Practical Tips to Get Your Article Published in Major Magazines
You probably already know that getting your name published in major magazines is important for building credibility for your brand.
But do you know how to make that happen?
If you’re like most authors, business owners and ministers, the answer is most likely no.
If you know me or have read many of my blogs, you already know that I used to work for a Chrisitian magazine. In my role as online news director, I received hundreds of submissions every week from people who want to get published in our online magazines.
But I couldn’t publish all of them.
So what separated those who got published from those who didn’t? The answer is multifaceted, but here are several tips to help you best position yourself to get published online.
Tip #1: Submit your articles to magazines that align with your niche.
This one is simple. If your article isn’t faith-focused, don’t submit it to a Christian magazine. If your primary target audience is believers in business, don’t submit it to a parenting magazine.
Make sure your article would contribute to the magazine’s main purpose before you submit it.
The reason for this is that magazine editors receive so many submissions that only the best ones get published. And if your content isn’t a great fit, your email may be quickly deleted.
Speaking of which, try to find the name and email address of the correct person you should submit your article to. If someone sends an article to our generic customer service email, I most likely won’t see it. It helps immensely when authors submit their articles directly to me.
(Hint: Start by asking your followers what magazines and online publications they read.)
Tip #2: Give the editor a little space.
OK, I might be saying this because I’ve lived it. But it’s still true.
Editors get so many submissions that they can’t possibly keep up if every author is demanding special treatment. That might include sending multiple emails in a row asking if the editor received your submission or requesting multiple changes to the article once it’s online.
Sometimes the editor can’t get back to you right away because they’re juggling so many priorities.
I have to be honest right now. When I see an author email me three times in a row about an article they’re submitting to me, and then email me again three hours later to see if I got their previous emails … it makes me not want to publish their stuff at all.
Also, keep in mind that the editor’s job is not to promote you—it’s to do what’s best for their magazine.
I really don’t mean that to sound harsh at all. It’s just how it is.
As an editor, I truly want what’s best for our writers. I want their names to get out there and for their businesses or ministries to grow.
But my first business priority has to be to protect and promote the magazine I work for. If your article doesn’t help me do those two things, please understand when I can’t use it.
Tip #3: Don’t send a million articles all at once.
I understand that sometimes writers get time to write in infrequent bursts. But if you submit five articles within a week’s span, don’t expect the editor to use all of them … or even more than one.
If you really want to be published in major magazines, space out your submissions. Unless you’re using the strategy of “Here are five submissions, so hopefully one of them works for you!”
But that sounds like a lot of energy for little return.
Tip #4: Be careful not to come across as pushy, entitled or “all that.”
Gross.
At risk of sounding negative, I do have to admit I have come across many ministry leaders who want to be published in our online magazine who acted entitled.
They write their emails as if they’re doing me a favor when I publish their article.
Nuh-uh.
Don’t do that. When your article gets published in major magazines, they’re helping you out. They’re promoting your name and brand to their audience. That’s huge.
Don’t let the size of your ministry or the number of your followers cause you to become entitled and treat others badly.
Always be a servant. Always be humble. I promise it will make editors actually want to publish your work.
Your character speaks volumes.
Tip #5: Edit, edit, edit!
This one is so huge.
If you want to submit an article to a major magazine, make sure it’s good!
Make sure you have a main point, solid takeaways, and an easy-to-follow structure. Pare your article down so it’s an ideal length.
Check your grammar and make sure your syntax, spelling and overall flow is clean.
I have received so many articles that matched our audience, but I couldn’t use them because the writing was so bad.
If you are a thought leader who can’t write to save your life, then hire someone. Ask them to edit an excerpt from your book or write an article based on one of your teachings or sermons.
But don’t turn in a half-baked article and expect the editor to publish it. Again, their job is to protect their magazine, and that includes from bad writing.
Tip #6: Make your article relevant and tell a story.
I’ve turned down countless press releases because all they did was promote the business, ministry or author.
But when I see a press release that actually tells a story or comments on a hot current event, I’m all over it.
Magazines publish stories. They publish commentary on relevant current events. Practical advice that pertains to their target audience.
They won’t publish your one-sheet or your promo piece. Give them a story that their readers will actually care about.
Here’s an example: When Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter died in an unexpected helicopter crash, it broke the news. Everyone was talking about it because it was so tragic and so shocking.
For about two weeks after that horrible incident, I published multiple articles about it. Some of the writers were counselors or psychologists. Others were pastors. And still others were just cultural commentators.
But they all had something unique to say that I knew our readers would care about.
Keep your eye on the news and cultural trends. Be ready to write an article when something happens that you have the knowledge and expertise to comment on. Then submit it as soon as you can.
(Hint: Always remember that hot news items involve real human beings. Don’t trash someone after a tragedy. Be respectful and gracious in your writing, even when expressing a controversial opinion.)
And there you have it. Six practical tips to help you get your article published in major magazines.
Still have questions about this? Email me at jennyrosespaudo@gmail.com and let’s chat!
