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Careers: Writing/requesting writer's guidelines & editorial calendars

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Expert: - 1/24/2008


Question
When requesting writer's guidelines/editorial calendars from magazines that do not offer the guidelines online,  is there a standard format to use for the request? Also, do I send the request to the attention of the editor (name usually found in "Writer's Market") and address "Dear Ms./Mr." as in query letters? Or, do I just address the envelope/body of letter to the magazine in general and hope that it makes it to the employee responsible for writer's guidelines requests?

Answer
Once you have the "masthead" from the publication, which is the official address of the publication or the company that produces it, then sure---you can just send it to the editor's name.  If it were me, I'd just do something very simple, like:

Dear Editor:

I am interested in submitting queries for freelance articles or fillers to your publication, and would like to know your guidelines for submission. Enclosed is a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Would you be kind enough to forward your requirements, plus any editorial calendar that applies?  Thank you for your assistance.  Sincerely,...

Now, it's quite possible that the REASON there aren't any guidelines is that they don't accept freelance articles---they may only use staff writers. Writers Market isn't completely accurate every time. But most likely, in that case, they would just write a note on the bottom of your letter saying, "No freelancers in our mag" or some such and drop it in the SASE. Either way, you find out and will know for sure. Be patient though. Your request will not be their top priority. It could take weeks or months to get a reply. But that's how it works, and patience is a good thing to have in this business.

Hope that helps. Good luck with it! :)

Cathy

Careers: Writing

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Cathy Clamp

Expertise

I'm happy to answer questions about any aspect of writing articles, short stories and novels, from the beginning kernel of an idea through completion. I can help with writing a query letter and synopsis to an agent or editor. I can explain publishing terminology and acronyms. I can also assist with questions about verifying the credentials of agents/publishers and how to proceed once you've been accepted for publication. I can teach the rules of formatting a manuscript, creating viable plots, characterization and flow in the following genres: romance, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, suspense, horror, women's fiction, mainstream and mystery. I can also answer questions about writing for major print magazines in the outdoor genre (hunting/fishing/boating/travel.)

Experience

I'm a USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance for Tor/Forge Books . Along with a co-author, I've published fifteen mass market novels since 2004, and have contracts for four more books through 2011. I've also published more than two dozen feature articles in leading outdoor magazines.

Organizations
Romance Writers of America, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Western Outdoor Writers, Horror Writers of America, National Association of Legal Assistants.

Publications
Magazines--Guns & Ammo, Fur-Fish-Game, Rocky Mountain Game & Fish, Deer & Deer Hunting. Many others. Novels/Anthologies--Tor/Forge Books, Western Reflections Publishing, BenBella Books, Running Press, Wild Child Publishing. Many others.

Education/Credentials
Published Author. Published Freelance Writer. Certified Paralegal with specialities in intellectual property (copyright, trademark, patent) and real estate.

Awards and Honors
USA Today bestseller, Waldenbooks Mass Market Paperback Top 20 bestseller, Nielsen BookScan Top 20 bestseller, Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, 2009, Write Touch Readers Award, EVVY Award, The Lories Best Paranormal. Many others.

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