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Topic: 2008 Trends in Magazine Writing
| Author | Message |
| D_S | Posted – 12/9/2007 4:08:55 AM | show profile | email poster 2007 is drawing to a close, and we are all thinking about 2008 goals. Would you have any advice on what trends with dominate the magazine publishing industry or content of magazines? And how we freelancers can use that knowledge whilst pitching? Since most of us write for and target women's and lifestyle pubs, it would be great if you'd have any specific insights into writing for them. Thanks |
| reporterwriter | Posted – 12/9/2007 1:16:34 PM | show profile You appear to be asking two questions, one about magazine publishing and content, and one about women's/lifestyle pubs. I don't believe "most of us" target women's/lifestyle. I certainly don't, and considering the horror stories about working for them, they're not on my radar. (Ha! More for you!) In fact, I encourage writers to aim in other directions, because the hourly rate of return will improve so much without an expected four rewrites and editing by committee. Now, in terms of magazine publishing overall, I think we'll probably continue seeing shorter stories, which allows a magazine to keep the same number of stories per issue when space shrinks (perceived value to the reader); an increase in themed content, which helps to sell advertising; and the continued trend toward assigning to regular contributors instead of filling in gaps with random pitches. How to position ourselves: adjust our business plans to account for slightly less pay per story, perhaps by lining up a new client or two; keeping on top of editorial calendars and pitching in plenty of time; and becoming the go-to writer for assigned stories, either through reliability or specialization. Easy! |
| D_S | Posted – 12/10/2007 8:57:42 AM | show profile Thanks, Belinda. That's good advice. |
| fake.it.til.you.make.it | Posted – 12/10/2007 4:20:32 PM | show profile That's an interesting question. I'm not working in magazines right now, but I have. One thing that I could think of -- and this is just an assumption -- is that the slowing economy is going to probably mean magazines may be trying to gear towards budget/saving money kind of topics. I know reality TV has gone crazy with this whole vicariously living through ridiculously wealthy people that throw money around like nothing (My Sweet Sixteen for example), but perhaps things will change. That, or that vicariousness will get worse because people will want to escape... |
| D_S | Posted – 12/11/2007 6:19:37 AM | show profile Thanks fake. Another thing to think about! |
