Now, I’m not saying you can’t make a good living as a freelance writer. What I am saying that spending some time to become clear what your purpose is for writing and how it ties in with your greater life purpose will make all the difference in your writing, and in your life. In fact, a clear sense of purpose will act like a magnet that will attract

MAGAZINE OUTLINE Magazine ____________________ Editor ________________ Date__________ READER: M__ F__ B__, age range , Prof Bus ____ Fam ____ Special interests of readers _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

I’ve found that most freelance writers who specialize in writing for magazines spend in the neighborhood of forty to sixty percent of their time in some form of marketing, whether it’s studying magazines, writing new idea proposals, or networking.

Some of the magazines will move from your Heart List to your Magazine Corral. These are the magazines with editors who have recognized your talent and who publish your articles on a regular basis. As your Magazine Corral grows, so will your career and your income. But your Heart List should never dwindle. As soon as you start writing for one

The following exercise will help you get in touch with your passion and help determine what’s really important to you. I recommend that you take out your notebook and find a nice quiet place to go through this exercise. Find a place where you can be sure you won’t be disturbed during the short time the exercise will take. Here’s the set up: The

In this case, jot down the magazine’s name, address, phone number, the name of the editor, and the Web site or email address. Later you can send a letter or email to the magazine requesting a copy of their writers’ guidelines. Additionally, many magazines now carry their guidelines online at their Web sites, so you can find them there. While not

Combine the types of articles written with the predominant subjects they like to run and you’ll be well on your way to hitting a home run with your queries.

First, read some of the letters to the editors.

I recommend using a corkboard that’s at least 24 by 36 inches, displayed on a wall in the area you’ve designated for your writing. Use either the blank backs of old business cards, or cut 3 by 5 inch note cards in half or thirds. Use a new card for each new idea you find.