Resources for tailoring your article pitches

Source: SpeakerNet News
-- Steve Kraus
(mailto:Steve@RealScienceOfSuccess.com)

We all know that we should read a publication before pitching an article to it. A great resource for getting sample issues is http://www.magsampler.com/, which offers single copies of magazines for only $2.59, postage included (but you have to buy at least three). It's also a good place for finding new, often highly niched, publications that might be interested in your work.

Take your research a step further by calling someone in advertising sales (they'll be listed on the masthead or intro pages) and request a media kit. They'll send a wealth of demographic/attitudinal information about who reads their magazine, results of reader surveys, etc. It will help you tailor your pitch, and arm you with specific details that will really convince the editor that you are serious about writing specifically for their readers. (The only negative to this approach is that you'll probably get several follow-up calls asking if you'd like to advertise!)