How to get published in a magazine?

fastw · Dec 19, 2013

Just about to finish editing my images from last two trips to India. It's a portrait project and I think I may have some OK stuff here. Have any of you guys had your photos published in a good photo magazine like The British Journal of Photography? How do I go about getting something published, and not just one image but a whole series?

Cheers, Wojtek.

BMbikerider · Dec 19, 2013

I have had an article published (with Pictures) in the Amateur Photographer in UK. It was some time ago and was dealing with film development so that will give you an idea. I did it on spec and it was accepted and I was subsequently paid.

Apart from being turned down, you have nothing to loose by sending images off together with a well written article to accompany them. Magazines have their own scale of charges so what you may get may differ. It may help if the images have never been published before and it goes without saying your script and images must be your copyright. It is easier now by E mail that it was when everything had to go by letter post.

Wayne · Dec 19, 2013

The way most people get published in good magazines is to publish first in crappy magazines, or at least publish somewhere. That way you have a publishing history which will help get them to pay attention to your submissions. Whether you publish elsewhere or not you need to learn about query letters/cover letters, find out the submission guidelines of the magazine and adhere to them strictly, and generally learn how to present yourself and your images in a professional manner. Photographer's Market is a good place to start, but I would read everything you can find on the subject before submitting because first impressions are everything.

Truzi · Dec 19, 2013

I've not really submitted photos for publication, but have worked as a journalist. What Wayne said is important... get published somewhere, anywhere. It might even be a good idea to volunteer your services for small publications or even charities' newsletters; build a portfolio.

Pay attention to BMbikerider's comment about being turned down - expect it and don't be dismayed. Rejection is part of the deal - expect a lot of it. Rejection can be for many reasons, and not always the quality of your work. Perhaps it doesn't fit what they are looking for, or it may be very good but they have better. It could even be nothing more than lack of space.

Back to Wayne's comments, you want to educate yourself on the process - that includes publishing rights. Are you willing to sell the copyright to the magazine? Are you comfortable with licensing to the periodical exclusive rights to your images for a predefined period of time? No matter what, insist on a photo-credit.

Another thing you may consider is starting very small. See if you can find any syndicates that may be interested in your work. If published this way, you may not be paid well and may not even be published in a manner you would like - but regardless, if you are published, then you are building portfolio material.

gone · Dec 19, 2013

I would highly recommend that if anyone here is interested in something like this, they might wish to pick up a copy of The Sun magazine. All the photos are B&W, most of it is very good, and the magazine has no advertising. Also, they're not looking for digital file submissions, they prefer that you submit traditional B&W photographs :} Worth buying just for the photography (you seldom see "that sort" of photography anymore). They're online, but it's not the same. One of these days I'll send them something. Absolutely expect to get rejected in things like this. After a while, you're more comfortable w/ that than when it's accepted! This is what they want:

https://thesunmagazine.org/about/submission_guidelines/photography

Wayne · Dec 19, 2013

The Sun is great, but its a pretty high end market. Probably not the best place for a beginner to start, but there are no absolutes. They are also very slow in turnaround, so if you can't wait 6 months or more for a decision, look elsewhere. I've submitted writing there...and been rejected. But I expected the rejection because they are not an easy market to crack.

Christopher Walrath · Dec 19, 2013

Take a look at Fraction Magazine. Might be a good place to start. David is a member here on APUG.

adelorenzo · Dec 19, 2013

Check the website (or inside an issue) for any magazines you are interested in for submission guidelines. If they aren't posted, e-mail the photo editor and ask for them.

Prof_Pixel · Dec 19, 2013

Over the years I've written quite a few articles for ASIAN PHOTOGRAPHY published by SAP Media Worldwide. http://www.asianphotographyasean.com/home/home.asp

I doubt they will pay you very much, but if you want to get published you might want to give them a try.

fastw · Dec 19, 2013

Thanks guys. I have been published before, but nothing really serious, some animal portraits and some action shots in an extreme sports mag. I don't care about getting paid, does it make any difference? I think I'll just start sending out some images to different magazines and see what happens.

Cheers, Wojtek.

fastw · Dec 19, 2013

BTW, do I need to send an write up as well?

Christopher Walrath · Dec 19, 2013

It would not hurt to do so in the least. Leaves editors with less work. And that is generally a good thing.

Prof_Pixel · Dec 19, 2013

fastw said:
BTW, do I need to send an write up as well?

That would be my recommendation.

Wayne · Dec 20, 2013

fastw said:
BTW, do I need to send an write up as well?

I'm not sure what you mean by write up. Do you mean an article to accompany the images, or a cover/query letter? You need to do exactly what the submission guidelines suggest, or risk having it all thrown in the trash without a look. If they say query with samples, that's what you do. If they say no unsolicited submissions, you don't submit unsolicited. Its 99.99% how you present yourself (not the pictures) because if you don't pass the eye test they won't even pay attention what you sent. So whatever you are asking here, the answer is going to be specific to the magazine you want to submit to. There is no generic, one size fits all answer.

Maybe its different outside the US, but that's how it is here.

fastw · Dec 20, 2013

Wayne said:
I'm not sure what you mean by write up. Do you mean an article to accompany the images, or a cover/query letter? You need to do exactly what the submission guidelines suggest, or risk having it all thrown in the trash without a look. If they say query with samples, that's what you do. If they say no unsolicited submissions, you don't submit unsolicited. Its 99.99% how you present yourself (not the pictures) because if you don't pass the eye test they won't even pay attention what you sent. So whatever you are asking here, the answer is going to be specific to the magazine you want to submit to. There is no generic, one size fits all answer.

Maybe its different outside the US, but that's how it is here.

Sent out few emails to the best known magazines. The problem is that most of them don't even have submission procedures to follow so it's a bit of a guesswork whom to send it to.
Well, we'll see.

How to get published in a magazine?

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