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Originally Posted by RynoB  I always wondered about how to get into that. Can you give a synopsis on getting articles published in a magazine? |
Most magazines list "writers guidelines" somewhere on their web site. It details what they look for in a piece, like length, formatting, where to send it, etc. For instance, they'll say they only want pieces that are 1000-1500 words, typed, double-spaced, mailed to a particular address, or e-mailed to the editor in a particular file format, etc.
The most important thing with magazine article writing is to fit the "style" of writing found in the target magazine. Every magazine has an audience they aim at and a tone to their writing. Do they aim at professional airline pilots? Student pilots? Renters? Owners? Do they have a very formal, journalistic tone to the writing? Or more conversational?
The only way to know how to write is by reading the magazine you're wanting to be published in. Read several issues cover to cover, then keep that particular style in mind while you write your piece. When you're done writing, your piece should sound like it would fit into the target magazine. The tone, subject matter, focus of the story, etc. should all sound like other stories from the magazine.
Of course, beyond that, there are general writing principles that should be followed, but that's beyond the scope of advice I can give. What I mean is, you'll need to edit, revise, and proofread your piece a lot, just like you would with any kind of writing.
When you're ready to submit your piece, make sure it is perfect. It's not the magazine editor's job to fix poor grammar or spelling. They are busy people, and the less work they need to do before sending an article to the layout people, the more likely they are to pick your story.
Then, send it in and wait. I sent my Never Again story in to AOPA last March and didn't hear back from them until September. Also, because of that time delay in most magazines, be careful of when you send a story in to them. Send in material 4-6 months before you think they'd want to print it. Don't send in an article about thunderstorm avoidance in the middle of July, because they probably won't be interested in publishing it for the next 10 or 12 months, no matter how good it is. A lot of VFR-into-IMC accidents happen because of fall/winter weather, which is part of the reason I submitted my piece in the spring...about 6 months ahead of when they'd be interested in publishing it.
I have a lot more little tips and tricks, but that's the general rundown of how magazines work. If you're serious about trying to publish something, PM me and I'd be happy to help you out in any way I can.
Oh, and one last note...don't write for the money. Between writing and editing my story, I probably put at least 15 or 20 hours into it. AOPA bought it for $75. That's pretty typical for most freelance writers. Not that I'm going to throw away $75, but compared to the time I put into it...I'm not going to quit my day job to become a writer. I do it because I think it's cool to see my name in a major publication.