Writer's tutorial entry: how to Get Letters Published inMagazines.

When I first began writing seriously in 2010,
I began to focus on the fiction market for
women's magazines.
As I became more involved in the 'womag'
scene, I discovered that several of these
short story writers had had letters published
in national magazines. I thought, why don't I
have a go at that too? I kept seeing the
same writers' names crop up in the letters
page of lots of national magazines.
Fuelled by envy and an attitude of, 'Well, if
she can do it, so can I', I channeled my
energy, put fingers to the keyboard, and
tried again.
This time I made sure I studied the tone of
the magazine I intended to submit to, and
what type of letter was likely to be picked
for publication, plus the subject of it. For
example, I learned that positive feedback
about a previous feature was popular.
I kept my submissions short and snappy,
breezy and bright.
My hard work paid off. I was absolutely
delighted to see my letter published in
What's on TV magazine, closely followed by
another letter! I was even more delighted to
receive a payment of £10 for little more
than a paragraph.
A slot on the WOTV letters page is called
'Rant of the Week'. It provides readers with
an opportunity to let rip about programmes
that contain bad acting, or a dismal script -
whatever gets your goat. This is an area
where negative comments are actively
welcomed, but to keep to the point - they
last thing they want is a three-page
plodding missive about how the TV licence
money is being wasted!
I've also had several letters published in
Woman's Weekly and the some opinion
pieces for the 'You're Telling Us' page in
Take a Break.
However, some of the questions can be a
little too saucy for my taste, and can range
like this: 'Do you prefer to make love or
watch TV?' and 'Do you let your hubby see
you naked?'
While some see this type of query as
harmless and a bit of fun, I don't respond,
as I prefer my private life to remain just that
- private.
The 'You're Telling Us' weekly question can
be found on the TAB Facebook page .
Some publications offer a prize to the star
letter only.
I attempt it, and often I don't win the prize,
yet I'm still pleased to see my piece
published - it gives me a boost of
confidence, as it proves I can tailor work to
the magazine's requirements and that my
standard is good enough to be chosen for
the letters page, if nothing else!
Even if the prize isn't great, I still enjoy the
challenge, to see if I can get published in a
new mag. It took me a few good goes before
my letters eventually got published in Tesco
magazine and The People's Friend.
Picking a magazine you are interested in
helps. For instance, because I'm a
vegetarian, it was fairly easy for me to
submit two letters for the glossy monthly
Vegetarian Living . They were published!
If you have a hobby, e.g. computers or
cooking, pick a suitable magazine that
accompanies it. For instance, my hubby
Keith is a very good cook and baker.
He's had several recipes published in Take
a Break's My Favourite Recipe magazine.
As I love writing, I submitted to Writers'
Forum magazine - I was thrilled when they
printed two of my letters.
Some magazines also publish short poetry
on their letters page - I've had two poems in
Yours .
Don't forget that top tips, funny photos, a
'pet of the week' type feature and beauty
queries are much in demand, too.
Although you won't be able to earn a
regular salary from this, the odd ten pounds
here and there soon adds up.
Bear in mind that no matter how many
letters you submit, you won't be chosen
every time. Consider the fact that the editor
or team will become familiar with your
name. They may feel you are trying to earn
money out of the publishing company.
However, saying that, I think they do
appreciate regular contributors - just don't
swamp them! After all, you are supposed to
be a reader, not a writer.
Publications are always looking for well-
written, entertaining, intelligent letters that
fit in with the editorial style of the
magazine. Always be cheerful and polite
and don't waffle, as they only have a
certain amount of slots available for letters.
Work can be edited, changed or even added
to - to me, this doesn't matter, as I want to
be published and I want to be paid.
I know of one writer who was furious when a
national weekly edited her piece before
publishing it. She rang them up, only to be
told, 'We're very sorry, but we only have so
much space on the page.'
So don't be precious about your work -
journalists have their articles and features
edited every day, and they don't seem to
mind!
Some editors let you know beforehand if
your letter has been selected, some don't.
I recently won a prize of a jigsaw puzzle,
yet I hadn't a clue who had awarded it to
me or what publication my letter was in. All
I had was a letter saying 'Congratulations!'
from the makers of the jigsaw, which didn't
really help.
Eventually I realised I must have been
awarded star letter in Down Your Way, a
Yorkshire-based nostalgic magazine.
Pleased as punch, I rushed out and bought
it, only for a complimentary copy to arrive
in the post later.
You can't always rely on a complimentary
copy being sent to you, though - that was
very rare!
So, what's stopping you from having a go?
If I can do it, so can you. Get writing, get
submitting, and good luck!
This article is courtesy of Sharon Boothroyed.