Analyzing Magazines for Article Submission
by Beverly Caruso

Your goal in analyzing a publication is to discover the reading audience: age, gender, educational level, socioeconomic bent, spiritual level, etc.; and the publisher’s preferences and goals for the publication. Analyzing time and effort will be well spent in selling your manuscripts. By analyzing the publication, its various elements, and the articles and columns, you will gain an understanding of the publication’s target audience.

Always study a recent issue of a magazine before making a submission.  Read magazines with a highlighter in hand, even when reading for pleasure. Who knows, you might want to write for that publication.

Develop a Code for Marking Articles.

Circle those that are staff written. The higher percentage of articles that are free-lance, the greater your chance of having an article accepted by the publication.

Your goal is to be able to identify the target audience of the particular publication. Then you can slant your article to the reader. The more you know about the publisher, editor, and the purpose of the publication, the better able you will be to focus your article to their needs.

• The Cover – Notice the over-all appearance; photo content and presentation; teasers; additional material.

• The Table of Contents – What types of articles are used? What is the ratio of in-house writers? What are the recurring columns?

• The Masthead – This is the legal information about the publisher, editors, etc.

• Editorial – Pay attention to anything written by the editor.  If you don't like his style he probably won't like yours.

• Letters to the Editor – Don’t skip over this section. You can learn much by reading these.

• Tone – Is it controversial or safe? Is objective or personal information used? Are articles written in first or third person? Are articles factual or anecdotal? Are how-tos numbered or woven into text?

• Ads – Notice how the ads reach out to the reader; their content, terminology, etc.

• Articles can be analyzed by color coding.

• Titles: Are they one-word or sentence-length?

• Are sub-titles used?

• Format: Note the use of bullets; lists; scriptures quoted or woven into text, version/translation of Bible. Do they use quotes; quote experts; regional references?

• Language: Is there denominational vocabulary? Do they use man-on-the-street jargon?

• What is the Doctrinal Leaning? Is humor included? If so, how is it used?

• Photos and Art/Graphics – Theses are important to the over-all appeal to the intended audience.

• Columns and Departments – These will show you which subjects and areas the publisher/editors are primarily concerned.

 
Study the listings in the Christian Writers’ Market Guide, etc.

• Use a current volume.
• Pay attention to word length; preferences; restrictions, etc.
• Note whether simultaneous submissions, email submissions, etc. are acceptable.

Once you’ve analyzed the publication, write a profile for it. Include a one or two phrase description of their target audience. I.e. Young educated women, who work outside the home, but are family oriented.

Now you’re ready to write your article, or adapt your already written article for this publication.

Copyright 2004 Beverly Caruso

Beverly Caruso has written five published books and numerous articles. She is a resource teacher for the University of the Nations; has trained writers from twenty-five countries; and is available to teach Writers’ Seminars in churches as well as writers’ conferences. www.across2u.com/writersweekend.html