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The Ten Steps To Getting
A Magazine Article Published

by Wendy Keller

In the early days of my journalism career, I was co-publisher of a small magazine in Arizona. In my early 20s, back when I still knew everything, I was shocked at the swill people would send us in hopes of getting our valuable print space. (That is, the space for words in between pages of ads). To comfort these hopeful misinformed souls, I sent them a curt form letter telling them that our magazine focused on issues of importance to young people living in the state of Arizona, and that their proposed content on AARP vacations or the best pancake houses in Utah did not match our editorial vision.

Now, I want to send curt letters when people query us on helping them get children's books or fiction published. In all my life in media, I can assure you the temptation to send scathing rejections is common among all editors. If you send an article on cake decorating to Field & Stream, they will want to scream at you. If you send one on building a computer from scratch to Glamour, they will want to send you a very unglamorous response.

Step number one for anyone seeking publication is to Find magazines who care about your topic.

There are lots and lots of magazines in the USA . They have magazines for people who own iguanas; are professional speakers; who live in Wisconsin ; and who drive jaguars. In fact, there is probably a magazine for someone who meets all FOUR of those criteria! Where do you find out about the magazines who publish stuff like yours? Three places:

1. A directory of magazines for would-be writers (it's at bookstores).
2. The Library has a reference of them all "List of Periodicals"
3. Barnes and Noble's enormous magazine rack

I am reminded of the author who told me she sent her very racy, very heterosexual erotica tales to all the erotica publishers in the USA . She spouted the publishers' names. Three of the ones she proudly rattled off are lesbian presses! Uh-oh.

Once you have READ these publications and understand their gist, their editorial perspective, then you are ready to proceed. Step Three: Shift Your Topic to Meet Their Needs. Could your cake decorating article be made into how to make clever cakes shaped like trout for a birthday party or an angler's reunion? You'd have a much better chance with Field and Stream then. How about that Glamour article? What if it was on how to entice your male to build you a brand new computer, and then tips to give him on how to do it, a la Damsel in Distress style? Might work.

Step Four: Pitch Your Best Work. In my editorial experience, and my experience as an award winning magazine writer (went to college on a scholarship for this skill!), I believe that it's best to write a strong cover letter outlining ONE story idea, and append a sheet that has five or six different takes on the same basic theme. Editors don't want to have to think, it's too easy to say "Next!" And trash your letter.

Here's an example of a good letter:

Your name
Your address
Your Phone and email

Their name
Their magazine
Their address

Dear [their actual name],

Did you know that writing a book is the single most effective, powerful and efficient way to build a speaking business? Chances are, you do, but do XXXX's 450,000 readers? Probably not. And if they do, they may not have the foggiest idea how to begin writing the words that can change their life - and their career.

I propose an article for you called The Secrets of Getting Published. In it, I will outline precisely what an author needs to do, and in what order, to get a book into the hands of a worthy agent, and from there, get a publishing contract. The readers will learn

• How Publishing Works
• What a proposal is
• How To Write A Proposal
• The importance of self-promotion
• How To Get An Agent

I have enclosed a few other related ideas on a separate page. The finished article will be approximately 1200-1400 words long and delivered on whatever deadline you prefer. This information is based on my 14 years as a literary agent and life as author of 26 published books under four pseudonyms. I am personally responsible for the completion of nearly 500 rights deals worldwide for my authors. I look forward to hearing back from you. My phone number and email are above.

Sincerely,

Wendy Keller

This is pretty much ALL you need.

Step Five: Send it with a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope).

Step Six: Customize it for each magazine you pitch, and each editor.

Step Seven: Don't call them, they'll call you.

Step Eight: Persevere! You will probably get 15 rejections for every ONE that says yes. Some magazines will pay you, some won't. You DON'T CARE!!! You are only trying to get print space so you can include this credential with your proposal or to sell more books. KEEP TRYING!!!

Step Nine: Write good copy and deliver on deadline. Magazine writing is a profession, not a game. Make sure you show your best work, they are counting on you. Meet the word count to within 15 words - literally - above or below the number requested. Money is lying in the streets for magazine writers who are professional, smart and fast. Honest.

Step Ten: Handwrite a thank-you note to the editor on excellent stationery and send it under separate cover. Wait three weeks and pitch him/her something new. You are trying to build an insider relationship with the editor. You want to be able to call and have your name remembered. Get in their face in a professional way.

You can use articles to help your book proposal appear more interesting to a publisher, promote the book when it comes out, add credibility, plump your speaker's package, blurt out at cocktail parties, more!

Now you have no excuse. DO IT!

Writing articles is one of MANY things you should be doing RIGHT NOW if you want to get your book published. To get help with your entire marketing platform, click here.

Wendy Keller of Keller Media, Inc. is your primary source for information, resources and teammates who will work with you to help you turn your basic book or speech idea into a lucrative, valuable message that connects with the hearts and minds of your audiences. Wendy Keller has taught thousands of authors her unique and efficient system for turning a simple book deal into a lucrative career.

Wendy Keller is unique among agents because she has worked in and around the media her entire career, as well as succeeded herself as an author and business person. “I'm always honored and excited by compelling new talent.  I can't wait to meet you!” Visit: http://www.kellermedia.com/authors/ www.KellerMedia.com