Do you want to make money writing articles for magazines? This is a great way to get started as a writer. Let's look at an easy process you can follow to get published as soon as possible.

1. Choose Small Publications to Get "Clips"

When you're starting out, realize that you need writing credits. These are often called "clips" (because you've clipped an article you've written out of the newspaper or magazine which published it.) When magazines offer their guidelines for publication, they will tell you what clips they want to see.

This seems like a vicious circle: you can't get published, until you've been published. However, look at it from the point of busy editors: they just want to know what you can do, so they ask for clips.

When you're starting out, the best way to get clips is to write for small publications, like Sunday newspaper supplements, trade magazines, and even free publications.

Once you've got clips in small publications, you can work your way up until finally you have the credits to be published in major magazines.

2. Be Patient, Success Comes when Editors Know Your Name

You get magazine writing jobs by writing queries -- that is by sending editors your ideas. When you're a new writer, most of your ideas will be ignored. Don't take this personally, editors are very hard-working, and don't have the time to respond to people they don't know.

As you keep sending queries, editors get to know you. they'll assess your writing style, see that you're serious, and will start to pay attention to you. Finally, they'll approach you to write for them. Therefore when you first start out, be patient.

3. Magazine Writing Is About Targeted Ideas

Never write for magazines you don't read. Unless you're being approached by a publication, it's impossible for you to get writing jobs for magazines you haven't read cover to cover, and preferably read cover to cover for some time.

Each magazine is different, even though magazines for certain groups may seem the same. You need to read a magazine to get onto its editors' wavelength. You also need to know what they've published in the past -- referring to previously published articles can be a way to get your own article accepted.

For example, let's say you want to write for a particular cooking magazine. The magazine has previously published an article about sausage-making at home. You propose an article on making genuine farm-style sausages, with recipes you've tested.