Magazine editorial calendars are a valuable resource for authors as they tell you exactly what topics they will be covering. This enables you to research future feature stories that may tie in to your book and/or expertise you can share.
Plan ahead. Magazine editors typically work on their articles four to six months ahead of the publication date, and therefore are selecting their experts, quotes, story ideas, etc. months in advance with firm deadlines.
Check out links to editorial calendars. Below are a few examples of well-known magazine editorial calendars and/or media kits. Click on the magazine title for more information. Please note some of the calendars have not yet been updated for all of 2014.
Pitching the editor. Once you’ve found topic of interest, contact the appropriate editor at the magazine. There are two ways to do this:
- make a direct pitch to the editor (almost always through e-mail) with a press release and/or bullet points about your expertise and book, and offer a review copy of your book, or
- proactively send a copy of your book with a pitch and press release, and then follow up by e-mail.
Make your pitch short and snappy–less is typically more and for e-mails, compelling, concise subject lines are crucial! When pitching via e-mail, include your press release below your signature line. If you proactively send your book, use the same pitch in a letter and attach your press release. Staple a business card in your book or contact information in case your book is separated from your press material.
Sample pitch
Dear Mr. Jones,
Jason Smith had what he calls a “series of successful business failures.” He learned from every one (all five of them), and eventually turned a simple idea for a one dollar consumer product into a $5 million a year business.
Jason’s story would be a great fit for the “How I Did It” feature you’ll be covering in the June edition of Inc.
I’d be happy to send you a copy of Jason’s new book, Failure for Fortune, and/or to set up a time for you to speak with him.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
—————–
Press release
Links to Examples of Magazine Editorial Calendars
General/Book Interest:
Business and finance:
Family Lifestyle:
Popular Culture:
Women’s Interest:
Men’s Interest:
Self-help/ healthy lifestyle:
Science and technology:
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