2. Thinking Too Big
Editors want expert contributors who think outside the box and offer creative, original information. But space is tight in magazines, and very few stories become big features. Don’t insist on exploring every aspect of the topic you’re pitching. If the editor needs it to be distilled into three specific tips and 300 total words, be happy with that. Also, don’t suggest serials (a story that extends to multiple subsequent issues) or columns—these are rarely done and certainly don’t go to newbie writers. Furthermore, when they’re assigned to you, be happy to work on short articles that are based around one to three quick tips. They’re not as fancy and memorable as five-page feature stories, but they get read just as often. And getting read is the ultimate reward for a writer!