g. when citing a website ) but the text is long, you can instead use section headings, paragraph numbers, or a combination of the two:

(Caulfield, 2019, Linking section, para. 1).

Section headings can be shortened if necessary. Kindle location numbers should not be used in ebook citations , as they are unreliable.

If you are referring to the source as a whole, it’s not necessary to include a page number or other marker.

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Caulfield, J. (2023, December 27). How to Cite a Magazine Article in APA Style | Format & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved August 12, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/apa-examples/magazine-article/

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7 Tips for Writing Titles That Tempt and Tantalize

• June 16, 2020

I’ve written thousands of articles and blog posts since I first started blogging in 2008. Believe it or not, learning how to write good titles that are eye-catching, attention-grabbing and curiosity-invoking was never high on my list of priorities.

My focus has always been on practical “how to” titles. I write for readers who are searching the internet for tips and solutions to problems — sometimes very serious, personal, and painful problems. I can’t afford to be too clever, creative or cute when I title my blog posts (which, to be honest, I prefer to call “articles” because of their length and focus). But now that I’m rewriting all my articles, I’m learning that I can be both creative and clear.

There are no easy tips on how to write your best title ever; anything good and right and beautiful takes time to create. Like you! Think you were born as smart, funny, and skilled as you are right now? No sir. God is taking time to shape you into who He created you to be…and it’s the same with writing the best title ever.

Finding the right title for my articles and blog posts is extra challenging because of SEO (search engine optimization). I want readers to type something like “how do I write a good title?” into the search engine…and I want my blog post to stand out. If you were drawn to my title (currently How to Write Your Best Title Ever – but it may change), then my work paid off!

The best title is short and sweet. Less than 10 little words. The title is the shortest part of your article, but it can take 75% or more of your time. Writing a good title makes is difficult partly because of the competition. There are literally millions of things to do on the internet, a gazillion things to look at and listen to and interact with! How do simple little articles and blog posts – especially when they’re long and wordy like mine – hook readers ? How do you write a good title?

How to Write the Best Title

These quick tips on how to write a title will help change your mindset. And that, fellow scribes, is the most important way to tackle title writing. If you can change how you think about your readers and what you’re writing – if you can put yourself in your reader’s shoes – then you will write a good title.

1. Write down emotion-producing titles of articles, blog posts, YouTube videos

My current best way to write titles for blog posts and articles is to pay attention to popular magazines and websites. Today, for example, I saw the title “How to Get Your Best Sleep Ever.” Bingo! A new title goes in my file of good titles to steal and adapt. But don’t just steal good titles: note why they appeal to you. Do they make you feel relieved, angry, scared, excited, curious? A good title will invoke some sort of emotion in the reader.

2. Know your reader’s problems, questions, fears and anxieties

If you’re trying to write a great title for a blog post, your mindset is different than if you’re writing a title for an essay, print magazine article, scholarly journal or church newsletter. For example, newspaper readers might be skimming the whole paper; they’ll only read headlines that jump out at them. Tabloid readers want something inflammatory and gossip-worthy. General interest websites, blogs, and even small businesses who blog to attract clients try to write headlines that are both informative and catchy.

In 10 Easy Ways to Find Good Ideas for Magazine Articles I described the importance of knowing your audience. I bet you’ve heard that before, so we won’t go here. Instead, look at that title. What do you like about it? Dislike? Would you read it? It depends on your goals and needs as a reader .

3. Get detailed, specific, concrete, focused

Now that I think about it, “How to Write Your Best Title Ever” isn’t that good for SEO or “find my blog!” purposes. I didn’t take my own advice in tip number one. Who is my audience? Am I helping health bloggers, freelance writers, grade 8 students, professional authors, academic researchers, magazine editors, book publishers, navel-gazing memoirists? Who knows. My title might be more effective as “How to Write Your Best Blog Post Title” or “How to Write a Good Title for an Essay” or even “3 Tips for Titling Your Thesis.”

4. Be creative. Not creepy.

Be specific and creative, but not too weird or creepy. For example, the title of this blog post is currently “How to Write Your Best Title Ever.” That’s a pretty good title for an article because it tells readers what to expect, it solves a specific problem, and it’s clear. However, my more creative title (3 Tips for Writing Titles That Titillate Readers) is ineffective. Why? Because of the word “titillate.” Good alliteration, but possibly confusing, unclear, or even offensive.

That said, however, you are allowed to be creative AND creepy if you’re writing a blog post or article for October 31. If you are writing about scary stuff and need a nudge, read 8 Ideas for Halloween Blog Posts and Magazine Articles .

5. Don’t use your first idea as your title

As with all writing tips and rules, this one can be broken. Generally, however, your first 10 (or 100 if you’re like me) titles won’t be your best one ever. It takes time and thought to write a good title that invokes emotion in readers and tells them what problem will be alleviated. They need motivation to click your blog link or read your magazine article or give you the best grade on your essay.

6. Play with ideas to find your best title for your work

When you have a possible title (I started with the boring, vague “How to Write a Good Title” and didn’t get very far), try adding or subtracting words, swapping in synonyms, or completely rephrasing the whole thing. If you have time to poll friends and family, do it! Give them three possibilities; ask them to choose the best title. Remember that if you resist the urge to slap a silly little title on your work, your article or blog post will skyrocket in popularity and effectiveness.

7. Match your title to the tone, mood and content of your work

If you’re writing for New York Times magazine, your title will be different than if you’re writing for Reader’s Digest . If you’re writing a blog post on how to write good articles, your title will be much different than if you’re contributing a chapter to a literary journal on how to write a title for a poem. The best titles aren’t necessarily creative, clever or funny. The best titles represent the tone, mood, and content of the piece.

When I’m struggling to find the best title for my blog posts, I often leave it overnight. I’ll still publish the post…and when I see the title the next day and cringe, a new and better title often pops into my head. Sometimes my brain needs to sleep on it before I can write my best title ever.

What’s your best title ever? Feel free to share below…

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9 thoughts on “7 Tips for Writing Titles That Tempt and Tantalize”

There are so many different approaches to titles. Do you write a “how to” tile, or ask a question or try to be controversial, or pack in keywords? Ugh! I like start off writing with a title so I know what I’m writing about, then when I’m done go back and figure out how to make it a good title. I’m always torn between the titles I like and the ones I know I should write to because some expert says it should be that way. It was the “tips” part of the title for this blog post that caught my eye. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for the great tips for titles! When writing blog posts, I’ve also found that titles that either start with “How to…” or are a numbered lists (“10 Great Ways…”) tend to be among the most read posts.

Earlier this morning I couldn’t think of a title for my blog post. It was too bland or boring. Thanks for the tips. .-= Omar´s last blog post ..Uncomfortable With Comfortable =-.

I’m very lucky to have some kind of gift in this area. Often, a post title pops into my head and I’ll formulate an article around that. I’ve had some beauty titles in the past and it is a part of blogging that I really enjoy!

George .-= George Angus´s last blog post ..A Roarin’ New Blog of the Week =-.

I think the article or story needs to determine the title. For instance, if you’re writing a title for the cover of a magazine, you can get creative. But if you’re writing a title of a blog post that you want readers to find on Google, I think you need to be direct and specific (and a little boring).

Thanks for your comments, everyone — it’s great to hear different perspectives 🙂

Hey Sarah, Thanks for some great ideas and things to keep in mind. Unfortunately now I have to go write that essay. 😉 .-= Crtystal R. Martin´s last blog post ..College kills – Or that is my belief at the moment =-.

I think that it’s a balance between not being too boring yet not going off topic. Some authors try to hard to be clever and it shows in the title.

Thanks for the reminder about How to write effective titles for magazines and blog posts. Sometimes the “how to” is too boring. Then again, you can try to be controversial and it may backfire on you. It’s trial and error. Then again, my “Travel Writer Struck by Lightening Finds Antidote” title draws people to the article posted on Affsphere. .-= Rebecca´s last blog post ..Freelance Writing from Home Saves Money =-.

Ugh, those bloody titles! Something I always have trouble with, whether it’s articles or blog posts. Clever or to the point? Subtle or controversial? A quote or something original?

Toughest for me are my blog posts. Since I blog about film music, the title of the film is usually in there somewhere. It helps with search engines and Twitter notifications, but I’m don’t know if it grabs people to read any more than something more original would do. I’ve tried both and both seem to work about the same, traffic-wise.

Either way, invariably I suck at it but I keep plugging away. 🙂 .-= Jim Lochner´s last blog post ..CD Review: The Twilight Saga: New Moon =-.

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How to Write a Query Letter for Magazines and Other Publications

January 20, 2014 By Nina Amir 14 Comments

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If you want to write articles to become a freelance writer, promote your book with articles or just write for publication occasionally, you need to know how to write a good query letter. To land that first assignment and byline or your hundredth, foremost, you need to learn how to pitch. It’s the pitch that puts the ball in the mitt. In this case, the mitt symbolizes an editor’s hands. If the ball (your query) drops out of the mitt, that means you’ve lost the editor’s interest, and you’ll likely get a rejection note thrown back.

A Query Letter is More than a Pitch

There’s more to a query letter than the actual pitch. The pitch in a query letter equates to the first paragraph. Yet, it’s the whole letter that sells the article or story idea. Much like a book proposal, a query letter for a publication of any type serves as a marketing document. It’s a business tool used to show a publication editor that you:

• have a good idea
• know the market
• have angled the article idea for that market
• have the appropriate expertise and experience
• can do the job

When you put it all together—all the parts of a query, you get a complete or successful pitch.

The 6 Query Letter Writing Steps

To write a query letter for a publication, you need to complete the following six steps.

• Research your market . Find the best publication or publications to pitch. Take time to study different magazines or publications that cover the topic about which you want to write or who cover topics of interest to the readers you want to reach. Become familiar with those magazines, their readers, their advertisers, and their content. If possibly, read 12 months of back issues. In the process, locate the name of the correct and current editor to whom you should address your query. If you are unsure of which editor to select, check the magazine and the website and a resource like 2014 Writer’s Market . If the magazine has departments, find the editor responsible for that department. If you can’t find the correct editor, try an associate editor, who is more likely to give it some time and attention than a top editor. If all else fails, try one of the top editors (usually not the managing editor); they will have assistants to direct your query to the right place. Spell that person’s name correctly; Choose formality over informality (Ms. Amir vs. Nina). Find out the preferred method of communication (email or snail mail). Do not call.
• Angle your idea. Craft your article idea for that publication and its readers. I don’t recommend writing an article or essay first and then looking for a market; it’s harder to sell pieces that way.
• Write your query letter . Complete these five query letter sections:
• Pitch paragraph or lead —This must be your most compelling paragraph. It’s the actual pitch. You want the editor to catch the ball you throw and hang on to it. You don’t want it thrown back. You can use the actual lead to your article here; this often works very well. Here’s an example of the first paragraph of a query to Dance Spirit Magazine that landed me an assignment. It also became the lead to the article:

What happens when you combine the music of Charles Parker, one of the most influential musicians in jazz history, with the Emmy Award-winning choreography of tap dancer Jason Samuels Smith and the skill of three of the most talented female tappers in the world today? You get the most extraordinarily unique and intricate footwork put to the sounds of classic bee bop and executed by women who can get down, be bad, kick butt, and attack the choreography just like all the great male hoofers that preceded them—but who can do it with a feminine and sexy vibe to boot.

• Article description and detail —The second paragraph of your query letter should include the title of your article and all the details about how you will complete the assignment. Include the number of words you plan to turn in, keeping in mind the magazine’s requirements. Here is the second paragraph of my query for the Dance Spirit Magazine article:

I’d like to write an article for Dance Magazine on Jason Samuels Smith’s newest production, “Charlie’s Angels: A Tribute to Charlie Parker.” This 1,500-word article, called “The ‘Bad’ Women of Tap,” would focus on the phenomenal level of accomplishment female tappers have reached in the dance world today, the old stereotypes about female tappers they are breaking and the experience three women — Chloe Arnold, Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards and Michelle Dorrance — have had performing in “Charlie’s Angels” to date.  This new, female-only tap show set to Parker’s music and choreographed by Samuels Smith currently includes just five numbers, and all three women perform solos. For all three women, the experience of mastering such difficult choreography and performing it together has been a unique experience unlike performing in an all-women’s tap company, especially since the choreography and the music were both created by men. In addition, the level of dance required of the women makes their performance historic. This article would include information gleaned from interviews with Arnold, Sumbry-Edwards and Dorrance, as well as from Samuels Smith. If you prefer, as a sidebar to the story I could provide an interview with Samuels Smith focusing on how he came up with the idea for Charlie’s Angels, how he chose the first three women to perform the work, his plans for lengthening it into a full-length production, why he wanted to showcase women tappers, and his mission not only to show the relationship between dance and music but to show people “what music looks like” as well.

• Bio and credentials —Provide a brief bio including pertinent credentials, experience, links to work you’ve had published, etc. If you have any other information that might help land the writing gig, include it as well. Here’s my third paragraph for the same article query. (Please not that some of this information is now outdated; the article was published seven years ago.):

I am a journalist, author and editor with 28+ years of experience working for more than 40 different national, regional, and international magazines, newsletters and newspapers on both a freelance and full-time basis. If you would like to review my resumé or peruse some of my clips, please visit my website at www.ninaamir.com. The fact that I have been intricately involved in my son’s dance career for the last 10 years and am a lover of dance in general has given me a good working knowledge of this art form.  Plus, I already have a relationship with both Arnold and Samuels Smith. Thus, the combination of my writing experience, knowledge of dance and connections in the tap world makes me uniquely suited to write this story for Dance Spirit Magazine . Also, if you recall, I contacted you previously. Some time ago, Jeni Tu from Dance Teacher magazine, a publication I have written for in the past, suggested we speak in conjunction with a book I’m writing about mentoring boys who want to become professional dancers.

• Conclusion and contact details —I like to end on a positive note. So I usually write a few sentences in a final paragraph saying I hope to hear from the editor and providing my contact information. Here’s the final paragraph to my Dance Spirit Magazine query:

Thank you for considering this query. I hope you agree that a story on these three amazing female tap dancers and the unique show in which they currently are performing would make interesting reading for your audience. I look forward to hearing from you. You can reach me at [email address] or at [phone number].

• Salutation —Keep it simply. “Sincerely” works well.
• Proofread and edit your query. You don’t want to have any mistakes. As with any type of query letter, you only get one chance to make a first impression. A typo—especially in the editor’s name or first paragraph—will get you a rejection.
• Send your query.
• Wait. Check the guidelines for the publication you chose online or in 2014 Writer’s Market . If the publication says it responds in two months, assume it takes at least three months. Don’t call before—or ever—to find out if the editor has made a decision. Just wait. If you get tired of waiting, send your query to a different publication.

If you  follow these six steps, you’ll increase your chances of producing queries that sell. After all, pitching is simply about finding a target and hitting it. When that query letter lands on an editor’s desk, you want your words to hit hard!

photo credit: SteveNakatani via photopin cc

January 21, 2014 at 4:42 am

Thanks, Nina. I especially like your remark: “Spell that person’s name correctly”. I recently read an e-book where the author spelled his own name incorrectly in the front matter of his book. It’s such an easy mistake to make.

January 21, 2014 at 12:12 pm

Thanks, Cathy…I mean Kathy. LOL. Yes, name spelling is very important.

August 31, 2019 at 12:03 pm

Hi Nina, The more I dig into writing the more bummed I become. I don’t know anything about anything. LOL I live in the country and pretty much we stay home all day. Have lost contact with friends because they think country life and coming our way is to much trouble. You have many connections and I have not a clue how to begin. No one has any interest in anything I would write. Your information is amazing and so useful for the career woman who has access to many interests of others and topics that the modern-day people find appealing. I have ideas of articles I would like to write but yes but I’m not sure if I’m living in a dream world and would end up disappointed and hurt. I see homeless all the time around the town. They live under bridges and in parks and would like to sit and ask them how they live and what happened in their life without seeming to hurt their ego. I would buy gift cards for a meal or groceries to give to each that would tell me their story. These are the ideas I think of but do not do. My biggest snag is anxiety disorder and agoraphobia. so I sit at home thinking what can I a career wife, mother, and grandmother write about. The dysfunction in the family. That’s a winner. LOL! I have been trolling your website and like all, I have read. I”m glad that you have been so successful and are now helping others take the plunge off a scary cliff.

September 10, 2019 at 7:29 pm

Believe in yourself. Write about your passions and interests. Your agoraphobia would be a SUPER topic to discuss. I bet there are lots of other people afraid to go out who would read your book or blog.

Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Let me know how I can help.

Maybe you’d like to join the Nonfiction Writers University. It’s online…you can stay home but be in community. http://www.ninaamir.com/nfwu And the NFWU Masters program would teach you everything you need to know. http://www.ninaamir.com/nfwum

January 21, 2014 at 9:55 am

Most of my published writing has been with magazines. This is a great article. The query can make or break the sale of an idea– which is after all, what you’re selling. Going to a magazine’s website and getting familiar with their tone and style is helpful too. Thanks for these great tips, Nina!

January 21, 2014 at 12:13 pm

Yes, It’s very important to get familiar with the magazine. I talk about that in my post on writing evergreen articles, but I should have mentioned it here…maybe I’ll go back and add it. Thanks!

February 6, 2014 at 9:20 pm

How about if my bio has nothing to do with writing?

February 6, 2014 at 10:46 pm

Does it have something to do with the subject you want to write about? Highlight that. You need to stress in some way that you can write or have expertise that lends itself to the piece.

December 15, 2017 at 2:16 pm

Can you send the same query/pitch to multiple publications at the same time (tailoring each appropriately, of course)? What happens if someone accepts and hires you, and then someone else writes back that they’re interested? Is it kosher to let them know someone else beat them to it?

December 19, 2017 at 3:17 pm

Great questions! You can send simultaneous submissions…unless the pulication says you can’t (but even then you can…). If you accept the first offer, then, yes, you have to tell the next publication that you’ve already sold the story. Pitch them something else FAST!

April 8, 2023 at 10:35 am

Hi Ms. Amir- I read your piece here on query letters. Very well written. Took notes. Been reading “The ASJA Guide to Freelance Writing.” I would like to participate in this endeavor, but I am trying to rap my mind around the idea of getting paid to think and create. Thank you for your insights and will follow your road map carefully. Have a great weekend, Joseph N Gonzalez

April 9, 2023 at 9:47 am

Ah…the only thing standing in your way, Joseph, is YOU. Specifically your mindset. Change your thoughts/beliefs. If you struggle with that task, join my free FB group, Transform NOW! ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/4058190850943271/ ), where I offer free monthly coaching. Or join the Inspired Creator Community ( https://ninaamir.com/icc-2022/ ).

[…] Queries are a common topic here, but usually for agents. Nina Amir guides us through writing queries for magazines and other publications. […]

[…] process of submitting work to print magazines is quite similar. A lot of them would require you to send a query letter and pitch your article idea before writing and submitting […]

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Best Tips on How to Write a Remarkable Essay Conclusion

A conclusion is a paragraph that comes at the end of every essay that wraps it up. Everyone who interacts with essay assignments knows how vital the concluding part is. For students, the lack of one or a shoddy conclusion may lead to a poor grade to an otherwise well-written essay. The ending is your opportunity as a writer to leave a permanent mark in your reader’s mind. It should be robust,   interactive, intriguing, and leave the reader wanting more. If you are keen to get your essay assignment perfected you may check out professional essay writing services such as EssayHub write my essay. On the other hand the characteristics of a reasoned out conclusion include:

• Restating the thesis statement

• Capture the main ideas of each paragraph

• Conclude all the thought

• Your argument

• Sum up statement

Research on How to Write a Conclusion Paragraph

You should find out more about how to start a conclusion in an essay in the same way you research your essay. So many articles provide a guideline on concluding paragraphs that can benefit you. You can also order tips from EssayZoo that will act as your direction. The site can also write an essay assignment with a winning conclusion for you. If you have not done the research, it will show in the quality of your essay conclusion. Brainstorming is an excellent way to start and gives you a list of things you want to know about the conclusion and cancel out the ones you have researched. For example, you are studying how to restate the thesis statement; your ending some uniqueness. Taking notes is vital when researching so that you do not leave out any detail. Remember to be careful with online research because it might be misleading. It is advisable to verify the source of information. Research helps you:

• Internalize what a conclusion is about and the importance of an excellent essay conclusion

• Come up with a creative conclusion that is clear and precise

• Give your ending some quality and uniqueness

Know the Ways to Write an Impressive Conclusion that Always Work

Depending on the topic, there are several ways you finalize an essay. You must endeavor to know a variety of methods and use them when appropriate. The type of conclusion you come up with, for example, for an argumentative essay, shows your level of understanding of what an ending is. Most students and essay writers go wrong by finding out one way of concluding and utilizing it at all levels. It reveals a low level of critical and creative thoughts. The conclusions might cost you money, a reputation, or grades. Conclusions for essays should always match the nature of the piece so that you do not miss the opportunity to keep the reader engaged. There are three proven ways of coming up with an impressive conclusion.

• Summarize – it is beneficial when the essay is very long, and it requires a reminder of the main points evaluated

• Editorialize – it is a personal opinion just like the newspaper editorial and I relevant where the writer has a personal connection to the essay is giving a persuasive appeal or speaking about a controversial issue

• Externalize – a conclusion that transitions from the internal topic of the piece to an external one which is still relevant also known as a reverse hook

Search for Successful Conclusion Examples

The essay conclusion example will educate you on coming up with a good one. You can look up for the structure of a conclusion and thesis statement. You can also check for the number of sentences, what conclusion means, and clarity. Always keep in mind that you should narrow done the example to the type of essay you are writing. You can get the conclusion example by:

• Ask your professor for the best essay sample he/she has red

• Search for models online to evaluate

• The guideline on how to end an essay always have examples attached

• When it is time to ask the main question: “Who will do my essay for me ?” don’t be afraid to find help with search of samples.

• Fiction books such as novels have functional pieces with brilliant endings

Find out the Strategies That do not Work and Avoid Them

For a conclusion to be suitable, you should find out the don’ts for writing it. Knowing the things that are a no-zone is the first simple way to get a full grade for a student. They distract the reader and make him/her develop a negative attitude toward the entire piece. You should not undermine your efforts and hard work put in the essay with a weak conclusion paragraph.

• Avoid at all cost merely summarizing the ideas of the content and give additional conclusive information that will benefit the reader

• Refrain from introducing new ideas at this point of the work and focus on bring it to an amicable end

• Do not repeat your thesis statement and main ideas in the same words to avoid the aspect of redundancy

• Resist the urge to apologize for the weaknesses of the essay or suggesting doubts about your thesis and how you wish you had more time, resources of a stronger one

• Avoid empty words, sentences, statement and phrases to conclude an essay, that prolong it

• Avoid the term ‘in conclusion’ and ‘in summary’ at all cost and complete naturally because a reasonable conclusion will stand out

Consulting is How not to Fail the Conclusion Paragraph

Introductions and conclusions can be complicated to come up with; that is why you should always seek help. Getting feedback from family, friends, your proffers, and many others is an essential part of writing an ending. It is advisable to write a rough draft of an essay outline and the conclusion and consult before coming up with a captivating final selection. The following tips can be beneficial:

• Ask a friend or family member to read it for and with you and advise on the next course of action

• Consult your professor on the best way forward and the structure of the conclusion depending on the essay. They are always glad to help out

• Consult works and guideline written by people

• Seek help from essay service from Canada and get quality essays with productive conclusions

• Create and join existing essay study groups and ask for help when you need it

Concisely, a conclusion can make or break your essay depending on how you construct it. Some people, especially professors who have tight schedules, use ends to catch a glimpse of what you have written. In such cases, an excellent conclusion can save a lousy essay from a bad grade. The tips above remove the challenges and enable you to write a strong persuasive essay. While considering them keep in mind that every piece is different and requires a unique way to end it. While concluding, consider the audience, the topic, and the goals you want to achieve. If you are a college or university student who has little time to do writing assignments, you can solve this problem in just a few clicks. Request on the internet and visit CustomEssayMeister.com. There, you can find a lot of useful information not only on how to order a cheap but A+ paper but also on how to improve your writing skills without any money paid. The best tip is always to seek help when you find things so difficult for you.

How to write an outstanding introduction for an essay

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How To Tackle The Weirdest Supplemental Essay Prompts For This Application Cycle

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Writing the college essay

How do you write a letter to a friend that shows you’re a good candidate for the University of Pennsylvania? What reading list will help the Columbia University admissions committee understand your interdisciplinary interests? How can you convey your desire to attend Yale by inventing a course description for a topic you’re interested in studying?

These are the challenges students must overcome when writing their supplemental essays . Supplemental essays are a critical component of college applications—like the personal statement, they provide students with the opportunity to showcase their authentic voice and perspective beyond the quantitative elements of their applications. However, unlike the personal essay, supplemental essays allow colleges to read students’ responses to targeted prompts and evaluate their candidacy for their specific institution. For this reason, supplemental essay prompts are often abstract, requiring students to get creative, read between the lines, and ditch the traditional essay-writing format when crafting their responses.

While many schools simply want to know “why do you want to attend our school?” others break the mold, inviting students to think outside of the box and answer prompts that are original, head-scratching, or downright weird. This year, the following five colleges pushed students to get creative—if you’re struggling to rise to the challenge, here are some tips for tackling their unique prompts:

University of Chicago

Prompt: We’re all familiar with green-eyed envy or feeling blue, but what about being “caught purple-handed”? Or “tickled orange”? Give an old color-infused expression a new hue and tell us what it represents. – Inspired by Ramsey Bottorff, Class of 2026

What Makes it Unique: No discussion of unique supplemental essay prompts would be complete without mentioning the University of Chicago, a school notorious for its puzzling and original prompts (perhaps the most well-known of these has been the recurring prompt “Find x”). This prompt challenges you to invent a new color-based expression, encouraging both linguistic creativity and a deep dive into the emotional or cultural connotations of color. It’s a prompt that allows you to play with language, think abstractly, and show off your ability to forge connections between concepts that aren’t typically linked—all qualities that likewise demonstrate your preparedness for UChicago’s unique academic environment.

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How to Answer it: While it may be easy to get distracted by the open-ended nature of the prompt, remember that both the substance and structure of your response should give some insight into your personality, perspective, and characteristics. With this in mind, begin by considering the emotions, experiences, or ideas that most resonate with you. Then, use your imagination to consider how a specific color could represent that feeling or concept. Remember that the prompt is ultimately an opportunity to showcase your creativity and original way of looking at the world, so your explanation does not need to be unnecessarily deep or complex—if you have a playful personality, convey your playfulness in your response; if you are known for your sarcasm, consider how you can weave in your biting wit; if you are an amateur poet, consider how you might take inspiration from poetry as you write, or offer a response in the form of a poem.

The goal is to take a familiar concept and turn it into something new and meaningful through a creative lens. Use this essay to showcase your ability to think inventively and to draw surprising connections between language and life.

Harvard University

Prompt: Top 3 things your roommates might like to know about you.

What Makes it Unique: This prompt is unique in both form and substance—first, you only have 150 words to write about all 3 things. Consider using a form other than a traditional essay or short answer response, such as a bullet list or short letter. Additionally, note that the things your roommate might like to learn about you do not necessarily overlap with the things you would traditionally share with an admissions committee. The aim of the prompt is to get to know your quirks and foibles—who are you as a person and a friend? What distinguishes you outside of academics and accolades?

How to Answer it: First and foremost, feel free to get creative with your response to this prompt. While you are producing a supplemental essay and thus a professional piece of writing, the prompt invites you to share more personal qualities, and you should aim to demonstrate your unique characteristics in your own voice. Consider things such as: How would your friends describe you? What funny stories do your parents and siblings share that encapsulate your personality? Or, consider what someone might want to know about living with you: do you snore? Do you have a collection of vintage posters? Are you particularly fastidious? While these may seem like trivial things to mention, the true creativity is in how you connect these qualities to deeper truths about yourself—perhaps your sleepwalking is consistent with your reputation for being the first to raise your hand in class or speak up about a cause you’re passionate about. Perhaps your living conditions are a metaphor for how your brain works—though it looks like a mess to everyone else, you have a place for everything and know exactly where to find it. Whatever qualities you choose, embrace the opportunity to think outside of the box and showcase something that admissions officers won’t learn about anywhere else on your application.

University of Pennsylvania

Prompt: Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge.

What Makes it Unique: Breaking from the traditional essay format, this supplement invites you to write directly to a third party in the form of a 150-200 word long letter. The challenge in answering this distinct prompt is to remember that your letter should say as much about you, your unique qualities and what you value as it does about the recipient—all while not seeming overly boastful or contrived.

How to Answer it: As you select a recipient, consider the relationships that have been most formative in your high school experience—writing to someone who has played a large part in your story will allow the admissions committee some insight into your development and the meaningful relationships that guided you on your journey. Once you’ve identified the person, craft a thank-you note that is specific and heartfelt—unlike other essays, this prompt invites you to be sentimental and emotional, as long as doing so would authentically convey your feelings of gratitude. Describe the impact they’ve had on you, what you’ve learned from them, and how their influence has shaped your path. For example, if you’re thanking a teacher, don’t just say they helped you become a better student—explain how their encouragement gave you the confidence to pursue your passions. Keep the tone sincere and personal, avoid clichés and focus on the unique role this person has played in your life.

University of Notre Dame

Prompt: What compliment are you most proud of receiving, and why does it mean so much to you?

What Makes it Unique: This prompt is unique in that it invites students to share something about themselves by reflecting on someone else’s words in 50-100 words.

How to Answer it: The key to answering this prompt is to avoid focusing too much on the complement itself and instead focus on your response to receiving it and why it was so important to you. Note that this prompt is not an opportunity to brag about your achievements, but instead to showcase what truly matters to you. Select a compliment that truly speaks to who you are and what you value. It could be related to your character, work ethic, kindness, creativity, or any other quality that you hold in high regard. The compliment doesn’t have to be grand or come from someone with authority—it could be something small but significant that left a lasting impression on you, or it could have particular meaning for you because it came from someone you didn’t expect it to come from. Be brief in setting the stage and explaining the context of the compliment—what is most important is your reflection on its significance and how it shaped your understanding of yourself.

Stanford University

Prompt: List five things that are important to you.

What Makes it Unique: This prompt’s simplicity is what makes it so challenging. Stanford asks for a list, not an essay, which means you have very limited space (50 words) to convey something meaningful about yourself. Additionally, the prompt does not specify what these “things” must be—they could be a physical item, an idea, a concept, or even a pastime. Whatever you choose, these five items should add depth to your identity, values, and priorities.

How to Answer it: Start by brainstorming what matters most to you—these could be values, activities, people, places, or even abstract concepts. The key is to choose items or concepts that, when considered together, provide a comprehensive snapshot of who you are. For example, you might select something tangible and specific such as “an antique telescope gifted by my grandfather” alongside something conceptual such as “the willingness to admit when you’re wrong.” The beauty of this prompt is that it doesn’t require complex sentences or elaborate explanations—just a clear and honest reflection of what you hold dear. Be thoughtful in your selections, and use this prompt to showcase your creativity and core values.

While the supplemental essays should convey something meaningful about you, your values, and your unique qualifications for the university to which you are applying, the best essays are those that are playful, original, and unexpected. By starting early and taking the time to draft and revise their ideas, students can showcase their authentic personalities and distinguish themselves from other applicants through their supplemental essays.

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Artists and Activists Both Have a Role. But Not the Same One.

As the literary world is roiled by fights over politics and war, are we losing sight of the writer’s purpose?

Credit... Photo illustration by Derek Brahney

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By Phil Klay

Phil Klay is a novelist and an essayist and a Marine Corps veteran of the Iraq war.

• Aug. 5, 2024

Two decades ago, I was a public-affairs officer in the Marine Corps, a public-relations guy for the military, tasked with “telling the Marine Corps story” and providing accurate information about military operations to maintain the trust of the American people. We weren’t propagandists — we told the truth, and in Iraq we welcomed plenty of embedded reporters who we knew would write extremely skeptical articles on the progress of the war — but there were fairly tight borders around what the military thought the American people needed to know.

Listen to this article, read by Robert Petkoff

Coming back from Iraq in 2008, though, I had a set of stories that didn’t fit perfectly with the official one I had a license to tell. Some were things I’d seen, things I could report on in a journalistic way, sure of the facts, but others were things I’d heard, stories that I couldn’t vouch for personally but that, passed to me by word of mouth and preserved in my memory, that unstable medium, nevertheless seemed to express something true and unsettling.

One was told to me by a young combat correspondent, a Marine whose job in the corps was writing articles and making videos about the work we were doing. He had been in Ramadi when a suicide bomber detonated among a crowd of civilians, killing and grievously wounding dozens. The local unit took the injured to the Ramadi combat hospital, where Navy doctors, nurses and corpsmen got to work as Marines lined up to donate blood.

Horrible slaughter in a region of Iraq where violence has spiraled out of control does not make for a good news story, but there were messages the Marine Corps was happy to put out: that unlike our barbaric enemy, who brutally murdered men, women and children, we cared about Iraqi civilians and would work tirelessly to save lives. And so this young combat correspondent asked one of the Navy surgeons, who for long hours had been feverishly working among the mangled and bloody innocents, to give an interview. And because the only quiet place was the room where they had placed and bagged the dead, the cameraman set up near the bodies of all the people they had failed to save.

Undoubtedly, the doctor knew what messages he was supposed to deliver to the camera, and undoubtedly, he believed in them, too — that he had a noble mission to carry out, and that his noble colleagues were dedicated and skilled and humane. Nor was he new to death. He was a surgeon in a shock-trauma platoon in the most violent city in Iraq, all too familiar with amputating limbs, with stitching intestines back together, with treating burns that devoured faces, ears and fingers. That day could not have been the first time he bowed his head as the chaplain whispered prayers over those who died on the table. But before the interview started and the red light of the camera turned on, he took a moment, sat down among the dead and quietly wept. The young Marine cameraman stood there, silent, patient, and waited for the doctor to collect himself so he could tell his story about the good will of the American military, whose invasion had unleashed this chaos.

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Want to write a college essay that sets you apart? Three tips to give you a head start

1. Keep it real. It’s normal to want to make a good impression on the school of your choice, but it’s also important to show who you really are. So just be yourself! Compelling stories might not be perfectly linear or have a happy ending, and that’s OK. It’s best to be authentic instead of telling schools what you think they want to hear.

2. Be reflective . Think about how you’ve changed during high school. How have you grown and improved? What makes you feel ready for college, and how do you hope to contribute to the campus community and society at large?

3. Look to the future. Consider your reasons for attending college. What do you hope to gain from your education? What about college excites you the most, and what would you like to do after you graduate? Answering these questions will not only give colleges insight into the kind of student you’ll be, but it will also give you the personal insight you’ll need to choose the school that’s right for you.

Have questions about college prep? We're here to help.

Written by CU Boulder Office of Admissions

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As a student or prospective student at CU Boulder, you have a right to certain information pertaining to financial aid programs, the Clery Act, crime and safety, graduation rates, athletics and other general information such as the costs associated with attending CU Boulder. To view this information visit  colorado.edu/your-right-know .

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• INNOVATION FESTIVAL
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08-09-2024 HOW TO BE A SUCCESS AT EVERYTHING

How I wrote a book in 15 minutes a day

Every first novel started as an unpublished writer’s wild idea. Here’s how to make yours a reality.

[Photo: Stas Knop /Pexels]

BY  Julia Dahl 4 minute read

The first time I tried to write a novel I was 23. I had all the time in the world. I was a full-time graduate student. I lived alone, I had no children, and it took me three years to finish a draft.

Five years later, I tried again. I was working full-time as a reporter and I lived with my boyfriend, but we had no kids. This time, it took me five years.

All that time, my technique, if you could call it that, was the same: set up my laptop at a coffee shop or a library or at my desk at home, and “write.” But, as New York Times best-selling author Meghan O’Rourke recently tweeted : “It’s really important to have at least three hours to write every day so you can spend the first two hours squirming and checking the internet and daydreaming before getting down to it.”

Touché. I thought I needed hours with nothing to do but write. But even with all those hours, I didn’t produce much. So I started applying for retreats and residencies , thinking maybe I needed long stretches—days, weeks—to do nothing but write.

I wrote three novels that way. Fits of progress followed by long lulls of nothing. And then I had a child.

Suddenly, there were no long stretches.

I struggled. I had to figure out a way to fold my writing back into my life, but my life had changed so dramatically I wasn’t sure how. I turned in my fourth novel two years past the deadline. I had an idea for another, but no idea how I’d actually get it gone.

And then, my friend, author Laura McHugh, told me she’d started doing “writing sprints.” I don’t have all day, she told me, but I can commit to one hour.

Frankly, an hour felt impossible, but I liked the idea of a sprint. I turned off my Wi-Fi, silenced my ringer, put on some noise-canceling headphones, and for 15 minutes, I wrote. I didn’t produce a lot, but it was more than I’d done the day before. More than I’d done in a month. I did the same thing the next day, and the next. And less than two years later, I had a solid draft.

Words add up

There is nothing magic about 15 minutes—and yet there is. We all waste 15 minutes every day scrolling on our phones. Probably more, but definitely 15. And in 15 minutes, if you can write 100 words, you can have a full-length draft of a novel in two years. (One hundred words times 365 days times two years is 73,000 words, which most editors will tell you is on the shorter end of average novel length.) You’ll also probably start enjoying those 15 minutes; what you accomplished will help carry you through the day. And sometimes those 15 minutes will turn into longer sessions.

Will what you write be ready to publish? No. First drafts never are. Part of the 15 minute technique is to give yourself permission to write badly. You’ll fix it later. But here’s the key: There is no published novel without a finished first draft. What if two years ago you’d decided to write 15 minutes a day? You’d have hundreds of pages to polish into something publishable.

Training your brain

But more than the words on the page—which add up!—the genius of the 15 daily minutes is that the real secret to writing a novel, or achieving any long-term artistic goal, is time spent thinking about the thing you’re creating. You can’t write a novel without hours and hours spent considering the world you’re building, the people you’re creating, the problems they’ll encounter, and the route it will take for them to get to the end of their journey.

To do all that, you need to spend a lot of time walking around with the novel in your brain. Spending even just 15 minutes each day “with” your novel means that it will always be present in your mind. Nurture that presence when you aren’t writing. Cut down on podcasts when you’re walking or driving. Give yourself quiet. Tell yourself: I’m going to think about the next scene I need to write while I go through this car wash, or walk to the grocery store, or wait for my son’s lacrosse practice to end. 

Keep a notebook with you to jot down plot ideas and snippets of dialogue. Or, use your phone to dictate messages to yourself, though your phone can be very dangerous as a distraction, so beware. 

How to find your 15 minutes

It’ll be different for everyone. You can’t get me out of bed one minute before I need to be awake, so mornings are out for me. And once I’ve put my son to bed, I’m pretty wiped. It’s certainly not my most creative time. So I do my 15 minutes in the middle of the day. 

I coach novelists who do their 15 minutes after their morning workout, or after they’ve dropped their kids off from school, or right before bed. I know writers who write at work on their lunch break. All that matters is the time; the where and when can change as your life does.

Give yourself permission

Let me tell you a secret: Most writers—even those with books in your favorite bookstore, reviewed by the big papers—don’t make enough money off their writing to pay all their bills. The same is true of all other artists: musicians, painters, actors, dancers. Does that make their work less legitimate? If you write, you’re a writer. Own it.

Another thing to remember is that every novel you pick up (and every song you listen to, every performance you attend) started as somebody’s wild idea. It exists only because its creator decided to spend unpaid time working on it. Little by little, the wild idea turns into something real.

Apply to the Most Innovative Companies Awards and be recognized as an organization driving the world forward through innovation. Early-rate deadline: Friday, August 23.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Julia Dahl is the author of five novels including I Dreamed of Falling , out this September from Minotaur Books. She teaches journalism at NYU and provides private coaching and creative writing classes online .   More

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The Precarious Online Lives of Young Men

A s the new school year is upon us, parents are worried about their children’s mental health—and they should be. The latest CDC data from the largest ongoing study on youth well-being finds high rates of helplessness, suicidal ideas, bullying, among other forms of violence. For girls, the rates are often higher . But boys are far less likely to seek help when they need it, and are more likely to take out their problems on others.

In recent years, lots of young men feel adrift—and as a result, oftentimes find solace in misogynist and anti-democratic spaces online. That’s the alarm being raised by experts, including the U.S. Surgeon General, who recently called for warning labels on social media platforms.

The crisis among young men is real. Equimundo (the organization one of us, Gary Barker, leads) carried out a 2023 national study of 18 to 45-year-old men in the United States , which found that two out of three 18-23 year olds said “No one really knows me well.” In addition, 30% of the youngest men said they see no one outside their home on a weekly basis. And about 40% thought about suicide in the past two weeks.

Read More: Why America’s Fathers Aren’t Living Up to Expectations

As leaders of two organizations concerned about young men’s mental health and working to prevent violence online and off, these findings gave us pause. In the study, nearly half of men said their online lives are more interesting than their offline lives. Forty five percent of the youngest men said they trust one of the many angry, racist, misogynist, anti-democratic voices online. More trust Andrew Tate than the President. How do we hold a democracy together in light of that?

We recently shared these statistics with a group of high school boys of various ethnicities and income groups from the Washington, DC area. In response, the boys shared fears, doubts, frustrations about adults who judge and don’t understand, confusion about what it is to be a man, and concerns for despondent peers. They also told us about their search for friends, deeper relationships, and intimate partners—for just about everything —online.

In 2024, we followed up on that survey with a six-month long study of young men’s online lives, including an AI-assisted analysis of over 40 hours of Twitch streams, over 1.5 million lines of chat logs and 36,963 lines of Discord chat logs, and spent more than 100 hours observing the six largest male-dominated digital channels. And the results were striking: What we found was that, for young men, there is little distinction between “in real life” (IRL) and “online life.” Our review of young men’s online world confirms that their online communities dwarf their real-life spaces by a factor of at least a thousand. YouTube, the mothership of online platforms for young men, has about 2.49 billion monthly active users , between 55%-65% of which are men. Fantasy Football has 75 million users, more than two-thirds men. By contrast, 750,000 young men belong to U.S. fraternities and more than 1.1 million are in Scouting America. The upshot is that young men’s largest gathering spaces are online and much of their lives are spent in virtual meeting spaces. This means that we have to pay attention to what’s happening there—the positive, the harmful, and the in between.

Despite what we often think of the "manosphere," YouTube, Reddit, Fantasy Football, and other sites popular with young men lean more positive than negative. Queries like this one, posted by a young man on Reddit , speak volumes: “Hey other dudes. How many of you are dealing with the existential dread of not being able to afford it like our fathers and grandfathers were able to?” Thousands posted “likes” to that question in agreement and solidarity. From economic stress to gaming, being loveless to being a "lookmaxxer" seeking to improve physical appearance, young men feel that the internet gets them and their deepest fears.

In reality, the absence of real-life connections in the manosphere often becomes a space where misogyny and conspiracy theories feed real-life violence or self-harm. The pathway from clicking on or following the dark sides of the web—and engaging in violence or self-harm because of it— is, of course, complex. And while the majority of visitors in even the most misogynist spaces don’t carry out harm, frequent internet use has been associated with loneliness, poor communication with family, and depression. These unhealthy online spaces don’t just mirror those feelings—they often exacerbate them.

How can parents, educators, and media content makers help? First, we need to trust the boys. Young men (and young women) can be critical consumers and citizens in their online worlds. Start with a belief that young men’s engagement with dubious content online is not an automatic pathway to self-harm and violence.

Second, talk to young men. Researchers at the University of Liverpool developed a “Men for Change” curriculum that engages young men in conversations about what they consume online and were able to measure important attitude shifts. Parents, business leaders, and organizations have to get in the conversation, too. Vodafone's AI "aggro-rithms" campaign , for instance, raises awareness about how harmful AI algorithms target Britain’s boys and included a toolkit that supports parents in having online safety conversations with their children.

Read More: Parents Need to Talk to Their Sons About Care

Third, build on the many influencers and spaces that already connect positively with young men. Such influencers are out there and can be engaged—we need to turn up the traffic to those spaces, as the men’s health group Movember has done.

Finally, guide young men to safer spaces—in real life— particularly when they are on the cusp of going down the rabbit hole to one of the angry, dark spaces, and are on the verge of causing harm to themselves or others. The group Diverting Hate, for instance, uses redirection campaigns—essentially buying ads linking to healthy manhood messages. Their results show that about 50% of users on platforms with harmful content looked at the ads, and in one setting they measured an increase in interest in positive off-line spaces for men.

Our work tells us that harmed young men, cut off from others, too often harm themselves or others. But if we engage them, care for them, listen to them, understand what they consume online, they both live better lives and they become better allies for others—for women’s rights, for racial justice, for our democracy—they will find their way. Let’s stay in the room for the difficult talks. Engage. Listen more. Don’t panic.

More Must-Reads from TIME

• Heman Bekele Is TIME’s 2024 Kid of the Year
• The Reintroduction of Kamala Harris
• The 7 States That Will Decide the Election
• Why China Won’t Allow Single Women to Freeze Their Eggs
• Is the U.S. Ready for Psychedelics?
• The Rise of a New Kind of Parenting Guru
• The 50 Best Romance Novels to Read Right Now
• Can Food Really Change Your Hormones?

Contact us at [email protected]

Category 10 minutes read

10 Inspiring Magazine Cover Ideas And How To Make Your Own

December 24, 2021

While we live in an ever more digital world, but you can’t deny the power of the nostalgia that comes from holding a print magazine in your hands. Digital materials may be more scalable, budget-friendly, and can reach a far bigger audience, but there will always be something special about print. In fact, adding print materials to your digital marketing strategy creates the perfect combination to elevate a campaign, product, or brand to another level. After seeing Facebook statuses and tweets all day, a magazine can be a creative and colorful alternative, and a breath of fresh air to your audience. Let’s explore some magazine design elements , specifically magazine cover ideas.

What Should a Magazine Cover Include?

When it comes to a magazine design, some may argue that the cover is the most vital component. ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ does not apply in this instance. In fact, most readers will solely judge a magazine by its cover, and may or may not purchase it depending on what the cover looks like. This means that magazine cover design has to be on point. Here are the different elements a good layout should include.

1) Establish a Masthead

A masthead is essentially the magazine’s brand or logo, usually displayed at the top of the page. The typeface, font size, and placement of the masthead are usually constant, but the colors may change based on the theme.

2) Use One Main Pop of Color

Using an array of bold colors might work for some designs, but in the case of magazine covers, it’s more effective to use one main color. You can use accent colors for other elements to bring the design together. Try a bold red or lime green as the main color with black and white accents for a super attention-getting, refined magazine cover design.

3) Choose a Unique Main Cover Line

Aside from the masthead, the main cover line has the largest font size and will take up about a quarter of the entire cover. This will be the first or second piece of text your reader will see upon glancing at your magazine. Make sure your main cover line is catchy, informative, and aligns with your theme.

4) Choose Appropriate Typography

The typography you choose will have a major impact on your magazine aesthetic. Each font has a unique personality. Serif fonts tend to look luxurious, sophisticated, and aspirational, while sans serif fonts are contemporary, cool, and trendy. Consider your brand’s personality and choose fonts that reflect it. Pairing two or three fonts can also add a next-level aesthetic to your cover. Check out this detailed read on how to combine typefaces . Readability is crucial, so make sure your fonts are clearly legible.

5) Sometimes a Simple Layout Is Best

Depending on your magazine topic, you may want to simplify the layout of your cover in order to highlight one or two main elements. For example, if you’re designing a fashion or lifestyle magazine cover, you’ll want to go with a more minimal design to showcase photos. Choose a cover photo that reflects your theme and style against a simple background, or as the background itself. Don’t clutter designs with too much text.

6) Beautiful Photography

A beautiful photograph is indeed worth a thousand words. If you feature a photograph on your magazine cover, it should be high-quality, stunning, and take center stage. Your readers’ eyes should be immediately drawn to it. Any text on the cover should only support the photo, not detract from it. Make sure to select the right font color(s) so that your text is legible and aesthetic against your cover photo.

7) Create a Consistent Style

Your magazine cover should have a consistent theme throughout each design element, which should also be reflected from one page to the next. Take note of the following thematic elements to ensure there is consistency throughout your magazine design: color scheme, shapes and graphics, typography, and formatting styles such as page numbers and running headers.

8) Custom Illustrations

While photography can make for a stunning magazine cover, illustrative color can be next-level. A stylish illustration will most definitely make your magazine cover stand out as contemporary, trendy, and design-forward. This is a unique design approach perfect for genres like arts, technology, architecture, and any even special edition or collector’s edition publications.

9) Design a Bold Cover

Every element of your magazine cover design should cohesively come together in a stylish, bold aesthetic that will make your reader want to pick up your magazine and flip through it. The goal is to stand out on the shelf or news racks. Avoid a safe design. Take risks and go bold.

What Not To Include in Magazine Covers

Now that you have a solid foundation of what elements to include on your magazine cover, let’s go over what you should avoid.

• Avoid Cluttering Your Cover This is a given. You don’t want to overcrowd your cover and have your reader spend time deciphering all the information. Keep it legible, clear, and attractive.
• Don’t Include Irrelevant Text or Graphics While the content of your magazine may vary, you want to keep a similar theme on the cover to tie it all together. The elements on your cover should connect in a cohesive way.
• Don’t Obscure Text With Images, Colors, or Graphics Your magazine cover may include a mixture of different colors, textures, graphics, and fonts. Make sure all text lines are readable and not overshadowed by other elements.
• Don’t Use Images and Artwork that’s Not Yours This is a best practice you can apply to every design project. Use only your own images and illustrations to avoid copyright infringement issues.

Creative Magazine Cover Ideas

Check out these magazine cover ideas you can draw inspiration from when creating your own.

Minimal Magazine Cover

Modern magazine cover, portrait magazine cover, simple magazine cover, vibrant magazine cover, retro vintage magazine cover, texture magazine cover, travel magazine cover, fashion magazine cover, artistic magazine cover, how do you make a magazine cover.

Ready to trial some of your own magazine cover ideas? Follow these simple steps to make your own magazine cover design with Picsart.

1) Open the Picsart mobile app and tap on the purple plus sign to get started.

2) Tap on All Templates and browse the options.

3) Choose the template you like best and tap on Text to start adding your own copy.

4) Choose your preferred font, to stylize the copy.

5) Further enhance the copy layout with adjustments to shadows, opacity, sizing, and much more.

7) Select a shape to add as a graphic element for a particular cover sell.

Prefer to create on a desktop or PC? Here’s how you do it:

1) Open Picsart Template Editor.

5) Next, select Shapes to create a unique outline for your magazine cover. You can adjust the opacity or overlay it using the control panels. To add additional graphics to your design, click on Stickers and search for your desired sticker.

6) When you’re done with your design, click the Export button.

Create at the Speed of Culture

Picsart is a full ecosystem of free-to-use content, powerful tools, and creator inspiration. With a billion downloads and more than 150 million monthly active creators, Picsart is the world’s largest creative platform. Picsart has collaborated with major artists and brands like BLACKPINK, Taylor Swift, the Jonas Brothers, Lizzo, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lopez, One Direction, Sanrio: Hello Kitty, Warner Bros. Entertainment, iHeartMedia, Condé Nast, and more. Download the app or start editing on web today to enhance your photos and videos with thousands of quick and easy editing tools, trendy filters, fun stickers, and brilliant backgrounds. Unleash your creativity and upgrade to Gold for premium perks!

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