Why Write for Periodicals?

Last week I posted the submission guidelines to 6 magazines. I do this on a regular basis. Why? Because writing for periodicals is one of the best ways to hone your writing skills.

Today’s guest, multi-published author Ava Pennington, has a great deal of expertise in this area and is here today to discuss 6 reasons why you should write for periodicals.

Why Write for Periodicals?

By Ava Pennington

My first writer’s conference was shaping up to be a disaster. I had arrived with multiple copies of three different book proposals, convinced my books would be at the center of a bidding war. By day two I was ready to go home, equally convinced I would never become a published author because no one wanted my books. Talk about an emotional roller coaster!

Thankfully, the conference director spoke some wise words, and just as thankfully, I listened. She said the average book now sells several hundred copies, and if you’re fortunate, your book might sell several thousand copies. But many periodicals boast circulations in the tens of thousands. So if you’re writing to further the Kingdom of God, which has the greater influence?

Hmmm. I hadn’t thought about writing for periodicals. The next day, I met with a monthly magazine editor who reviewed my writing, assigned me an article on spec (which meant he wasn’t obligated to purchase it), and gave me renewed hope. Five months later, that article was in print, and my publishing career had begun.

More Than a Book

Do you dream of writing a bestselling book or do you dream of pointing people to the Lord and blessing His children? Is your dream to make a name for yourself or is it to glorify God as you use the gifts He has given you?

You may have already achieved the elusive goal of a book contract. Good. Writing for periodicals will help you market your book. Write articles on topics related to your book content. These articles will create interest in you as a writer and pique a desire for more information on your subject.

You may be unpublished, still reaching for the brass ring and feeling as though you’re always falling short. Writing for periodicals will benefit you, too. It will:

Broaden your platform. Publishers want to know you have built an audience interested in your writing. Platform is more than just amassing followers on social media. As readers see your name in print in various publications, they will begin to seek out your writing.

Hone your writing skills. The more you write, the more you’ll develop your writing and self-editing skills. You’ll learn how to follow writer’s guidelines, including formats and word counts. You’ll also gain experience in working with editors. Of course, getting paid for your writing doesn’t hurt, either!

Build a portfolio of published work. As the adage says, nothing succeeds like success. The larger your portfolio of publishing credits, the more convinced a book publisher will be of the commercial viability of your writing.

Provide faster gratification. Typical lead time for a published book averages 18 months from contract. Lead time for an article or other content for a periodical can be as quick as 3 – 6 months. You’’ll see your name in print faster!

Provide opportunities without the need for representation. Periodicals generally do not require agented submissions. You are able to submit directly to the publication.

Establish your credibility as a professional writer. Book publishers need to know writing is more than a hobby or a diversion for you if they decide to invest in your work. With the advent of word processing software, just about everyone has the technology to write a book. Publishers’ email accounts are inundated with unsolicited submissions.

I have lost count of the number of people who, upon learning that I’m a published author, tell me that they:
a. are thinking about writing a book
b. are writing a book
c. wrote a book

How will you stand out from the crowd? By establishing your credibility as someone who is serious about writing and publishing.

More Than an Article

Periodicals encompass a broad category of publications. Of course, when we hear the word periodical, we usually think of magazines (weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc.). But print periodicals also include weekly or monthly church take-home papers and devotional booklets. Many periodicals are also available in the form of e-zines.

These publications have a voracious appetite for content. They need more than articles. They’re looking for word puzzles, humor, fiction, non-fiction, games, book reviews, poetry, prayers, seasonal material, devotions, and mini Bible studies.

Where do you begin to find these markets and identify what they need? The Christian Writer’s Market Guide not only lists periodicals grouped by target audience, but also includes a brief description of the needs of each publication. Always use the Market Guide as a starting point for your research. Review the website of each publication for the most current information.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be a bestselling author. But I’m reminded of the parable Jesus told about not burying your talent (Matthew 25:14-30). You can bury your talent waiting for a book contract. However in the process, you might dismiss opportunities the Lord wants you to pursue, whether paid assignments or writing for your church Sunday school program. You may also be depriving those whom the Lord had intended to bless through your writing.

Think beyond a book. Broaden your perspective to use your gifts in whatever way the Lord is calling you to use them. Then rejoice that someday you will hear Him say, “Well done.”

ABOUT AVA PENNINGTON:

Ava Pennington is an author and speaker. She also teaches a weekly Bible study fellowship class. Her last book, Daily Reflections on the Names of God: A Devotional, was endorsed by Kay Arthur, founder of Precepts Ministries.

A passionate speaker, Ava delights in engaging audiences with relevant, enjoyable presentations.

For more information, visit Ava at:
Website: http://avawrites.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AvaPennington.AuthorPage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AvaPennington
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/avapennington