This book is the only resource writers need for all of their questions on how to: brainstorm creative article ideas; find the right magazine for their work; and keep editors coming back for more!

Your Essential Reference for Writing for Magazines! In The Writer's Digest Guide to Magazine Article Writing, accomplished freelance writer, author, and instructor Kerrie Flanagan demystifies the idea that writing for magazines is a difficult process meant only for those with journalism degrees. Drawing from her 20 years as a freelance writer and instructor, Flanagan takes you step-by-step through the entire process, sharing her knowledge and experiences in a friendly, conversational way. With more than a dozen sample articles, expert advice from magazine editors and successful freelance writers, practical tips on researching potential publications and instructions on crafting compelling query letters, you'll find the tools needed to write and publish magazine articles. In this book you'll learn how to: • Find and target ideas for the right magazine. • Develop effective query letters to catch the attention of editors and land more assignments. • Organize your writing life using the checklists and tools throughout the book. • Understand and negotiate contracts. • Write and sell personal essays to consumer, niche and trade magazines. Whether your goal is to get your first byline or make the switch from part-time freelancer to full-time writer, The Writer's Digest Guide to Magazine Article Writing is your go-to resource for writing success.

Divided into decades from the 1920s to the 1990s, this compilation provides articles written by such authors as James Hilton, Phyllis A. Whitney, Allen Ginsberg, and Stephen King.

Writing a book is fun and easy--yes, FUN AND EASY--but it may not always feel that way. How do you find the time to write? How do you keep momentum? How do you deal with the horror of showing anyone a single sentence of your work-in-progress? The answers remain fun and easy, and author Elizabeth Sims will take your hand, dispel your worries, and show you how it's done in this stress-free guide to accomplishing your dream of writing your book. In You've Got a Book in You, Elizabeth is that encouraging voice guiding you through the entire process, from finding the right time and place to gathering all of your creative tools to diving right in and getting it done--page by page, step by step. It's easier than you think, and it all starts right here, right now. "This guide is witty, warm, and wise--and wonderfully down-to-earth as well. Elizabeth Sims doesn't just tell you that you've got a book in you, she shows you how to pour it out using your own creative spirit, common sense, and persistence." ~Lori L. Lake, author of The Gun Series and The Public Eye Mystery Series "If you're searching for the spark of inspiration to get started writing a book, and the nourishment to sustain you to THE END, Elizabeth Sims's You've Got a Book in You will show you how to find it in yourself." ~Hallie Ephron, award-winning author of There Was an Old Woman "You won't find an easier-to-follow or more inspirational writing guide." ~L.J. Sellers, author of the bestselling Jackson mysteries "By focusing the high beams of her intelligence (and humor!) on the twisty trail of book-writing, in You've Got a Book in You, Elizabeth Sims proves herself a true writer's friend. As she guides you from the creation of a "working title" through her (brilliant!) "Making-It-Better Process," this well-established pro plays her most impressive cards--stacking the deck in favor of YOU!" ~Jamie Morris, Director, Woodstream Writers "Elizabeth Sims packs a twelve-week writing course into 280 pages. Inspirational and yet extremely hands-on, You've Got a Book In You will give newbies confidence to forge ahead and will remind veteran writers why they began writing in the first place--for the joy of it. I won't be surprised when the brilliant terms 'stormwriting' and 'heartbrain' become part of every writer's lexicon." ~Julie Compton, author of Tell No Lies and Keep No Secrets "The book is encouraging and inspiring, practical and witty. As a seasoned writer, I appreciate the reminders about the importance of putting yourself on a writing schedule. No more excuses. The many 'writing blasts' are very helpful and will get any writer out of the starting blocks. I especially enjoyed the section, 'Writing with the Masters.' What better way to get inspired, get a feel for different styles, and get jump-started on your writing? Excellent advice that I plan to incorporate in my future classes. I concur with Sims that 'writer's block' is greatly exaggerated. Is there any other profession that claims such a phenomenon? 'Excuse, me, but I have 'book-keeping block,' 'playing music block,' or 'painting block' today? I don't think so. Get yourself on a schedule, read some Sims, write with the masters, and you'll be on your way. You'll be glad you met this friend on your journey to becoming a successful writer." ~Gesa Kirsch, Ph.D., Professor of English, Director of Valente Center for the Arts and Sciences, Bentley University

Do you want to write magazine articles, but don’t know where to start? Or perhaps you want to break into new markets, but are not sure how. The Complete Article Writer will show you how to do all that… and more! Writing for the magazine market is the easiest publishing market to break into. But only if you can come up with the right idea for the right market at the right time. The Complete Article Writer shows you how to do that, time and time again. It also reveals how to maximise your article ideas: don’t write one article - write six or more! The Complete Article Writer shows you how to analyse a publication to identify its readership and the freelancing opportunities within it. Then it guides you into twisting your idea so it appeals to the core readership and the most important reader of all - the editor. With detailed advice about beginnings, middles and endings (the variety of different middle structures you can use to exploit your ideas further), along with other pieces of page furniture, including boxouts, sidebars and photos, The Complete Article Writer tells you how to offer an editor the complete package. Discover how to pitch your ideas and sell your article first before writing a single word. Learn how to negotiate the minefield of publishing rights and keep control of more of your work. Master all this and you will become The Complete Article Writer. Simon Whaley’s articles have appeared in a variety of publications, including: BBC Countryfile, Country Walking, Lakeland Walker, The Simple Things, Cumbria, Discover Britain, British Heritage, Writing Magazine, The People’s Friend, Coast and Outdoor Photography. Enjoy creative writing? Looking to get into freelance writing? Check out The Practical Writer Series for easy-to-implement advice.

Prepare and Present Your Work Like a Pro! Formatting & Submitting Your Manuscript, 3rd edition, gives you all the information you need to craft a winning submission. Fully updated, this comprehensive resource now features more than 100 sample letters and manuscript pages, expanded instruction for electronic submissions, updated formatting and submitting guidelines, and new insider tips from top agents and editors. With strong and weak sample query letters, novel synopses, articles, nonfiction book proposals, manuscript pages, scripts, and more, you'll see exactly what works and what doesn't. Plus, each sample page features individual callouts to clearly identify and explain critical elements so that you don't miss a thing. With this all-encompassing guide, you'll discover everything you need to make your work look professional, polished, and publishable.

Prime Your Freelance Writing Career for Success! So you want to be a freelance writer. Great! But now you're faced with a laundry list of questions: Should I freelance full time or part time? Should I write for magazines, newspapers, or online markets? How do I dream up the perfect article idea, and how do I pitch it successfully? How do I negotiate contracts, foster relationships with editors, and start getting steady work while avoiding financial panic attacks and unpleasant ulcers? The Essential Guide to Freelance Writing answers all of these questions--and much more. From breaking in to navigating the basics of the business, this book is your road map to a fruitful and rewarding freelance life. You'll learn how to: • Dig into various markets, including consumer magazines, trade journals, newspapers, and online venues. • Make your digital mark and build your writing platform. • Pitch like a pro and craft solid query letters that get responses. • Conduct professional interviews in person, by phone, or by e-mail. • Write and structure various types of articles, from front-of-the-book pieces to profiles and features. • Quit your lackluster day job, and live the life you've always wanted. Filled with insider secrets, candid advice, and Zachary Petit's trademark humor and blunt honesty, The Essential Guide to Freelance Writing won't just show you how to survive your freelancing writing career--it will teach you how to truly thrive.