How to Write Articles for Magazines: The Complete Guide for Aspiring Writers

Do you wish to see your byline adorning the pages of your favorite publication? Do you want to build a reader base that awaits your next article with bated breath? Well, with a little bit of work, you can take your magazine article writing skills to the next level.

The key to writing great magazine articles is to create content that engages from start to finish, and provides value to the reader. Regardless of which magazine you are aiming for, a few tips can help you master your craft and produce articles that any publication in the world would be proud to put out for you.

However, before we delve into our tips on writing magazine articles, let’s take a moment to understand how this particular form of writing differs from other online content writing.

Getting published in magazines is an exciting milestone for any writer Seeing your name and words in print gives you a sense of validation and achievement It can also help you reach a wider audience, build your portfolio, and make money.

But actually getting accepted into magazines can be competitive. Editors receive far more submissions than they can publish. You need to craft pitches and articles that grab attention and demonstrate your skills.

Follow this comprehensive guide to learn how to write magazine articles that editors love.

Choose Your Target Publications Carefully

Don’t just fire off articles blindly to every magazine you can think of. Targeting the right publications boosts your chances of success

Start by browsing magazine racks and reading samples from publications you’d like to appear in. Make a list of your top targets based on:

Your interests and expertise. Magazines want articles tailored to their specific audiences on topics their readers care about. For example, a piece on the latest archaeological discoveries would be perfect for Archaeology magazine but less relevant for Vogue.
The style and length of articles. Some magazines only publish short pieces under 1,000 words while others run in-depth features of 5,000+ words. Study what they’ve printed before.
Their submission guidelines. Many magazines specify the types of articles they want, formatting requirements, deadlines, and other rules. Closely adhering to the guidelines shows you can follow directions.

Once you have a list of target publications, order a few back issues of each. Analyze what topics and article formats they tend to publish. This gives you ideas for the kinds of pieces to pitch.

Write What You Know About

The easiest way to write strong articles is to leverage your personal interests, experiences, education, and expertise. For example, a doctor could write an informative piece on new treatments for back pain. A chef might share foolproof tips for hosting the perfect dinner party.

Think about your background, training, hobbies, career, and life experiences. Make a list of topics you have in-depth knowledge of and would enjoy writing about. These passion areas will result in your best article ideas.

If you want to write about something unfamiliar, first conduct extensive research and interviews with experts. But it’s best to start with what you already know a lot about.

Research How You Should Write

Now that you’ve identified target publications and article topics, the next step is studying how to write for that particular magazine.

Get a sense of their typical “voice” by reading several back issue articles. Make notes on aspects like:

Tone: Serious? Humorous? Academic? Conversational? Formal? Informal?
Style: Short punchy sentences or longer descriptive ones? Contractions allowed or no? Active or passive voice?
Language: Any unique lingo, idioms, metaphors, or analogies? Slang, colloquialisms, cussing? Level of vocabulary complexity?
Structure: Inverted pyramid style or story format? Length and position of key elements like the lead, nut graf, quotes, and kicker?
Formatting: AP style? Use of bullet points, bolded text, subheads? Location and style of byline?

Once you understand the magazine’s voice, mimic it in your own article. This shows you can adapt your writing style to suit their brand.

Remember to Be Flexible

Sometimes your perfect article idea gets rejected…but the editor suggests an alternative topic they’d like you to cover instead. Don’t take it personally. Be adaptable.

Magazines plan issues around themes and categories they want to highlight. Your piece may not fit their immediate needs, but they still want your writing.

When an editor proposes a new topic, agree to give it a try if it’s something you can reasonably write about. Doing so shows that you’re open to feedback and willing to align with the magazine’s current direction.

Make Connections and Meet People

Networking with industry insiders increases your chances of getting accepted. Attend conferences and join professional associations to connect with editors face-to-face. Subscribe to Writer’s Market to find key contacts at publications.

Don’t be shy about respectfully reaching out to set up informational interviews. Ask for tips on what makes a strong submission. Building relationships gives you insights into their needs that other writers lack.

Prepare a Query Letter

Most magazines want you to email a short query letter first pitching your article idea instead of sending the finished piece.

Your query should include:

A clear description of your topic and angle in 1-2 sentences.
What makes it fresh, timely, or relevant to readers.
Why you’re qualified to write the article.
Brief bios of any expert sources you plan to interview.
Estimated word count.
Links to or brief samples of your previously published work.

The goal is to showcase the value you’ll deliver to readers and convince the editor to commission the full article.

Prepare an Outline

If the editor expresses interest in your idea, the next step is submitting a detailed outline mapping out your article.

Break it down section by section highlighting the specific information, advice, stories, research data, interviews, etc you’ll include. This gives the editor a clear picture of how you’ll execute the idea.

Having an outline ready to go makes it easy to start drafting the article quickly if you get a green light.

Meet the Experts

Interviewing subject matter experts is crucial for informative articles. Their insights, perspectives, and experiences add credibility.

Before reaching out to set up interviews, read the expert’s books, studies, or articles so you understand their background and are prepared with questions. Make sure to ask for permission to quote them.

Ideally, include a mix of 5-8 authoritative voices so you don’t lean too heavily on just one source’s views.

Talk to Everyday People

While experts provide validity, real-life stories and perspectives from everyday people help readers emotionally connect with the article.

To find compelling stories, post on social media, check forums, and reach out to coworkers, friends or family whose lives relate to your topic.

Get their permission before sharing personal details or quotes. Use pseudonyms if they prefer anonymity.

Write a Strong Lead

Your opening paragraph needs to instantly pull readers in. Magazine editors see hundreds of article leads monthly—yours must stand out.

Make your lead short, catchy, and commanding by:

Starting with a thought-provoking question.
Opening with an eye-catching statistic, fact, or data point.
Using vivid sensory details to set the scene.
Throwing readers into the middle of a scenario or story.
Including an interesting anecdote.
Featuring a unique quote.

Structure Your Article Like a Story

The best articles don’t just present dry facts and info. They tell a compelling story. Use classic storytelling techniques:

The hook: Catch reader’s attention in the lead.
Rising action: Build intrigue as the article progresses.
Climax: Hit them with your most fascinating info, data points, or stories in the middle to keep them engaged.
Falling action: Wind the pace down as you move toward the conclusion.
Resolution: End with a satisfying summary and kicker leaving readers informed.

Employ Elements of Good Storytelling

Elevate your articles using other strong storytelling devices as well:

Vivid details: Use descriptive language allowing readers to imagine the sights, sounds, textures, colors, smells. Transport them into the moments and experiences you describe.

Evocative quotes: Insert short, captivating quotes from your interviews to add color.

Anecdotes: Sprinkle in brief illustrative stories and memories from real people about their connections to the topic.

Cliffhangers: End sections with little mini-cliffhangers to compel readers onward.

Foreshadowing: Drop small hints about what’s to come later in the article.

Dialogue: Incorporate back-and-forth conversations from your interviews to break up dense blocks of text.

Close With a Memorable Kicker

Your final paragraph should wrap up your article with a resounding flourish. Some ways to accomplish this:

Circle back to your lead.
End with an inspiring call to action, relatable reflection, or your perspective on the ramifications of this topic.
Quote an everyday person reflecting on their experience.
Cite a pithy saying or phrase that captures the essence of your piece.

Leave readers feeling satisfied yet intrigued enough to continue pondering the issues you raised.

Follow Submission Guidelines

Once your article is done, make sure you follow each magazine’s specific formatting rules. These often cover aspects like:

Word count
Font style and size
Use of double spacing
How you label sections with subheads
Acceptable file types to submit
Inclusion of images or graphics
How to structure your byline and bio

Closely adhering to

how to write articles for magazines

Reel In the Audience with a Unique Angle

One of the best ways to make your magazine article appealing is by ensuring it has a unique perspective.

Start by creating a profile for your target audience and figure out where their interests lie. You can also look at the articles published by your competitors and industry giants. Doing so will help you determine which angles have been discussed before and which require more exploration.

Instead of just scratching the surface, dig a little deeper and discover fresh viewpoints that establish you as an expert in the field. Even if you are writing on a mainstream topic, such as a new superhero movie that has recently hit the theatres, focus on the aspects that others have not bothered to explore.

Remember, creating value-added content will keep your readers engaged and the publisher happy.

Get Your Audience Involved and Invested

Starting your magazine article with a thought-provoking question or a shocking fact can help you grab the interest of your audience from the get-go. If your question is something that your readers can relate to personally, it will undoubtedly compel them to read further.

However, to draw the attention of your readers, you must understand their desires and pain points. You should also know about your audience’s gender, age, and location to choose your article’s right style and tone. After all, the ideas that may intrigue women aged 30 to 45 are not likely to resonate with men aged 50 to 65.

Furthermore, always address your readers directly. Writing in the second person will allow you to use words such as “you,” “your,” and “yours.” Your readers should feel as if you have written the article just for them. Once they build that connection, they’ll stay hooked until the very last page.

Also, make your piece sound like a discussion one would have with their friend. It shouldn’t come across as a lesson or an essay.

This magazine article writing tip will surely help your audience feel like a part of the narrative.

Writing Career Advice : How to Become a Freelance Magazine Article Writer

How do I write a magazine article?

1. Choose a subject you are an expert in. Keeping true to our earlier advice of specializing, when you start to write a magazine article, choose a topic you show certain expertise in. Publishers typically choose articles with an in-depth take on a subject, and that’s where your level of experience will come into play.

Should you write magazine articles?

Magazine articles can be a big boost for seasoned freelance writers or writers who are trying to jump-start their writing careers. In fact, there are no clear qualifications required for writing magazine articles except for a strong writing voice, a passion for research, and the ability to target your article pitches to the right publications.

How do you write a good magazine?

Read at least five articles, regardless of format, and learn as much as you can about who the magazine is targeting. Try to identify the target reader by their: Identify whether there are specific characteristics of the target audience that you should know.

How do Magazine Editors choose articles?

Magazine editors choose articles they believe will pique their readers’ interest. From your chosen topic, find the angles that may not have been discussed before, or at least a perspective that will catch your audience’s attention right from the get-go.