6 Steps to Getting Published

Do you ever read an article in a magazine and think, "I could've written that!"  Or read an online publication and wonder how on earth your article could appear there?

Getting published comes with a sense of pride and respect....that someone thought you had something worthy to say.  Plus, you can add respected brand logos to your website and your bio. 

I get it:  you don't want to be a full-time writer, but you have a goal of getting published.  It's a bucket list item.  But you're not sure how to start.

You truly don't have to spend a dime to get published.  You simply need the formula and lots of persistence.  The good news is that there is a repeatable process you can follow to get published.  So let's dive in to those steps!

6 Steps to Get Published

1.  Brainstorm ideas that you want to write about
   Start a list of all the topics that are near and dear to your heart.  What are you an expert in?  What message are you compelled to share with the world?  What perspective can you offer that is different from the norm?
   Don't fret about writing about an entirely new topic.  Focus on a commonly held thought and provide a new angle.  Editors are looking for fresh perspectives.
   
   *Note:  Editors plan weeks - months in advance of publication.  If you plan to write about a seasonal/trending topic, you must send your ideas 2-4 weeks in advance for online publications.  For print, plan on sending 3 months in advance of the season.
   
   
2. Search for appropriate publications
   Your topic has to fit with the publication.  It wouldn't make sense to send an article about pet care to an online magazine about beauty and fashion.
   
   Start with reviewing what you read often.  Which websites do you frequent?  Which print magazines do you regularly buy or subscribe to?
   Also, Google your topics/titles.  Take note of which websites pop up with similar content.
   
   *Note:  There are open publications as well such as Medium and ThriveGlobal where you can submit an article to be published.  It won't be edited and you won't get paid.  But it's a good way to get experience with the process.
   
   
3. Find editors email address
   Truly, this can be the hardest part of all.  Editors are constantly bombarded with emails!  So you have to do a little digging.
   
   In print publications, you can usually find the editor's name in the first few pages of the magazine.  For online publications, scroll to the bottom of the page and look in the footer for "About", "Contact Us", "Advertise/Work With Us" pages.
   
   There will be an editor in chief as well as senior and associate editors.  For some publications, you send your pitch to the editor in chief.  For others, you send your pitch to the associate editor.  Knowing the publication and/or really researching the fine print on the website will help you determine who to send the pitch to.
   
   *Note: Editors are writers too!  You can often find their names and social media handles at the end of published articles on their website.
   
   Once you have a name, search the publication's website for emails.  Some have it, some don't.  Try LinkedIn too.  Seriously....you have to do some creative digging.
   
   
4. Craft a pitch
   Once you know what you want to write about and where you'd like to see it published, it's time to write the pitch.  A pitch is a relatively short outline of your article. 
   
   You will give a brief (1-2 sentences) explanation on why you're the right person to write on this topic.  And then you'll provide the proposed title and an outline of the article.  Get right to the point.  Explain the problem and how your article solves it.  And share how your article fits within the publication.  This is why it's key to be familiar with the publication.
   
   
5. Send pitch to appropriate editor
   Email your pitch to the appropriate editor. 
   Do not send the entire article.  If your pitch is accepted, you will be assigned a word count and a deadline to submit the article.
   
   Do not send to multiple editors.  Your pitch must be accepted by one first because if you get paid for it, the article becomes their property.  You essentially sell them the article.  And most publications have strict guidelines that the content must be original and not published elsewhere.
   
   
6. Keep your fingers crossed
   You won't hear back right away.  In fact, it may take 3-6 weeks to get a reply.  If you haven't heard back after 3 weeks, it's ok to send a follow up email.
   
   Getting accepted on your first try is rare.  Because there is no relationship and no proof of your ability.  Don't give up!  Keep trying the same publication with other pitches.  And try the original pitch somewhere else if it gets denied.