Education
Fact-checked

At PracticalAdultInsights, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How do I Become a Magazine Writer?

Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Writers don't necessarily need a formal education, but most successful writers have a bachelor's degree in English or journalism or a related field. There are two main ways to become a magazine writer. One way is to be hired on as an in-house or staff writer for a particular magazine on a permanent basis. Most employers in this case require at least some education, and experience writing for school or community newspapers or websites may be helpful as well. The other way to become a magazine writer is to work as a freelance writer, which often involves submitting individual articles for consideration.

Some magazines only publish articles written by their in-house writers. These writers often come into the office and work a fairly typical schedule. In-house writers may be responsible for coming up with their own topics or an editor at the magazine may assign particular topics. These positions can be rather hard to obtain, as there are many skilled writers competing for a small number of in-house jobs.

Keeping a notebook could be useful to jot down notes and interview sources for later story development.
Keeping a notebook could be useful to jot down notes and interview sources for later story development.

Although requirements vary, there are some basic credentials that many employers like to see in their writers. For example, writing samples are almost always required. Degrees in literature, history, or journalism may also be helpful. Many editors like to see that their writers have an interest in the subject matter covered by the magazine as well. For example, a legal magazine may prefer that the writers have law degrees, paralegal degrees, or have work experience in the legal arena.

Building up a clips file of work published in creative journals may help in getting a job as a magazine writer.
Building up a clips file of work published in creative journals may help in getting a job as a magazine writer.

A freelance writer may also become a magazine writer, but often follow a slightly different path. A freelance writer will rarely work at the magazine office. In fact, she often can work from nearly any location where she can plug in her computer and find access to the Internet.

To become a magazine writer, a freelance writer may start out by sending query letters to magazine editors. A query letter is written by the writer to inform the editor of her idea. If the editor likes the idea proposed by the writer, the editor may request a manuscript of the article. If the editor likes the manuscript, chances are good that the article will appear in the magazine. Most people trying to become a magazine writer must suffer through many rejected query letters and manuscripts before an article is actually published.

Magazine writers should proofread their work prior to sending it in for publication.
Magazine writers should proofread their work prior to sending it in for publication.

In many cases, once a writer successfully publishes a few articles with a particular magazine, the editor may ask her to write specific articles without going through the long submission process. For example, an editor may know that the writer has a strong knowledge of computers, based on her previously published articles. As a result, the editor may ask the writer directly to write an article on a new computer program. In most cases, if the article is not published, the writer will still get paid or will receive a kill fee.

Magazine writers typically have a bachelor's degree in English or journalism.
Magazine writers typically have a bachelor's degree in English or journalism.

Some tips to become a magazine writer include reading the submission guidelines of the magazine. Some magazines have specific guidelines that must be followed. For example, some editors only want query letters or manuscripts sent via e-mail, while others prefer that hard copies are sent via mail. In addition, it is important to make sure the query letter or manuscript is addressed to the correct person, whether it is sent by e-mail or postal service.

Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to PracticalAdultInsights.

Learn more...
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to PracticalAdultInsights.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Keeping a notebook could be useful to jot down notes and interview sources for later story development.
      By: Microstock Man
      Keeping a notebook could be useful to jot down notes and interview sources for later story development.
    • Building up a clips file of work published in creative journals may help in getting a job as a magazine writer.
      By: Julija Sapic
      Building up a clips file of work published in creative journals may help in getting a job as a magazine writer.
    • Magazine writers should proofread their work prior to sending it in for publication.
      By: Pixsooz
      Magazine writers should proofread their work prior to sending it in for publication.
    • Magazine writers typically have a bachelor's degree in English or journalism.
      By: gstockstudio
      Magazine writers typically have a bachelor's degree in English or journalism.
    • A freelance magazine writer can work from virtually anywhere.
      By: Dasha Petrenko
      A freelance magazine writer can work from virtually anywhere.
    • Freelance magazine writers must be able to write on deadline.
      By: AntonioDiaz
      Freelance magazine writers must be able to write on deadline.