As promised yesterday, I'm answering one question per day during Writer's Worth Week. My theory is that, if you have the knowledge about this career that you need, if you have the access to a professional that's "been there, done that," if you have a resource to go to when you have those pesky questions or are standing at a crossroads, you'll be more likely to understand and build your worth as a writer.

So let's get to it.

A couple days ago, reader Christine asked why I thought over 14 magazine weren't interested in her pitch for a really unique article.

There are a couple of reasons that this pitch may not be working, Christine. Getting an article placed in a magazine is a tidy little formula of  {great story + great pitch + correct magazine}. Any one of these three factors might be off.

Story:

Perhaps your story is not as interesting as we both think. Or, perhaps this particular topic has been overdone and had its heyday. This is really an easy problem to solve by massaging the story. Consider finding a new tack, or connecting the story to a recent news item or event in the cultural milieu. However, I tend to think that every story has some home.

More information on stories:

Easy Ways to Generate Story Ideas

How Long Does It Take You To Write An Article?

Pitch:

If the problem is in your pitch, it's likely that you simply need some guidelines and practice. Editors like pitches to follow a general format- this shows them that you're not a newb off the street with a lightning-rod idea but no know-how to get it on paper. It shows them that, instead, you know this industry (as evidenced by submitting a standard query letter with all the parts she needs to make her decision). In the pitch, you should have shook out your general idea into a nuanced tack with a specific approach. You should have also demonstrated your writing prowess. (However, I'm not talking about purple prose here. Demonstrate that you can write efficiently, and have enough of a grasp of grammar that she's not going to spend three hours editing your piece).

More about pitch/query letters:

Magazine Queries That Get Accepted

Sample Query Letter

Correct Publication

Now, when I say "correct," I'm talking fit. Your idea must fit their magazine. If you ever approach a magazine thinking "this isn't like anything they've ever done, but it will wow their readers, so hopefully they'll see the genius in it," then you must reconsider. The magazine doesn't change to fit your idea. Your idea must find the magazine that fits it. In addition, your idea and pitch must be tailored to their readers- think about demographics, beliefs, etc.

More information on publications:

Know Your Magazine Inside and Out

How To Write for National Magazines

Thanks for the question, Christine, and good luck!

Got a question for Writer's Worth Week? I'm answering one every day! Leave it in the comments below.

Writer's Worth Week was started five years ago by Lori Widmer, who has been a constant and vocal advocate of professional writers everywhere. It was motivated by the desire to show writers that there is NO need to accept pennies for work, and to consistently devalue this career.

My two cents about Writers Worth Week: This is a business, people. I've consistently and repeatedly shown you the innards of this career (for over 4 years now). I patiently answer questions via email and this blog. I give out free advice that many other pro writers will charge you coaching fees for. My point is that no one who reads this site should devalue this career, in any way, ever.

In honor of Writer's Worth Week, I'll be contributing a post to Lori's blog (asap, Lori, I swear), and answering a career question here every day this week and next (it's two weeks! yay!).

Got a question? Ask it here!

Hey readers, you can't pass this up! Writer Mama Christina Katz is hosting an every-day-in-May book giveaway on her blog.

And these are some great books, too. Day 2 was Writer for Hire, 101 Secrets to Freelance Success by Kelly James-Enger (and, by the way, HOW did I miss this book when it published? Today is the first time I'm hearing of it. HELLO ALLENA!) All you have to do is answer Christina's question in the comments, and you're entered.

Man, can't imagine her postage bill after mailing 30 books in 30 days... Hello, tax write off.

So, you've got an incredible idea for a magazine article, and you've perfected your pitch? You're ready, right? Not so fast! Before you pitch that article, you need to make sure that you've targeted the best possible outlet. Here's how to make sure you know your magazine inside and out.