How do you go about applying to write for a magazine ?

[Blue_Roses]

Our local newspaper started a magazine for women about a year ago. It's new and I want to work with them. I have so many ideas for articles and the magazine is right up my ally. What would be the best way to approach this?

[Book Lover]

1. First check to see if they are accepting new writers

Check the masthead; submission info is often there. If not, write or email (but do not call) the managing editor and inquire if they are accepting outside submissions. Do not send unsolicited manuscript; it usually will be returned to you unread.

[HEyHEY]

2. Think of an idea you want to write about

Do all the research and basically write the thing. Then look at what its best merrits are and pitch it to them with those being the main features of the piece. Even send them a 1/4 of the story, but not the whole thing.
It's a good idea to examine the mag for a bit to see what kind of thing would fall into their groove. After you've done this a couple times, find out what their policy is and how they obtain writers. It is most likely that if it's not a staff position they just pay freelancers. So you'd just pitch stories whenever and they'd say yes or no.