Writing for Magazines and Trade Journals—Finding Them, Writing for Them, and Getting Paid by Them.  2004, ISBN 0-930554-03-6, 209 pages, 6" x 9", perfect bound soft cover $14.95 

(Note: This book currently is under development with an anticipated release of early fall 2004.)

Gary Michael Smith

This book provides valuable information on entering the industry of writing for periodical publications. Designed for both the novice wanting to break into the field as well as veterans wanting to explore new venues, Writing for Magazines and Trade Journals guides writers through the myriad steps involved in writing articles for publication. Readers will learn everything from setting up a writing space to attending writers’ conferences and retreats.

Whether you’re new to the field of writing articles for publication or have many articles to your credit in numerous periodicals, Writing for Magazines and Trade Journals provides much insight on everything from finding venues for publication to writing results-oriented query letters. Inexperienced writers will learn effective research skills, writing techniques, and rights and permissions acquisition and negotiation while those already working in the industry will gain more experience in working effectively with editors, expanding their publications repertoire, and most importantly, getting paid.

1 A Writer’s Time, Place, and Tools

2 Finding Topics and Venues for Publication

3 Types of Writing

Part One presents options for preparing yourself and your space for your craft. The writer is given suggestions for finding topics as well as for locating venues appropriate to their articles. Various types of writing also is addressed.

4 Journals, the Internet, and Surveys As Resources

5 Communicating With the Publication’s Editors

6 Style, Format, and Organization

Part Two guides the writer through numerous resources for preliminary research and through actual communications with publications’ editors. Specifics on style, format, and article organization are addressed to increase the writer’s chances for publication.

7 Submissions and Manuscript Tracking

8 The Whys and Hows of Writing

9 Writing, Editing, and Proofreading

Part Three provides a valuable education on submitting your articles and tracking the manuscripts, instruction and advice on writing, and the importance of editing and proofreading.

10 Contracts, Rights, Permissions, and Reprints

11 Payment and Fees

12 Help in Organizing

Part Four gives advice on understanding contracts, rights, and permissions while offering suggestions on negotiating payment for articles. Resources for help on getting and staying organized also is provided.

To purchase Writing for Magazines and Trade Journals, use the order form on this site once the book is available. Need to think about it? Download the brochure (309KB).