Freelance Writers: How to Evaluate a Magazine Market

When deciding whether or not to query a magazine for an article you've written, it's important to evaluate several aspects of the magazine to ensure that it is right for you. Just because a magazine is about "business" doesn't mean your article will fit, just like you wouldn't be able to sell just any old "pet" article to Dog Fancy. In order to be a successful freelance writer in the magazine market, you must learn how to evaluate magazine markets to determine their suitability.

Evaluate a Magazine Market: Look at Advertising

One of the most telling aspects of a magazine is their advertising, which can lend serious insight into the target audience. Advertisers only pay for space in publications where they feel they can reach a target market, which means that their placement is more informative than the actual content of a magazine. For example, if you see ads for beauty products with teenager girls as models, then you're probably looking at a magazine that targets women between the ages of 13 and 17.

Evaluate a Magazine Market: Read the Regular Columns

Some magazines will branch out from their normal content to include spectacular short stories and features, but their columns are always directed at their target market. Look through some of the monthly columns and pay special attention to voice and tone. How do the columnists relate to their readers? What kind of language is used to communicate? This is the voice and tone you should try to emulate when pitching the magazine itself with your article or story.

Evaluate a Magazine Market: Check Several Back Issues

One issue of a magazine is not considered a representative sample. The experts recommend reading at least six back issues before attempting to query a magazine. This gives you an idea of what changes from issue to issue and what is more likely to stay the same. Furthermore, you can get an idea for what they expect regarding seasonal content, such as summer weight loss tips or holiday decorating ideas. You might also look for trends in product reviews, advice columns, fiction and poetry.

Evaluate a Magazine Market: Look at the Cover