Where to start as a writer for professional publications

Twice in the past week or so, I've been asked how one can become a Professional Published Author and make millions of dollars in royalties and article sales.

I am afraid writing for professional publication is not the most lucrative endeavor. On an hourly basis, being a Wal-Mart greeter probably pays better (and is more respectable).

But if you as a librarian or technology integration specialist are determined to get something into print, if for no other reasons than to please your mother or to shock your former English teachers, here are some places to try...

1. Library Media Connection Magazine is a good place for articles of a more pragmatic nature (how I done it good). They pay a small stipend.
2. School Library Journal publishes a wide variety of articles related to school libraries and library service to children and young adults. They tend to hire heavy-handed editors, but they pay a small stipend.
3. Teacher-Librarian is more international in scope and likes more theoretical and research based articles. They pay a (very) small stipend..
4. Multimedia & Internet @ Schools (the old Multi-Media Schools) publishes an eclectic range of articles. They pay a small stipend.
5. Writing for AASL's Knowledge Quest or ISTE's Learning & Leading with Technology is gratis except for the jewels in your crown and name recognition.
6. Personally, I think Kappan is the Mt. Everest of professional publications - a good one to shoot for.
7. More general education magazines like Teacher are tough to break into but, as I remember, pay the best.  For the good of the profession, write for any education-related but non library/tech publication and get the good word out!
8. You can scan through a bibliography of my publications at <http://www.doug-johnson.com/articles/>. If you have questions (and I can remember), happy to answer questions about any particular publisher.
9. Pick up a copy of The Writer's Market and scan that to see other education related publications.

Oh, I always write the article first and then send it to publishers rather than contact publishers to see what they want.  Aim for about 1500-2500 words. Most magazines have some sort of editorial guidelines if you look for them

We need fresh voices in the field and print is a good way to reach many who don't read much online. And I still think there is some degree of gravitas that accompanies publication in an edited, print publication.

I know. I'm senile.

Comments

[Midge Frazel]

U R far from senile. Writing is not a job for the weak of constitution. It can be great and it can be awful. But one thing is is not is a money maker.

[Doug Johnson]

Hi Midge,

Thanks for the second!

Doug