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Lorraine Mace |
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Write Away! September 2008 |
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Easy Magazine Research One of the problems writers abroad have is getting hold of English-language magazines to analyse and study so that we can pitch successfully. Most of us badger friends and relations to bring some with them when they come to visit, but how many of us know all the titles that are available for our specialist subjects? And why limit our research to the UK market when we could be making the same pitch to three countries at the same time? This article looks at ways to get the magazines we need, without taking up our visitors’ valuable weight allowance. Ask for a sample copy Sometimes the simplest way is best. Many magazine editors are happy to supply sample issues to prospective contributors on receipt of a stamped addressed envelope, but it’s also worth asking if they would provide a PDF version by e-mail attachment, which is easier for them and cheaper for you. Websites Most magazines now have websites where a selection of previously published material can be studied. This is essential viewing prior to making a pitch because you can check to see if your idea has appeared recently. There is often an editorial calendar and/or media pack for download, which will give you more information about editorial needs than is available in the actual magazine, including topics for forthcoming issues. What, who, where? I subscribe to three online services to find out which magazines are available in the UK, the USA and Australia. These enable me to search by magazine titles, specialist subject matter, or article type. The service provides all the editorial details I need, from the editor’s name and e-mail address to submission guidelines. Most of the listings give the magazines’ website addresses and state whether or not sample issues are available and how to obtain them. One additional benefit of subscribing to the services listed below is that I have pitched successfully to magazines I wouldn’t otherwise have known existed. One of which, in Australia, has since given me a regular column. Considering I live in France, it shows that being an ex-pat doesn’t stand in the way of finding freelance opportunities. Australia: www.awmonline.com.au The fees I’ve paid to subscribe to the USA and Australian services have been covered many times over. It is free to subscribe to the UK service. Worthwhile to most writers, for ex-pats these are essential tools.
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