New writers are often told they can't get published in top magazines without
clips. But that's simply not true. I’m here to tell you that you can
get published, even in your dream markets, if you know what editors want and
can give it to them.
When I first started writing health articles for
magazines, I had no more to guide me than the seat of my own pants. I had no
medical experience, no professional writing experience, no mentor, and no
money. When I stopped listening to naysayers and started noticing what
health editors really needed, I knew what to do. I sat down and
wrote my first three queries--ever--and got six article assignments from
three national magazines by the end of the first month.
Editors can be elusive, and I had a lot to learn during
those first few assignments. Since then, I haven't missed an opportunity to
ask health editors what they really want from freelance writers. It turns
out they know exactly what they want, but they're a little jaded from wading
through so much health writing that misses by a mile. Here are four top requests
on the average health editor's wish list:
1. Writers who
make an effort. Editors say they’re inundated with health queries by
writers who haven't done their homework. This leaves room for you if you
know what to do. If you think three expert sources are enough, find five.
Then get one more. You may end up using only two, but your article idea will
have more substance. (I know! My kids say this sounds just like homework.)
Of course, that’s not all editors want. They won’t know what else they want,
and neither will you, until you get knee deep into it. Like Robert Frost
said, "No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader.” Dig up some
dirt. Unearth the unexpected. Find the new spin on the same old health
topic.
wTo
grant this editors’ wish and get published: Do more and it will show.
2. Writers who get us. Whether you’re writing a query or an article
on assignment, stay on track by understanding the publication’s particular
focus and format. Apparently too many writers take long-winded shortcuts
here. Who is the magazine’s ideal reader? If you’ve read the back issues and
still can’t tell, call the advertising department and order a press kit.
What length and tone do you find in a typical sentence or paragraph? What do
their headlines and titles have in common? Several editors admitted to
taking a second look at a queries that suggest titles that sound like their
cover lines.
wTo grant this editors’ wish and get published: Cut
through the clutter on an editor’s desk by keeping a curious mind and a
spirit of collaboration.
3. Writers who think. Once you have an assignment, avoid giving
health advice off the top of your head or out of your own experience, even
if you’re a doctor. This is, believe it or not, what a lot of new writers
do. Health editors crave intelligent, informed, skeptical reporting and
insightful observations on medicine explained simply. If you have access to
new scientific evidence or a special connection with a health topic, that’s
even better. But talk to several top experts and cite credible research to
back up what they say. Editors also depend on health writers to inform them
about any conflicts of interest or unfortunate links between research and
industry. Editors are increasingly skeptical about health claims and don’t
want articles to read like advertorials.
wTo grant this editors’ wish and get published: Make
sure your health articles have serious behind-the-scenes support, even when
the tone is light and fun.
4. Writers with courage and stamina. Health writing is fun, but it’s
not for wimps. It's not an exact science and the editing process can be
tough on the ego. Most health editors are overworked, which can make them
cranky and critical. Sometimes they're justified. Sometimes they're just
bullies. One of the great things about being a freelancer is you never have
to work with unpleasant people more than once. Good editors are out there
and they need good writers. Those who have enjoyed working with you will
look forward to seeing your follow-up ideas, even if they forget to ask.
wTo grant this editors’ wish and get published:
Don't wait to be courted. Query again and again and again.
Grant editors their wishes and editors will grant
yours. They’ll publish your work and pay you for it. Write with originality,
style, and grace, and they may even put you on speed-dial. They’ll call you
for their best assignments and be receptive to more of your ideas. In no
time you'll be quoting Bogey in Casablanca: "I think this is the beginning
of a beautiful friendship.”
