How to Write for
Women's Magazines

by Brigitte Aflalo-Calderon

Are you thinking about writing for women’s magazines? Are women’s magazines in need of freelance writers? What kind of news sells best? Are there any rules out there to make it in the women’s market? Women’s magazines are multiplying and many writers have built a comfortable niche for themselves within this specific market. You too can do it if you really want to. I’ve asked professional writers, who happen to be women, to share tips with you on how to successfully write for this specific group of publications. These four successful authors have gladly accepted to address important questions you may have in mind and tell us about their personal experiences in the writing world. They are:

Patricia Fry is President of SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network – www.spawn.org) and has been writing for publication for 30 years. She has contributed hundreds of articles to about 175 magazines and has 12 books to her credit, including “The Successful Writer’s Handbook.” She is currently writing a book for Liguori Publications on youth mentoring. Her personal website address is: www.matilijapress.com

Jenna Glatzer worked her way up slowly. She started by writing profiles and short pieces for small press magazines. She had more than 100 clips before one of her articles was featured in a major woman's magazine. Today, she works as a full-time writer and editor of Absolute Write (www.absolutewrite.com). She is also the author of “The More Than Any Human Being Needs to Know about Freelance Writing Workbook, available at www.absolutewrite.com/workbook.htm

Sarah Gray Steiner is senior Editor of Nervy Girl Magazine (www.nervygirlzine.com) Nervy Girl is a monthly national magazine published in Oregon. It was founded over two years ago and has a circulation of 20,000. Nervy Girl is primarily dedicated to celebrating and encouraging women in their diversity, achievements and interests. It also intends to serve as a platform to address and discuss women’s issues.

Jennifer Nelson started by repeatedly querying suitable ideas to her target markets after having carefully studied them. She now makes a living as a freelance writer and instructor. She teaches a course entitled “Selling to the Sisterhood,” specifically intended to writers interested in writing for women’s magazines. For more information, check: http://www.absolutewrite.com/classes/Nelson/womenmag.htm

Here are their views on several aspects of writing for women’s magazines and writing in general:

The evolution of the women’s magazines market
in the recent years

PFry: I have seen two fundamental changes in the women’s magazine markets in the last 30 years. One is the increased number of these publications. In addition to magazines that cover general issues related to women, we now find a great number of specialized publications targeting women only, such as magazines for women entrepreneurs, women executives, young women, brides, older women, athletes, Christian women, women writers and so on. The second important change I have witnessed concerns the number of magazines seeking freelance articles addressing women’s issues. As President of SPAWN, I write a monthly Market Update for our site. Since December 2001, I have reported on approximately 45 new magazines; 13 of them targeted women.

JNelson: There is a huge demand for articles on women’s issues. I’ve noted a trend among many general interest magazines, which are now devoting a department to women’s issues only. Furthermore, the number of women’s publications focused on one topic keep multiplying. As a result, the demand for writers with good material is on the rise.

Sgray-Steiner: More and more readers want to learn about issues that are affecting women’s lives. Interestingly enough, our publication is seeing an increased readership of men who are interested about women’s issues. Recently, we’ve heard from men who would like to write for us about women’s issues.

The topics most in demand

JGlatzer. A large majority of publications interested in articles on how to improve their readers’ lives – how to better communicate with their spouses, how to beat stress, and how to feel better – are very popular. Usually, local, outstanding stories that deserve to be brought up to the national attention sell very well.

JNelson: Many women magazines love real stories; stories of average women who’ve accomplished something extraordinary, overcome difficult obstacles, sailed through a health crisis or are living their dream. Fresh ideas and ideas presented with an unusual twist have great chances to be accepted.

PFry: As women, we are interested in doing better in many aspects of our lives without getting too far outside our comfort zone. I’ve sold articles on how to prepare for retirement, create a job, avoid the Monday morning blues, take an inner vacation and become a better grandmother. I've written about office politics, the lost art of letter writing and how to get a raise. The list of topics is endless.

SGray-Steiner. From our viewpoint, what matters most is taking a unique slant on important topics that affect both men and women. Exploring a topic from an educated perspective is critical to finding that new focus on a well-known subject. By ‘educated,’ I simply mean women and men who think differently about how our world affects women.

Getting Out of the Slush Pile and Beyond

JGlatzer: One of the most common complaints editors make is that writers don't study the magazine. To sell to women's magazines, you must know which departments are handled in-house and which are open to freelancers, and you must understand the audience: know your readers’ age, marital status, average salary, etc. Your article must be in excellent shape (presentation, grammar, free of typos and grammatical errors). Furthermore, make sure it is addressed to the appropriate editor. These details make a big difference. Aside from a great idea, you need to prove to the editor that you know how to research the article you are proposing to write, who you plan to interview, where you will find background information, statistics, etc.

PFry: Because magazines are more tightly focused than they used to be, it is more important than ever for writers to understand the philosophy and specific needs of the publication before approaching the editor. Here are a few pointers:
• Know your market
• Be persistent.
• Read editorial guidelines and follow them – if the editors don’t accept queries by e-mail, don’t send queries by e-mail. If they want service pieces, don’t send a feel-good essay.
• It is also a good idea for new writers to get their feet wet on the net – although the pay is usually minimal. I write for various sites in order to get exposure to my books.

JNelson: I recommend my students to carefully analyse their target publication in order to come up with ideas for articles perfectly suited to the magazine’s content. It is equally important that query letters be impeccably crafted. A writer multiplies his/her chances to see his/her proposal accepted if it is presented in a stellar query letter.

SGray-Steiner: As an editor and writer, I want to see an intro that grabs me and pulls me in to want to read further. Then, I want a quick idea of where the piece is going so I know whether I’m interested in reading on. The rest of the story should deliver the promise made. There is nothing worse as a reader than feeling let down. I like to see a good conclusion that brings the main idea full in circle and gives me something to walk away with and keep thinking about.

Persistence in the Face of Rejection

JGlatzer: Writers MUST continue sending query letters to a magazine who initially rejected them. It often takes several tries before landing an assignment. I had queried Good Housekeeping at least a dozen times before an editor picked up one of my queries.

JNelson: Breaking in takes persistence. You often don't land an assignment on the first go-round. Once you start getting rejections that say your idea is not quite appropriate for the publication or that your proposal cannot be accepted because the editor has something similar in the works, you know you are almost there and it's just a matter of time before something your pitch lands an assignment. Then, keep querying. The possibility of being rejected should not stop you from querying a magazine. Does a salesman feel intimidated approaching new customers? Not if he wants to make sale. Does an employee feel intimidated sharing his ideas in a meeting? Not if he wants to work his way up in experience and salary with his employer. It’s the same with a writer. Another piece of advice I always give to my students is not to be afraid to query top magazines. What’s the difference between sending a proposal to a top publication or to a regional magazine? Rejections hurt the same way, wherever it comes from.

SGray-Steiner: Don’t get discouraged. Make sure that you have all the details on how to submit story ideas for each publication. Each magazine has specific requirements. Follow the rules and your query will stand out among the hundreds of queries that an editor receives.

On Finding Women’s Markets

PFry. All magazines are not listed in the Writer’s Market. Writers ought to look for new or less-known magazines on large newsstands, such as Barnes and Noble. Other ways to find markets is by searching the Net, subscribing to writers’magazines and newsletters and studying reference books such as Books in Print and Literary Market Place.
If you are just starting out, aim for publications in smaller markets and work your way up. Regional magazines are wonderful stepping-stones.

Last Words

JGlatzer: It is essential that writers develop excellent research skills, demonstrate the ability to adhere to deadlines no matter what and have the humility to accept an editor’s suggestion. Last but not least, self-motivation is essential.

PFry: Aside for writing skills, a writer needs to be organized in thought and action. It is equally important that they hone strong interviewing skills and be capable to scope out and recognize an idea worth writing about.

SGray-Steiner: Most of the time, after we have accepted an article, we ask writers to bring changes to their stories to fit Nervy Girl’s criteria. Unfortunately, we often see new writers who are convinced that every word they wrote is perfect. Professional writers should not be possessive of their writings. Rather, they should always strive to improve their writings. A professional writer is someone who is willing to accept and respond to constructive criticism, meet deadlines and build strong working relationships with editors.

Brigitte Aflalo-Calderon is a freelance writer specialized in women's issues and children non-fiction. She is responsible for a monthly weekly column at Washington Women, Looking your Best. Her articles have appeared in numerous sites and publications including (Medscape.com, Aribella.com, Nervy Girl, Washington Parents and New Moon for Girls.)
Brigitteaflalo@aol.com