Freelancing for Magazines in India: Identifying the Route

Working for a fashion/features women’s magazine for almost four years taught me a few things. Never to take anything for granted and always back your work and the magazine with articles from freelancers. Freelancing is a viable career nowadays as most magazines give out editorial work. The reason why we give out freelance work is because, we need a new voice or variety in our writing and help on certain articles we may never have time for, considering that we are busy with the features that are already sitting prettily on our plates. Sometimes it’s also about getting someone to do a full story of the topic that they most invariably specialize in, rather than get a regular features writer to write out a mediocre copy. More or less like expert opinion. Whatever it is, at times like these, a freelancer is a like a shining beacon of hope to a magazine, someone who will be regularly on the magazines radar if he/she delivers exceptionally. I get a sizeable amount of mails, queries and doubts from friends and strangers on writing for a fashion/features magazine and I've decided to post my views and thoughts here. Unadulterated,simple, easy and 'something from inside the industry'.

But first things first. The pressing questions about freelancing always linger in the background. Do magazines really need freelance? And I have to say, yes we do. At least a good 30% of the magazine can be given out for freelance. Let no one ever tell you that they don’t take any. But on the other hand, if the magazine editors don’t get back to you, it would mean that you need to work on your appeal, both work-wise and otherwise. I have worked with a few freelancers and I realize that there are many myths that comprise a worried freelancer. While their services are freelancers range from exceptional to mediocre, it’s important to know what makes a good bet for a national magazine that’s looking for quality work. And here are my rules for an ideal freelance writer. The things you should do, and the things you ought to do. And the myths that explode.

How do you choose the magazine you want to write for?

Slogging away on the workings of human rights in India if you’re a firmer believer/lover of those classic vintage necklaces found on Hill Road is futile. Stick to your strengths. Make a list of the ten things that you’re interested in writing about. Look into averages. For example, if there are more than two points on fashion and beauty, then you’re a fashion magazine material. If you’re always working on a good dose of socially relevant stuff, then you’re into the features and social magazines and if you’re heavily fuelled by Kitsch art then, Décor magazines it is. Identify your niche and you’re good to go. Once you identify your inner calling, go to the local newsstand and check out all the magazines that suit your taste and requirements. Never ever say, “I want to freelance” without doing the above. Being planned can get you more work than anything else. And ‘wanting to do ANYTHING’ isn’t a valid freelance request.


Who the Magazine is targeted at?

After you zero in on the magazines you want to write for, take a reality check. What is the magazine all about and who are its readers? I have spoken and written to many who walk in and demand freelance without knowing what the magazine stands for. And who is it for, is another important question. If it’s for college students, what kind of topics will work? Maybe, “What makes sex safe?” Things like that. Marie Claire, for example is a strong feminist magazine with a penchant for light yet relationship-type stories. Hence the story, "Why do single women fall for married men?” Do your homework. Keep a journal in place and just write down ideas and thoughts.


What is the content's value? What is the style?

Is it strong, academic or light and breezy? The style of a magazine is very important before you even look at story ideas. It’s important to be able to write in the way the magazine functions and works.

What can I offer that a regular writer/employee of the magazine cannot provide?

First Person Stories like "My husband slept with his Best Friend" will work. You can even look around and interview a friend and write it in first person. Just make sure it's contemporary and sensational. The unique-ness of this premise is that you, only you can tell the story, only you know the contact and any regular employee cannot. Sometimes, we can take a piece just because it’s written cleverly. A simple topic like “Why do women life about their age?” is unique, funny and isn’t done to death.
Other ideas that should be avoided, but can be written cleverly are in the departments of Fitness, Health and Relationships. Unless you can offer to write things like "My one week of endurance with Muay Thai", no one will give it out because going and checking out a good fitness fad is something the employee can do.

Who should I write to and how should I go about it?

Ask around. Cold call the magazine and try to get the features editors e-mail id. Unless you press for attention people will just keep you on the phone with an outdated Christmas song that goes on and on in between extensions. Another way of looking at it is through the mast head of the magazine and simply put in the first name or the name of the person with the company’s name. For example: vinay@newstoday.com, vinayshukla@newstoday.com. Call and let us know what you have sent us. Call, don’t pester.

In your covering letter to magazines, do write down ideas specific to the magazine and trust me, it will work. For example: "Can I write the ill-effects of Yoga for your Life & Style section?" People will give you work at once.

Narrow it down this way and you can practically write on most things under the sun. Also try to expand to writing on human interest stories, more or less first person stuff like I said. That's something every magazine is looking for and every employee can't provide.

Write an eye-catching subject line. “The workings of a happy marriage in India as seen through a stray man’s eyes” or “The Making of an item number in Bollywood” etc. This will make us open the document and read. And never, ever attach your work,just copy-paste it in the mail. Well, it’s true, am lazy to download. And so are many others in this industry. Write an excellent, funny, witty covering letter. Write your ideas, strengths and your best stories. Keep it super short. No long stories.


Additional Homework:

Check the last ten issues of the magazine before you write them a mail. If you can’t get the back issues, just google and find the website. Read and re-read

Its’ a myth that all mails sent by freelancers are sent straight to the trash bin. Infact, I’ve been looking for freelancers for a premium fashion magazine for years and am still yet to find someone who can write a decent copy.

It’s ok if you’re good at beauty, fashion or even silly relationship stories. Deep doesn’t only mean writing on socially relevant issues.

It’s a myth that big high-end magazines don’t take freelancers. All of us do. We just want better stuff in our inboxes.

Don’t recycle ideas and do a blanket call with every magazine. Just work on ideas that work for each magazine. For example: Cosmopolitan likes pieces like “ How to spot jealousy in a relationship?” and you can tweak it to, “ How jealousy ruined my relationship” and that will work with Femina. And, the “How jealousy can ruin relationships, a report” in Open magazine.

Never mail your exclusive contacts to a magazine. Name the names, but store the numbers and e-mails.