Location, location, location (Why magazine page placement matters)

Recently the editor of a popular magazine accepted one of my stories for publication. She was full of kind words about it and how much she liked it. ‘In fact, we like your story so much,’ she said, ‘that we want to put it in a more prominent position in our magazine.’

After the first flush of euphoria faded away, I got curious about this new aspect of publishing I had found out rather by accident. Was there such a thing as ‘a more prominent position’ in a magazine? Should I feel proud? Should I, perhaps, take this opportunity to ask for more money? Or should I settle for lesser payment in return for the...

Read the full article in the June 2012 issue of Children's Writer

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Request to read the original article via email for just 99p! (T&C apply)

2185 words
Writing
US publication

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Words from the Wise

"I absolutely admit, it is an angle I have never heard nor thought of -- and a great idea."

Susan M. Tierney

Editor in Chief

Writer's Institute Publications (Children's Writer)

"This is indeed a very good article. It's well researched and the quotes really give it depth. It really is beautifully done!"

Moira Allen

Publisher

Writing World

"It sounds really interesting, and it's something all publishers know but, perhaps, not many writers. From my perspective, there are definitely more prominent positions in pretty much any publication -- whether in print or online. For instance, our features get more exposure than our departments. Some advertising spots are better than others, etc. There are actually heat maps of websites that show where the most prominent places are so you can arrange your content and advertising effectively. The same thing with graphic design and layout of any book, magazine, poster, flyer, etc. It's one of the first things they teach you in graphic design. The thing is, unless you're the publisher of the content (or the editorial director) how can you control your article's placement other than writing a darn good article?
All of us really enjoyed reading your article. Personally, I really loved how you included interviews with editors of popular publications. Impressive! It's fun to read the banter and see how they weigh in. I like how you included a little bit about the web as well.
We all adore your article. Keep up the excellent writing!
P.S. I just checked out your website and love your bio. I, too, love comics and dark chocolate!"

Angela Mackintosh

Editor

Women On Writing

How to ask for more money

A bit of skilful negotiation may bring you more money. A few magazines may even expect it and advertise their pay scales accordingly. As long as you are not too pushy and know when to back down, you should try to negotiate rates whenever you can.

1. Assess the market
Try to find out what the magazine’s budgets are and where they get their funding from. Check out how big their subscriber base is. Study their advertising rates. You can ask a higher price for an article for a privately owned corporate publication catering to a niche community, than for a article that will appear in a Literature department...

Read the full article in the June 2012 issue of Freelance Writer's Report

or

Request to read the original article via email for just 99p! (T&C apply)

1145 words
Nonfiction
US publication

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Words from the Wise

"I love it! It's fabulous!"

Moira Allen

Publisher

Writing World