Write for Trade Magazines to Boost Your Income
Earn a Steady Stream of Cash From this Profitable Market
Nov 26, 2008
Would you like to make $100,000 a year or more? Pat Curry, a freelance writer and senior editor at Builder, a publication of the National Association of Home Builders, consistently makes a six-figure income writing for trade magazines.
"If you're smart, aggressive, professional, and motivated, you can make six figures writing primarily for trade magazines, says Curry.
Here's what you need to know to break in.
What Trade Editors Want and Need
Like their counterparts in the consumer market, trade editors are looking for talented writers who meet deadline, nail word count, and write compelling stories--with one very important distinction. "They [trade editors] want writers who will report and write from a business perspective, not a consumer's, who understand that business journalism is rigorous and penetrating, and who respect the publications they write for," explains Curry. "It's not a second-rate market for writers who can't cut it at 'real' magazines."
For example, an article on mental health could be suitable for a trade magazine--if it's covered from a business angle. Consider Bryan Ochalla's article, "Executive Depression: It's More Lonely at the Top," which ran in the October 2008 issue of Associations Now. The article profiles two executives who, faced with the stress and isolation their position often brings, succumbed to depression. The article also includes a sidebar with practical tips and advice from mental health experts and executives who have struggled with depression.
Relationships stories--the staple of consumer publications--work for trade magazines as well, provided you cover the story from a business angle. For example, a story on managing toxic relationships in the workplace could save a company thousands of dollars in lost productivity. Parenting topics sell, too. A compelling story on job sharing, flexible hours, or business daycare centers might interest several trade editors.
Knowing what trade editors want puts you one step closer to landing that assignment. But unless you know where to pitch your idea, you're out of luck.
Where to Find Trade Magazines
When it comes to tracking down trade magazine publishers, the best place to start is online. Just use Google or your favorite search engine and search for "trade magazine" plus a subject.
Author Kendall Hanson, in his book Writing for Trade Magazines: How to Boost Your Income by $200 to $500 per Week, identifies several trade magazine publishers. His suggestions include Business News Publishing, Canon Communications, and Virgo Publishing. Writers can also track down trade publishers at Crain Communications, Penton Media, IDG, and Tradepub.com.
Pitching the Article
Query letters are one way to pitch story ideas to trade editors. They tell editors whether your story is a good fit for their publication, why you're qualified to tell it, and whether you're writing style is right for their magazine.
Most query letters follow a standard format that includes your lead, the angle, subject matter experts, and, of course, a brief bio and credentials. Many experienced writers include one or two expert quotes in their queries. While certainly not necessary, a compelling quote may put you one step ahead of the competition.
Letter of Introduction
Pat Curry, in her online course Building a High-Paying Career with Trade Magazines at RenegadeWriter.com, advises writers to send letters of introduction instead of queries by e-mail. The letter of introduction serves the same purpose as a cover letter sent with a resume, says Curry. A letter of introduction should include a brief summary of the writer's experience and qualifications and be written in a style similar to that of the magazine itself.
By following these guidelines, most freelancers can land assignments with trade magazines. While few writers will make six-figures writing for trade magazines, most find it a satisfying and profitable endeavor.
That said, keep in mind that the publishing industry, as a whole, is changing. A successful magazine writer in today's world works hard to diversify and to gain new skills.
"It's important for writers to know that trade magazines are going through the same transition as print pubs and newspapers," says Curry. "We're becoming increasingly focused on Web-based publishing." According to Curry, if you have Web-based publishing experience, or if you can do slide shows, podcasts, videos, or other interactive tools, you have a leg up on the competition.
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