Interested in pursuing a career as a contributor or freelance reporter at your favorite magazine? Basically, every reporter candidate must have writing skills, be willing to do fact-finding related to the topics raised, and be able to produce articles that suit the needs of the media. Even though today many national magazines have been forced to go out of business due to the development of the digital world, the fact is that some “senior” magazines are still standing tall and even offer satisfying rewards for freelance reporters. Want to know powerful tips for writing quality magazine articles? Read on for this article!
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Part 1 of 3: Gathering Ideas
Step 1. Try analyzing the magazines you like
Consider submitting articles to magazines you are already subscribed to or read frequently. You can also submit articles to magazines that you rarely read but that interest you. To analyze the contents of the magazine, read at least three to four issues of the relevant magazine and give extra focus to the following aspects:
- Observe whether the reporter's name listed at the beginning or end of the article matches the name listed on the magazine's first page. If you can't find some of the reporters' names, chances are that the media also employs contributors or freelance reporters.
- Observe the name and contact information of the specific editor. If you want to raise the topic of arts and culture, look for the name and contact information of the editor who houses the arts and culture rubric. If you prefer to write feature stories about current issues, look for the name and contact information of the editor who handles the feature rubric. Do not directly contact the editor-in-chief of the relevant magazine! As a freelance reporter, you will most likely not interact directly with them.
- Pay attention to the current topic or issue being raised by the relevant media; also pay attention to the point of view raised. Does the media often use a controversial or objective approach? Is the media open to experimentation with writing style and content or does it stick to conventional principles?
- Pay attention to the headlines that are often listed at the beginning of the article. Also observe the way the reporter packs the news item: is the news item packaged explicitly or implicitly? Also observe the way reporters start their articles: do articles often begin with quotes, statistics, or anecdotes? Understanding them can help you figure out the style of article writing preferred by a specific medium.
- Pay attention to the types of sources that are often used. Are these resource persons mostly from academic circles or are they lay people? How many sources are usually used in one article? Do these sources generally come from different circles?
- Pay attention to the way the reporter closes the article. Do they often end with a relevant quote, image, or opinion that is bold and bold?
Step 2. Think of a recent trend or topic that you and your friends are talking about
If there's a topic you've been discussing with your friends lately, try to think about how to turn that conversation into quality reportage. Maybe recently your friend is talking about a new trend in the world of social media or the problem of racism that is happening at their child's school; try to focus on conversations that are relevant to current conditions and can have a significant impact on others if brought up in the media.
Don't just focus on global issues; believe me, local issues that are often discussed by your neighbors can also be processed into interesting articles for local media in the area where you live
Step 3. Know the event agenda in your area of residence
If the article is going to be submitted to local media, make sure you stay up-to-date with events happening in your area (such as demonstrations, new restaurant openings, music festivals, etc.). Starting a career in local media can enrich your portfolio as well as your experience, you know! Surely the dream of working in a larger media will be easier to realize!
Make sure you also diligently read local newspapers to find out relevant humanitarian issues in the national sphere. After that, you can try to make a local reportage on events that still invite questions and send them to magazines. Trust me, that kind of reportage is an interesting article idea to be featured in a magazine
Step 4. Look for articles that have been published by other reporters
This step needs to be done so that you don't miss the latest information that is likely to help you offer new perspectives on topics that have been raised in the media.
You can even post notifications when keywords or topics of interest appear on Google. If you have social media like Twitter or Instagram, browse the hashtag options to find out what topics are trending in today's society
Step 5. Think of a new perspective on a common topic
If you are interested in bringing up a topic that has been discussed frequently, try to find a new perspective that is relevant to current conditions. By doing so, your article will undoubtedly attract the attention of the editor and successfully target the desired target audience.
For example, instead of bringing up the topic of the psychological impact of social media on teenagers (which has been covered by dozens of magazines), try focusing on demographics that are rarely targeted, namely adults and the elderly. This approach is unique and new to social media topics and will make your articles stand out more in the eyes of readers
Part 2 of 3: Processing Articles
Step 1. Browse books or scholarly articles that cover the topic of your article
The most important thing you need to do to create quality magazine articles is to take the time to do comprehensive research. Spend as much time as possible looking for trusted sources and reading documents that are relevant to the topic of your article. Browse scientific articles, books, videos, and posts on social media that relate to the topic of your article. Remember, citations from trusted sources will not only improve the quality of your articles, but will also increase your credibility as a reporter.
- Look for content written by experts relevant to the topic of your article. If you're writing a magazine article about a declining bee population in California, make sure you read articles or scientific reports written by at least two beekeeping and/or beekeeping experts who study bee populations in California.
- Make sure all the information contained in your article is accurate and can be accounted for. Often, the information contained in unofficial sites or sites that contain a lot of advertisements cannot be accounted for for accuracy. Make sure you also find out if any of the author's statements on the source article are disputed or doubted by other experts. Basically, make sure you do the fact-finding process as thoroughly as possible so that your point of view doesn't end up being biased and inaccurate.
Step 2. Find sources relevant to your topic
Try to find sources who are able to offer interesting perspectives as well as professional and objective opinions regarding your topic. You can also ask buyers or clients for information if they are raising the topic of selling certain products. Don't be afraid to contact potential resource persons! Most people like to talk about themselves or topics they love and are good at. You can also "steal" sources from other articles, you know! After all, there is no rule that prohibits you from doing this, as long as the identity of the source is clearly stated.
You can also do an online search to find relevant sources in your area. If you need information from the police or the government, try asking the relevant parties to contact the police or government office; often, you can even get the information from fellow reporters, you know
Step 3. Interview your sources
After the interviewee agrees to be interviewed, carry out the interview process with the aim of obtaining information, building trust, and gathering interesting quotes that you can use in the article. Although this can be done via telephone or video chat, in-person interviews generally have a much higher success rate. Record the interview process with a tape recorder and also record the respondent's answers on a piece of paper (considering that the recording may be deleted or have problems).
- Prepare a list of questions before starting the interview process. Research the background of the informants along with their track record of expertise. Make sure you ask specific questions because interviewees generally prefer if you already understand general information regarding their data, expertise, and relevance to the topic at hand.
- Avoid closed questions that can only be answered with “Yes” or “No”. For example, instead of asking, "Have you watched the trial process for this drug?", try asking open-ended questions such as, "What do you think about the trial process for this drug?". During the interview process, be an active listener and don't dominate the conversation. Remember, this interview is not about you, it's about the subject that will be raised in your article.
- Make sure you end the interview with the question, "Is there anything I need to know about that I haven't asked about on this topic?". You can also ask for recommendations from other trusted sources by asking, “Who do you think disagrees with your understanding of this issue?” and “Who else should I contact to discuss this issue?”.
- Don't be afraid to contact your source again to ask follow-up questions during the article writing process. Save controversial or offensive questions at the end of the interview!
Step 4. Write a transcript of the interview
Most editors require authors to transcribe interviews so they can double-check if necessary. Remember, your article will go through a revision and fact-checking stage before being published; At this point, a transcript of your interview is required so the editor can confirm the citations and sources used in the article.
The best way to transcribe an interview is to play back the recording of your interview in a quiet and distraction-free place (make sure you listen with the help of a headset), and then type all the sentences you hear on your laptop. There is no short way to make a transcription, unless you decide to use a paid transcription service
Step 5. Outline the article
Step 6. Open the article with a sentence that can capture the reader's interest
A quality article should be able to attract readers from the first sentence. In fact, the opening paragraph of an article is actually the most important part of the whole article. Want to know how to make an interesting opening sentence that can inspire readers? Read the tips below:
- Use interesting and surprising examples. For example, share your personal experience related to the topic of the article or an important moment that you experienced with the interviewee during the interview process. For example, you could start an article about beekeeping in California by sharing the results of your discussion with a resource person: “Darryl Bernhardt never even thought that he would become the foremost beekeeping expert in California”.
- Include a provocative quote: Choose a statement or quote from the source that can raise interesting questions or be relevant to your topic's point of view. For example, you might write, "'This is the time when the bee population is the most confusing,' says Darryl Bernardt, a beekeeping expert in California."
- Use anecdotes. Basically, an anecdote is a short story that contains a moral message. Try to think of a poetic or powerful anecdote to open your article. For example, you could link one of your sources, a bee population expert in California, with a short story about your experience with finding many neglected beehives in California.
- Start your article with a provocative question. Think of a question that will make the reader think, be surprised, and willing to dive deeper into your topic. For example, for an apiary article, you might start with the question, "What if one day, there are no more bees left in California?"
Step 7. Include citations from experts or trusted sources
Make sure the style of language in your article matches the target audience of the magazine concerned; as a guide, make sure you also understand the writing style of previously published articles. To increase the credibility of your article, don't forget to include relevant quotes from trusted sources.
However, don't fill your article with quotes. Use citations only if you feel they will have a significant impact on the reader; ideally, the quote should be able to support the main point of view in your article, as well as serve as a supporting argument for any premise you convey in the article
Step 8. End your article with a strong and relevant cover to the topic
When finished reading your article, make sure the reader is satisfied but also curious about the development of the topic you are writing about. Choose a closing sentence that prompts the reader to ask, “So what next?” and don't try to answer all the questions that appear in your article. Instead, find a way to end the article in an interesting way and leave space for the reader to discuss.
You can also end the article by quoting a sentence that seems to lead to the development of the topic in the future. Ending the article with a citation will also increase the credibility of your article, especially since you allow the source to offer relevant context to the reader
Part 3 of 3: Revising Articles
Step 1. Discuss with your editor
Once you've finished drafting your first draft, immediately send it to the editor of the publisher that accepted your offer. Ask him to give specific and detailed critiques and suggestions regarding your point of view and writing style.
Discussing with a professional editor helps you view your articles from a more objective perspective. In addition, their professional judgment also helps you create the work that best suits the publisher's wishes. For that, make sure you are always open to constructive criticism and suggestions in order to achieve better results
Step 2. Ask experienced people for criticism and suggestions
In addition to the editor, you can also ask for criticism and suggestions from fellow reporters, especially if you experience technical difficulties while writing articles. Asking for criticism and suggestions from people who are experienced in their fields can strengthen the content, flow, structure, and character of your articles!
Ask for writing guidelines that are generally provided by all media and make sure you write according to them; simply put, make sure your article is ready to be published by the requested deadline
Step 3. Edit the writing flow and article structure
Remember, a quality article must have a good flow, proper sentence structure and easy to read, and proper movement between paragraphs. Try reading your articles for yourself or in front of those closest to you. Mark any sentences that sound strange or inappropriate, and be willing to edit (or even remove) the parts that you find distracting and/or less important.
Step 4. Submit the revised article by the deadline
Make sure you complete the article by the deadline and submit it on time, especially if this is your first article to be published. If possible, submit articles before the deadline to demonstrate that you are a responsible reporter.
