So you’re thinking about writing an article for possible publication in this magazine? What good fun! It’s not nearly as difficult as you might think. If you have an idea (subject), a computer or word processor, a camera, and some time you’re all set to go. OK, let’s get on with it.

Of course, to start you’ll need an idea. Most any idea can be “fertile ground” for an article. It doesn’t have to be a long and drawn out affair. In fact, the shorter articles seem to be the easiest ones to get published. One rule I’ve learned: The longer the article, the better it needs to be to get published. My personal suggestion is to get a couple small things published before you go for that “Epic Tale”.

A Subject….. Hummmm…… What can I write about? Well, it can be (almost) anything to do with our hobby that you know a little bit about. Some small technique you tried and found that worked. How about something you do differently than was written up in another article? (Sooo many ways to do things) Did you try something new on your layout that worked?

One thing that helps me come up with subject matter is reading the “other guys” articles. Sometimes it sparks an original idea. Other times I just think: “I can do better with that subject than that guy did”. And off I go! I also look at every model I build or project on the layout as a possible subject for an article.

The next item you’ll need is a computer or a word processor to write the article on. Most of the magazines have gone to a digital format, and you should also. An important thing to remember: If you can make the magazine publisher’s life easier, they will LIKE you. This is a good thing. These poor overworked publishers receive tons of stuff, and as you might expect they have limited time to deal with all the submissions they receive.

As you put together the article, make sure you have a beginning, main subject, and then a conclusion. As you are writing the article keep thinking: Would I read this? If you would read it, then other people will also. When you think the article is about finished, take the time to read it “out loud”. And really listen to what it sounds like as you read it. Does it sound like you talking with a buddy over a beer? (This is good) Or does it sound like an English teacher lecturing a class? (This is NOT good)

On to the photos! You can get an article published that has been submitted with “film” photos, but I find it much easier to work with the digital format. Your digital photos need to be at least 300dpi, and about 8in by 10in in size in either “.tiff” or “.jpg” format. You don’t need a great camera to get good photos; you only need a “good eye”. The camera does need to be at least a 4+ MP unit to produce the quality needed for magazine publication.

And last but not least is the “presentation”. Remember how I mentioned magazine editors are “way busy”? The first impression your article gives the publisher is REALLY important. If you can present a neat, professional, well thought out “look and feel” the more likely the publisher will actually look at what you have submitted.

In the packet I send off to the magazine, I always enclose a “hard copy” of my article rather than to email the submission in. Personally, I like the “look and feel” of real paper. I think that’s why I enjoy “real magazines” more than the Internet stuff.

In the packet you send in it should include: 1) A nicely printed copy of your article with photos 2) A “photo log” if needed 3) A cd with your article with NO photos, your article WITH photos, and as I mentioned earlier the photos in “.tiff” or “.jpg” format.

Make sure to label everything you send in with your article name, your name and address, phone number, and email address. And don’t forget to include a cover letter introducing yourself with a short note as to what your article is about. Make sure to KEEP A COPY of your entire project. Many magazines do not return materials.

And off it goes! Will they publish your great work of literature? It was so much fun putting the article together WHO CARES! You need to remember that this is a hobby after all and none of the authors are getting rich off of it. In fact, most magazines pay little or nothing for your article. Don’t get too serious about writing these articles, and don’t expect every project will be published. It’s all in good fun!

One last thought I would like to share with you. Let’s just say you get a kick out of being published. I sure enjoy it. In fact I have so much fun with these articles you might say I’m a bit “prolific” with the number I have written. When you reach a point where you have produced more than a few articles, you MUST keep close tract of what article has been sent to which magazine or newsletter.

I must admit that early in my magazine article writing I “kind of” lost tract of things. I’ve had one small “mix-up and am now diligently trying to never have that happen again. Your professional contact with the magazine editors is of great importance. You mess up a working relationship with a magazine and you’re done with them. Enough on that…….

Having fun and sharing things with friends is what a hobby is all about. When you write articles for magazines, you get to have fun a number of times. First, the actual project of putting together the article is fun. Next, seeing your name in print in your favorite magazine. And finally, the knowledge that you’re helping an un-told number of people enjoy our hobby. That’s what it’s all about…. Isn’t it?