writing for magazines?

Question

i have a few questions and i'd be very happy if someone could answer. thanx

- what are the ways to break the ice if you have no prior experience, where and how to start
- can you make a living out of it, suppose you write for several magazines, can this be your full time job
- if you're an english major, what are the topics you can write on - just fiction/philosophy/world affairs? is this in high demand so you can earn enough money to support yourself. thanx a lot

Answer 1

1) that's the hardest part of getting into the business. Some good networking helps here but it's mostly a matter of being in the right place with the "write stuff". Contacts you make in college really do help here - provided you have the talent.

2) some people make a living at it but most freelancers don't. Being on staff as a writer is the way to make a living at the start. There are plenty of people whose full time job is writer on the staff of a magazine. There are a lot of other places that need good writers. The ability to communicate well in writing is in high demand in business.

3) the typical English major in college isn't about writing - it's about Literature (reading). Reading a lot of literature might help your writing skills some but classes in writing help your writing the most. The very best way to improve your writing is to write.

The majors that learn to write well are Journalism and Communication (especially technical writing). Many writers come from other majors - they are specialists/experts in a subject who happen to also write well. A good journalist can write on any subject - he/she just might have to learn more about it first.

Good writers are in very high demand and are paid very well. Mediocre writers are not in much demand and generally can't make a living writing. Reality is, it's all about talent. The best earn the most - just like in most professions and all of the arts. It's an art and you'll have to continuously refine your art to make it.

If you want to be a professional writer then the most important thing you need educationally is a very broad education. You'll need to understand more than the basics of just about every field and be a near expert in some field. This, on top of the education in writing (English, journalism, and communication).

The most important thing you need altogether is experience (paid or not, published or not); go forth and write.

Answer 2

Journalism! Hi. Get worried for your university's newspaper institution and if it does not have one--start your possess!! How interesting that might be to place that in your school packages. As some distance as universities-it relies on in which you are living. There are many. Do a fast seek for "pleasant journalism faculties" on yahoo. The primary factor is that you just train writing. Publications like "Writer's Market" can support you gain knowledge of in which to post your articles. Request to make use of it at your library or you'll purchase it at a booklet retailer. (It is costly however might be an funding for you.) Good good fortune and joyful writing!

Answer 3

I know many writers, but I don't know anyone who makes his/her living exclusively from writing. My annual royalty check is a nice addition to my other incomes and, happily, comes just before my birthday. I take a trip with it, or buy something nice for my home. (My Bose CD player/radio, for example!) Often writing for magazines pays only in copies. Check out the writers' section at your local Barnes&Noble or other bookstore. Find a "Writers' Market for 2007" and check out the magazines that pay in money. Also: There are several magazines and on-line "zines" that guide new writers through the publication maze. Good luck!