what is the structure of a magazine article

Structure of a Magazine Article: The Full Guide

The complete guide to the structure of a magazine article offers an in-depth look at creating enthralling magazine pieces, keeping the structure of a magazine article in focus.

Table of Contents

This comprehensive resource emphasizes the importance of mastering key elements to captivate your audience and produce high-quality content that effectively showcases the structural aspects of a well-crafted magazine article.

Introduction to the Structure of a Magazine Article: Laying the Foundation

Instead of a standard article, a magazine editorial often presents the writer’s opinion on a particular subject or issue. Although the content may be subjective, the structure of a magazine editorial should still follow a coherent and logical pattern. This ensures readers can easily follow the author’s argument and find the piece enjoyable.

The structure of a magazine editorial generally consists of several key components, including an attention-grabbing headline, an engaging lead, a well-organized body, and a firm conclusion. Each element plays a vital role in capturing the reader’s interest and effectively conveying the message.

The headline should be succinct yet powerful enough to pique the reader’s curiosity. It sets the tone for the entire editorial and helps readers decide whether to engage with the content further. A captivating lead follows the headline, briefly introducing the topic and drawing the reader into the heart of the editorial.

The body of the magazine editorial is where the author develops their argument or opinion. It is essential to present the information logically and coherently, using clear headings and subheadings to guide the reader through the narrative. Including compelling evidence, anecdotes, or quotes can also strengthen the writer’s argument and keep the reader interested.

Finally, a firm conclusion should summarize the editorial, summarizing the key points and providing a clear call to action or a thought-provoking statement. This creates a lasting impact on the reader and promotes further engagement with the topic.

Understanding the structure of a magazine editorial is vital for creating impactful and engaging content. By mastering the art of crafting powerful headlines, captivating leads, coherent body text, and firm conclusions, you can establish the groundwork for a successful magazine article that resonates with your audience and leaves a lasting impression.

Structure of a Magazine Article: Crafting Engaging Headlines and Subheadings

The power of an engaging headline and well-crafted subheadings cannot be understated when it comes to the success of a magazine article. These elements are instrumental in capturing the reader’s attention and guiding them through the content, playing a significant role in the overall magazine structure.

An enticing headline is the first point of contact between the reader and the article, and it can either facilitate or hinder their decision to delve further into the content. It should be short, impactful, and thought-provoking, effectively conveying the article’s essence in just a few words. Writing a captivating headline involves striking a balance between being informative and intriguing while remaining true to the subject.

Subheadings, on the other hand, break up the body of the article into digestible sections, making it easier for the reader to navigate through the content. They provide a clear roadmap of the article’s main points, helping the reader understand the flow of ideas and the magazine structure. Compelling subheadings should be concise, informative, and engaging, enticing the reader to continue reading and ensuring they can quickly grasp the key points being discussed.

In addition to their practical purposes, headlines and subheadings also contribute to the overall visual appeal of a magazine article. They help create a sense of hierarchy and organization, essential for maintaining the reader’s interest and making the content more accessible. By using varying font sizes, styles, and formatting techniques, designers can further emphasize the importance of these elements and enhance the article’s overall aesthetic.

Engaging headlines and subheadings are crucial to the magazine structure, serving functional and aesthetic purposes. By mastering the art of crafting these essential elements, writers and designers can ensure their magazine articles capture the reader’s attention, provide a straightforward and accessible narrative, and, ultimately, leave a lasting impression.

Structure of a Magazine Article: How to Hook Your Readers from the Start

In magazine writing, the lead is crucial in captivating readers from the outset. Serving as the opening paragraph, it establishes the foundation for the remainder of the content and is a vital component in the structure of articles. A well-crafted lead piques the reader’s interest and encourages them to continue reading the entire piece.

The primary objective of a leader is to provide a glimpse into the central theme or argument of the article while leaving the reader wanting more. It should be engaging, concise, and informative, offering just enough information to entice the reader without giving away all the details. Striking the right balance between mystery and clarity is essential in creating a compelling lead that successfully hooks readers.

The structure of articles often varies depending on the subject matter and the target audience. Nevertheless, there are several tried-and-true approaches to crafting compelling leads. One such approach is the anecdotal lead, which opens with a captivating story or personal experience that sets the tone for the article. Another popular option is the question lead, which poses a thought-provoking inquiry that piques the reader’s curiosity and encourages them to read on in search of an answer.

Regardless of the chosen approach, keeping the lead concise and relevant to the article’s central theme is essential. Additionally, the lead should transition seamlessly into the body of the article, maintaining a logical flow that maintains the reader’s interest and involvement in the content.

Structure of a Magazine Article: Building a Compelling Narrative

In magazine writing, the body text forms the backbone of the article, providing the substance and depth required to convey the author’s message or argument effectively. Drawing inspiration from magazine editorial examples can help writers build a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged and maintains their interest throughout the article.

One of the essential aspects of crafting a captivating body text is maintaining a clear and coherent structure. This can be achieved by using subheadings to break the content into smaller, digestible sections, making it easier for readers to follow the narrative and absorb the information presented. Magazine editorial examples often demonstrate how effective subheadings can guide the reader through the article, ensuring they can easily comprehend the key points and arguments.

Another critical aspect of constructing an engaging body text is to vary the sentence structure and maintain a natural, conversational tone. This helps the content feel more approachable and enjoyable to read, as opposed to overly formal or rigid. Examining magazine editorial examples can provide valuable insights into how experienced writers maintain a consistent voice and style throughout their articles, fostering a connection with the reader and making the content more relatable.

Furthermore, using compelling evidence, anecdotes, quotes, or statistics can significantly enhance the credibility and impact of the body text. These elements not only lend weight to the author’s arguments but also help to keep the reader’s interest piqued, encouraging them to continue reading and engage with the content more deeply.

Structure of a Magazine Article: Visual Elements and Their Role

In magazine publishing, visual elements play a vital role in enhancing the reader’s experience and contributing to the overall structure of an article. As the adage states, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” and this concept holds true when considering the structure of an article. Images, graphics, and other visual components can bring the written content to life, adding depth, context, and appeal to the magazine piece.

Functions of Visual Elements

One of the primary functions of visual elements in a magazine article is to break up large blocks of text, making the content more digestible and visually appealing. By incorporating relevant images or graphics throughout the article, writers and designers can create a more engaging and enjoyable reading experience for the audience. This not only makes the content more accessible but also helps to maintain the reader’s interest and attention.

Another essential function of visual elements is to provide additional context or information that may be difficult to convey through text alone. For example, data visualizations, such as charts or infographics , can effectively present complex information or statistics in a more easily understandable format. This enhances the reader’s comprehension of the subject matter and strengthens the overall impact of the article.

Furthermore, visual elements can also contribute to a magazine article’s overall aesthetic and design. By strategically using color, typography, and other design elements, designers can create a cohesive visual language that complements the written content and reflects the article’s theme or mood. This adds to the reader’s enjoyment and reinforces the magazine’s brand identity and style.

Understanding the structure of an article is complete by considering the role of visual elements. By incorporating relevant images, graphics, and design elements, writers and designers can create a more engaging and visually appealing magazine piece that captures the reader’s attention and enhances their overall experience.

Structure of a Magazine Article: Crafting a Memorable Ending

A well-crafted conclusion is an essential component of any compelling magazine article. It reinforces the main points and ideas, leaving the reader with a lasting impression and closure. Understanding how to structure an article involves organizing the content logically and ensuring that the conclusion ties everything together, providing a strong and memorable finish.

When crafting a memorable ending, it is crucial to reiterate the key points discussed throughout the article, summarizing the central argument or message. However, this should be done concisely, avoiding repetition or regurgitation of information. Instead, the conclusion should offer a fresh perspective or insight that adds depth to the article and encourages readers to further reflect on the subject.

Another effective technique when considering how to structure an article is to end with a call to action, a thought-provoking question, or a prediction. This can inspire the reader to engage with the topic beyond the article, fostering a sense of curiosity and leaving them with something to ponder. The conclusion can impact the reader by provoking an emotional response or encouraging further exploration.

In addition, the tone of the conclusion should be consistent with the rest of the article, maintaining a sense of cohesion and harmony. Whether the article is informative, persuasive, or narrative-driven, the conclusion should reflect the same style and voice, ensuring a smooth and satisfying reading experience.

Mastering how to structure an article involves organizing the content effectively and crafting a powerful and memorable conclusion. By summarizing the key points, offering fresh insights, and provoking thought or action, writers can ensure that their magazine articles resonate with readers and leave a lasting impact. By incorporating these techniques, you can create a compelling, engaging magazine article that stands out.

What are the critical components of a magazine article structure?

The critical components of a magazine article structure include an attention-grabbing headline, an engaging lead, a well-organized body, and a firm conclusion.

How do I write a captivating headline for my magazine article?

A captivating headline should be short, impactful, and thought-provoking, conveying the article’s essence in just a few words. Strive to balance being informative and intriguing while remaining true to the subject.

What role do subheadings play in the structure of a magazine article?

Subheadings break up the body of the article into digestible sections, making it easier for the reader to navigate through the content. They provide a clear roadmap of the article’s main points, helping the reader understand the flow of ideas and the magazine structure.

How can I write an engaging lead for my magazine article?

To write an engaging lead, provide a glimpse into the central theme or argument of the article while leaving the reader wanting more. Keep it concise and relevant to the article’s theme, striking the right balance between mystery and clarity.

What are some tips for crafting a compelling body text?

Craft a compelling body text, maintain a clear and coherent structure, vary sentence structure, and maintain a natural, conversational tone. Use subheadings, compelling evidence, anecdotes, quotes, or statistics to enhance the credibility and impact of the content.

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How to Write a Magazine Article

Last Updated: October 11, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Gerald Posner . Gerald Posner is an Author & Journalist based in Miami, Florida. With over 35 years of experience, he specializes in investigative journalism, nonfiction books, and editorials. He holds a law degree from UC College of the Law, San Francisco, and a BA in Political Science from the University of California-Berkeley. He’s the author of thirteen books, including several New York Times bestsellers, the winner of the Florida Book Award for General Nonfiction, and has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History. He was also shortlisted for the Best Business Book of 2020 by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 931,149 times.

Magazine articles can be a big boost for seasoned freelance writers or writers who are trying to jump-start their writing careers. In fact, there are no clear qualifications required for writing magazine articles except for a strong writing voice, a passion for research, and the ability to target your article pitches to the right publications. Though it may seem like magazines may be fading in the digital age, national magazines continue to thrive and can pay their writers $1 a word. [1] X Research source To write a good magazine article, you should focus on generating strong article ideas and crafting and revising the article with high attention to detail.

Generating Article Ideas

• Check if the bylines match the names on the masthead. If the names on the bylines do not match the masthead names, this may be an indication that the publication hires freelance writers to contribute to its issues.
• Look for the names and contact information of editors for specific areas. If you’re interested in writing about pop culture, identify the name and contact information of the arts editor. If you’re more interested in writing about current events, look for the name and contact information of the managing editor or the features editor. You should avoid contacting the executive editor or the editor-in-chief as they are too high up the chain and you will likely not interact with them as a freelance writer.
• Note recent topics or issues covered in the publication and the angle or spin on the topics. Does the publication seem to go for more controversial takes on a topic or a more objective approach? Does the publication seem open to experimentation in form and content or are they more traditional?
• Look at the headlines used by the publication and how the articles begin. Note if the headlines are shocking or vague. Check if the articles start with a quote, a statistic, or an anecdote. This will give you a good sense of the writing style that gets published in that particular publication.
• Note the types of sources quoted in the articles. Are they academic or more laymen? Are there many sources quoted, or many different types of sources quoted?
• Pay attention to how writers wrap up their articles in the publication. Do they end on a poignant quote? An interesting image? Or do they have a bold, concluding thought?

• These inspiring conversations do not need to be about global problems or a large issue. Having conversations with your neighbors, your friends, and your peers can allow you to discuss local topics that could then turn into an article idea for a local magazine.

• You should also look through your local newspaper for human interest stories that may have national relevance. You could then take the local story and pitch it to a magazine. You may come across a local story that feels incomplete or full of unanswered questions. This could then act as a story idea for a magazine article.

• You can also set your Google alerts to notify you if keywords on topics of interest appear online. If you have Twitter or Instagram, you can use the hashtag option to search trending topics or issues that you can turn into article ideas.

• For example, rather than write about the psychological problems of social media on teenagers, which has been done many times in many different magazines, perhaps you can focus on a demographic that is not often discussed about social media: seniors and the elderly. This will give you a fresh approach to the topic and ensure your article is not just regurgitating a familiar angle.

Crafting the Article

• Look for content written by experts in the field that relates to your article idea. If you are doing a magazine article on dying bee populations in California, for example, you should try to read texts written by at least two bee experts and/or a beekeeper who studies bee populations in California.
• You should ensure any texts you use as part of your research are credible and accurate. Be wary of websites online that contain lots of advertisements or those that are not affiliated with a professionally recognized association or field of study. Make sure you check if any of the claims made by an author have been disputed by other experts in the field or have been challenged by other experts. Try to present a well-rounded approach to your research so you do not appear biased or slanted in your research.

• You can also do an online search for individuals who may serve as good expert sources based in your area. If you need a legal source, you may ask other freelance writers who they use or ask for a contact at a police station or in the legal system.

• Prepare a list of questions before the interview. Research the source’s background and level of expertise. Be specific in your questions, as interviewees usually like to see that you have done previous research and are aware of the source’s background.
• Ask open-ended questions, avoid yes or no questions. For example, rather than asking, "Did you witness the test trials of this drug?" You can present an open-ended question, "What can you tell me about the test trials of this drug?" Be an active listener and try to minimize the amount of talking you do during the interview. The interview should be about the subject, not about you.
• Make sure you end the interview with the question: “Is there anything I haven’t asked you about this topic that I should know about?” You can also ask for referrals to other sources by asking, “Who disagrees with you on your stance on this issue?” and “Who else should I talk to about this issue?”
• Don’t be afraid to contact the source with follow-up questions as your research continues. As well, if you have any controversial or possibly offensive questions to ask the subject, save them for last.

• The best way to transcribe your interviews is to sit down with headphones plugged into your tape recorder and set aside a few hours to type out the interviews. There is no short and quick way to transcribe unless you decide to use a transcription service, which will charge you a fee for transcribing your interviews.

• Your outline should include the main point or angle of the article in the introduction, followed by supporting points in the article body, and a restatement or further development of your main point or angle in your conclusion section.
• The structure of your article will depend on the type of article you are writing. If you are writing an article on an interview with a noteworthy individual, your outline may be more straightforward and begin with the start of the interview and move to the end of the interview. But if you are writing an investigative report, you may start with the most relevant statements or statements that relate to recent news and work backward to the least relevant or more big picture statements. [10] X Research source
• Keep in mind the word count of the article, as specified by your editor. You should keep the first draft within the word count or just above the word count so you do not lose track of your main point. Most editors will be clear about the required word count of the article and will expect you not to go over the word count, for example, 500 words for smaller articles and 2,000-3,000 words for a feature article. Most magazines prefer short and sweet over long and overly detailed, with a maximum of 12 pages, including graphics and images. [11] X Research source
• You should also decide if you are going to include images or graphics in the article and where these graphics are going to come from. You may contribute your own photography or the publication may provide a photographer. If you are using graphics, you may need to have a graphic designer re create existing graphics or get permission to use the existing graphics.

• Use an interesting or surprising example: This could be a personal experience that relates to the article topic or a key moment in an interview with a source that relates to the article topic. For example, you may start an article on beekeeping in California by using a discussion you had with a source: "Darryl Bernhardt never thought he would end up becoming the foremost expert on beekeeping in California."
• Try a provocative quotation: This could be from a source from your research that raises interesting questions or introduces your angle on the topic. For example, you may quote a source who has a surprising stance on bee populations: "'Bees are more confused than ever,' Darryl Bernhart, the foremost expert in bees in California, tells me."
• Use a vivid anecdote: An anecdote is a short story that carries moral or symbolic weight. Think of an anecdote that might be a poetic or powerful way to open your article. For example, you may relate a short story about coming across abandoned bee hives in California with one of your sources, an expert in bee populations in California.
• Come up with a thought provoking question: Think of a question that will get your reader thinking and engaged in your topic, or that may surprise them. For example, for an article on beekeeping you may start with the question: "What if all the bees in California disappeared one day?"

• You want to avoid leaning too much on quotations to write the article for you. A good rule of thumb is to expand on a quotation once you use it and only use quotations when they feel necessary and impactful. The quotations should support the main angle of your article and back up any claims being made in the article.

• You may want to lean on a strong quote from a source that feels like it points to future developments relating to the topic or the ongoing nature of the topic. Ending the article on a quote may also give the article more credibility, as you are allowing your sources to provide context for the reader.

Revising the Article

• Having a conversation about the article with your editor can offer you a set of professional eyes who can make sure the article fits within the writing style of the publication and reaches its best possible draft. You should be open to editor feedback and work with your editor to improve the draft of the article.

• You should also get a copy of the publication’s style sheet or contributors guidelines and make sure the article follows these rules and guidelines. Your article should adhere to these guidelines to ensure it is ready for publication by your deadline.

• Most publications accept electronic submissions of articles. Talk with your editor to determine the best way to submit the revised article.

Sample Articles

Expert Q&A

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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about writing an article, check out our in-depth interview with Gerald Posner .

• ↑ http://grammar.yourdictionary.com/grammar-rules-and-tips/tips-on-writing-a-good-feature-for-magazines.html
• ↑ https://www.writersdigest.com/writing-articles/20-ways-to-generate-article-ideas-in-20-minutes-or-less
• ↑ http://www.writerswrite.com/journal/jun03/eight-tips-for-getting-published-in-magazines-6036
• ↑ http://www.thepenmagazine.net/20-steps-to-write-a-good-article/
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R5f2VV58pw
• ↑ https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-nonfiction/how-many-different-kinds-of-articles-are-there
• ↑ http://libguides.unf.edu/c.php?g=177086&p=1163719

About This Article

To write a magazine article, start by researching your topic and interviewing experts in the field. Next, create an outline of the main points you want to cover so you don’t go off topic. Then, start the article with a hook that will grab the reader’s attention and keep them reading. As you write, incorporate quotes from your research, but be careful to stick to your editor’s word count, such as 500 words for a small article or 2,000 words for a feature. Finally, conclude with a statement that expands on your topic, but leaves the reader wanting to learn more. For tips on how to smoothly navigate the revision process with an editor, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Write an Article for a Magazine: Expert Tips and Tricks

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on Published: June 14, 2023  - Last updated: June 23, 2023

Categories Writing

Magazine writing is a unique form of art that requires writers to carefully blend elements of storytelling, informative research, and reader engagement. Crafting an article for a magazine demands a flair for creative writing and an understanding of the submission process and the specific expectations of the magazine’s audience.

With a clear idea of the subject matter and a strong knack for storytelling, anyone can venture into the world of magazine writing and make a lasting impact on the readers.

The journey of writing a magazine article begins with understanding the fundamentals of magazine articles and their unique characteristics. It requires a thorough understanding of the target market, a well-defined topic, and an unmistakable voice to engage readers.

By focusing on these aspects, writers can create articles that resonate with a magazine’s audience, leading to potential ongoing collaborations and publication opportunities.

Key Takeaways

• Magazine writing involves a blend of storytelling, research, and reader engagement.
• Understanding the target audience and article topic is crucial to success.
• Focusing on writing quality and a unique voice can lead to ongoing publication opportunities.

Understanding Magazine Articles

Types of magazine articles.

Magazine articles can differ significantly from newspaper articles or other forms of writing . Several types of magazine articles include features, profiles, news stories, and opinion pieces. Feature articles are in-depth stories that provide substantial information about a specific subject, often written by freelance writers.

Profiles focus on an individual or organization, showcasing their accomplishments or perspective. News stories are shorter pieces that report timely events and updates, while opinion pieces allow writers to share their viewpoints on relevant matters.

The Purpose of a Magazine Article

The primary purpose of a magazine article is to entertain, inform, or educate its readers in an engaging and visually appealing manner. Magazine writing is crafted with the reader in mind, considering their interests, knowledge level, and preferences.

The tone, structure, and style may vary depending on the target audience and the magazine’s genre. This approach allows for a more flexible, creative, and conversational writing form than news articles or research reports.

Magazine articles are an excellent medium for freelance writers to showcase their writing skills and expertise on specific subjects. Whether they’re writing feature articles, profiles, or opinion pieces, consistency, factual accuracy, and a strong connection with the reader are essential elements of successful magazine writing.

Developing Your Article Idea

Finding a story idea.

Developing a great article idea starts with finding a unique and compelling story. As a freelance writer, you must stay updated on current events, trends, and niche topics that can spark curiosity in the readers.

Browse newspapers, magazine websites, blogs, and social media platforms to stay informed and derive inspiration for your topic. Engage in conversation with others or join online forums and groups that cater to your subject area for fresh insights.

Remember to select a theme familiar to you or one with expertise. This approach strengthens your article’s credibility and offers readers a fresh perspective.

Pitching to Magazine Editors

Once you’ve generated a story idea, the next step is to pitch your concept to magazine editors. Start by researching and building a list of potential magazines or publications suited to your topic. Keep in mind the target audience and interests of each publication.

Instead of submitting a complete article, compose a concise and engaging query letter. This letter should encompass a brief introduction, the main idea of your article, your writing credentials, and any previously published work or relevant experience.

When crafting your pitch, aim for clarity and brevity. Magazine editors often receive numerous submissions, so make sure your pitch stands out.

Tailor the tone of your query letter according to the general style of the target magazine, and consider mentioning specific sections or columns you believe your article would fit.

Patience and persistence are key attributes of successful freelance writers. Always be prepared to pitch your article idea to different magazine editors, and do not hesitate to ask for feedback in case of rejection. Refining and adapting your story ideas will increase your chances of getting published.

Remember to follow the guidelines and protocols established by the magazine or publication when submitting your query letter or article pitches. Also, some magazines may prefer to work with writers with prior experience or published work in their portfolios.

Consider starting with smaller publications or creating a blog to build your credibility and portfolio. With a well-developed article idea and a strong pitch, you’re on the right path to becoming a successful magazine writer.

Writing the Article

The writing process.

The writing process for a magazine article generally involves detailed research, outlining, and drafting before arriving at the final piece. To create a compelling article, identify your target audience and understand their preferences.

This will allow you to tailor your content to suit their needs and expectations. Next, gather relevant information and conduct interviews with experts, if necessary.

Once you have enough material, create an outline, organizing your thoughts and ideas logically. This helps ensure a smooth flow and lets you focus on each section as you write.

Revising your work several times is essential, checking for grammar, punctuation, and clarity. Ensure your language is concise and straightforward, making it accessible to a broad range of readers.

Creating an Engaging Opening

An engaging opening is critical in capturing the reader’s attention and setting the tone for the entire article. Begin your piece with a strong hook, such as an intriguing anecdote, a surprising fact, or a thought-provoking question. This will entice readers to continue reading and maintain their interest throughout the piece.

Remember that different publications may have varying preferences, so tailor your opening accordingly.

Organizing Your Content

Organizing your content is essential in creating a coherent and easy-to-read article. Consider segmenting your piece into sub-sections, using headings to clarify the flow and make the content more digestible. Here are some tips for organizing your content effectively:

• Utilize bullet points or numbered lists to convey information in a simple, organized manner
• Highlight crucial points with bold text to draw readers’ attention
• Use tables to present data or comparisons that may be difficult to express in plain text

As you organize your content, keep your target audience in mind and prioritize readability and comprehension. Avoid making exaggerated or false claims, damaging your credibility and negatively impacting the reader’s experience.

Remember to adhere to the submission guidelines provided by the magazine, as each publication may have different preferences and requirements. Following these steps and maintaining a clear, confident tone can create an engaging and informative magazine article that resonates with your readers.

Polishing Your Article

Proofreading and editing.

Before submitting your article to a magazine, ensure it is polished and error-free. Start by proofreading for grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes, making your article look more professional and credible. Using tools like grammar checkers is a good idea, but an experienced writer should also manually review their piece as the software might not detect some mistakes.

Editing your article is crucial, as it helps refine the structure and flow of your writing. Eliminate redundant or unnecessary words and reorganize paragraphs if needed. Consider asking a peer or a mentor to review it for an unbiased perspective.

Keep the magazine’s desired writing style in mind, and adapt your article suitably. For example, a news article may require a concise and informative tone, while a feature in a magazine on pop culture may call for a more conversational and engaging approach.

Using Appropriate Language and Style

To make your article stand out, it is essential to use appropriate language and style. Unlike online publication or social media writing, magazine journalism usually demands a more refined and professional tone. Focus on using a clear, neutral, knowledgeable voice conveying confidence and expertise.

Here are some tips to ensure your article fits the magazine’s desired style:

• Ensure you have a compelling subject line that captures the reader’s attention.
• Depending on the type of article you’re writing, decide if your piece should follow a more scholarly approach, like in a scholarly journal, or a more relaxed, opinion-based style found in lifestyle magazines.
• Use relevant examples to support your points, but avoid making exaggerated or false claims.
• Consider your audience and their interests. Choose the right vocabulary to engage them without making the content too pretentious or complicated.

By carefully proofreading and editing your work and using appropriate language and style, you can ensure your magazine article shines. Remember to stay true to your voice and the magazine’s requirements, and maintain a professional tone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key components of a magazine article.

A magazine article typically includes a headline, introduction, body, and conclusion. The headline should be striking and attention-grabbing to capture the reader’s interest. The introduction sets the context and tone of the piece while giving the reader a taste of what to expect.

The body of the article is where the main content and message are conveyed, with vital information, examples, and analysis.

The conclusion summarizes the article by summarizing the main points and often providing a call to action or a thought-provoking question.

What is an effective writing style for a magazine article?

An effective writing style for a magazine article should be clear, concise, and engaging. It is essential to cater to the target audience by using language that resonates with them and addressing relevant topics. Keep sentences and paragraphs short and easily digestible, and avoid jargon unless the publication targets industry professionals.

Adopting a conversational tone while maintaining professionalism usually works well in magazine writing.

How should the introduction be written for a magazine article?

The introduction of a magazine article should engage the reader right from the start by grabbing their attention with a hook. This can be an interesting anecdote, a fascinating fact, or a provocative question. The introduction should also establish the flow of the rest of the article by providing brief context or outlining the piece’s structure.

What are the best practices for structuring a magazine article?

The structure of a magazine article should be well-organized and easy to follow. This often means using subheadings, bullet points, or numbered lists to break up the text and emphasize important content. Start with the most important information, then move on to supporting details and background information. Maintain a logical, coherent flow between paragraphs, ensuring each section builds on the previous one.

How can I make my magazine article engaging and informative?

To make a magazine article engaging and informative, focus on finding the right balance between providing valuable information and keeping the reader entertained. Use anecdotes, personal stories, and real-life examples to make the content relatable and genuine. When applicable, include engaging visuals (such as photos or illustrations), as they aid comprehension and make the article more appealing. Finally, address the reader directly when possible, making them feel more involved in the narrative.

What are some useful tips for editing and proofreading a magazine article?

When editing and proofreading a magazine article, focus on the bigger picture, such as organization and flow. Ensure that the structure is logical and transitions are smooth and seamless. Then, move on to sentence-level editing, examining grammar, punctuation, and style consistency. Ensure that redundancies and jargon are eliminated and that the voice and tone match the target audience and publication. Lastly, proofread for typos and errors, preferably using a fresh pair of eyes or a professional editing tool.

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Overall Magazine Structure – Content – Checklists for Editing

Selecting a great idea for an article, targeting a particular magazine for publication and sending our query letters to editors is all part of the puzzle to getting an article published in a magazine or a local publication; however, there is another piece to this puzzle that is just as significant and vital to being successful.  This is the actual article itself.

How an article is structured, written and edited is as vital to the process as getting the right idea and slant down or contacting the appropriate editors.  This is the second half of the puzzle that is needed to make this process whole.  So how should this article be structured to be successfully published?  Listed below are some essential steps to ensuring an article has a chance of making it on the published circuit.

Overall Magazine Structure – Article Pattern

For the most part, articles use the same formula with just a little deviation.  In most articles you will find the standard pattern of a title, sometimes a subtitle is used but not always, a hook or a lead (1-3 paragraphs), a theme statement that indicates what the article is about (swing paragraph), the body of the article (this can include anecdotes, dialogue, scenes), transitional sentences within the body (needed to make the article transition smoothly between thoughts), facts (needed to ensure that the article stands it weight) and a conclusion (reason why article is written; many editors prefer that you have a wrap-up or wrap around conclusion).  The wrap around is where the writer points back to the title or to the hook.

Magazine Content

Slants and Tones – Understanding the type of slant that will be used for your article is crucial.  This is also known as “peg.”  This, of course, goes hand-in-hand with your style of writing and what makes you unique.  Having a good grasp on the focus of the magazine along with a good slant for your article is what will determine whether an article will be published or not.  For instance, the slant of your article can be written using an amusement angle, an educational twist or a controversial position but yet it will still carry the particular bias that is structured for that magazine.  Another factor can be the timing of the article to events that are currently happening such as a holiday or other special occasions.

The next step is to slant your articles in the way that a magazine is focused.  This is where your research comes in handy.  It is important to understand the mission statement of the particular magazine you are targeting and to understand the overall message it sends to its targeted audience.  Make sure that the slant is visible in the first paragraph of your article.  The editor will want to see this right away.

As you write and review the article, ensure that the correct tone of the article is consistent throughout and that it is appropriate for the target audience.

Leads and Hooks – A hook is the most important thing to capture your audience and thereby make them want to read your article.  Understanding the use of the various types of hooks is necessary to be successful.  If you are not familiar with hooks read up on how to best incorporate these into your writing.  There are lots of sources that can help out with this.  The general well known hooks are question mark, descriptive, dialogue, general interest lead, statistical, surprise-twist lead and anecdotal-lead.

It is about understanding what a particular magazine likes and then knowing the guidelines before submitting your written material.

Thesis – What goes into a thesis?  First you begin by creating a one or two paragraph thesis and then you provide a few thoughts to prove or disprove your statement.  Remember that opinions are usually reserved for authoritative, expert or famous people in a particular industry.  It does not mean that you insert your opinion here unless you qualify as one of those people.  Once you provide all the facts you will want to summarize your data or findings.  Editors usually like it if you can wrap your closing back to the title or hook.  Editors will accept other types of closings but prefer the wrap around method.

In general terms you should check to ensure that your thesis statement can be easily located in the article and that it reflects the points you are trying to get across.  Be sure that those points are clearly defined and in the correct order for the reader.  You should also look for any serious errors in the logic.

Checklist for Overall Magazine Article Completion

As you begin your project, it’s probably a good idea to have a checklist to ensure that you don’t miss anything.  Checklists work great and it helps to keep you on task.  It’s best to put together a checklist that will work for you; however, a checklist has been created for your convenience.

Questions to include on your checklist:

• Was my upfront research for the magazine sufficient?
• Did I review the editor’s preferred stories and did I write my article accordingly?
• Was the appropriate slant and message used for the article and magazine?
• Do I have the appropriate title for the article?
• Did I use the appropriate thesis statement?
• Did I include the appropriate points to prove or disprove my thesis?
• Did I include the right amount of facts in the article?
• Does the article have an appropriate tone throughout?
• Was the appropriate audience targeted?
• Were my transitions smooth throughout the article?
• Was the article “stuffed” with information or was it just enough?
• Did I make the article interesting for the reader?
• Was the article easy to follow?
• Did I include too much of my favorite words?
• Were the anecdotes appropriate for this article?
• Did I check for grammar and punctuation?
• Did I include appropriate charts and illustrations?
• Did I include photos if applicable?
• Was my closing done correctly (wrap-around closing)?
• Does my article look neat and professional?
• Did I have others review for input before submitting?

As writers it’s difficult to remain objective when editing or reviewing your own material.  It usually stems from being so involved in reading our own writing that it’s difficult to step away from it.  Don’t get discouraged — everyone has this dilemma.  Just like the checklist that is used for overall article completion, the same applies for grammar and punctuation.  You need one for this as well.  Start with the checklist below.  If you need to include other grammar and punctuation sections (especially if there are areas where you know you struggle) then add them to the list.

Articles   

Capitalization

Fragment Sentences

Italics and Underlining

Modifier Placement (Misplaced, dangling, squinting)

Parallelism

Plurals and Possessives

Quotation marks

Question marks

Pronoun/Antecedent Agreement

Redundancies

Semi-colons

Subject/Verb Agreement

Tense Sequence

Use of Numbers

Understanding your grammar and punctuation rules is a must as this illustrates to an editor that you are serious about your craft.  This also lets them know they won’t have to spend an enormous amount of time correcting your work.  If you are not good with grammar or punctuation then get familiar with this or make sure that you have someone who is good at this to review your material before submitting to an editor.  Another option is to get some good books that cover these areas and become proficient on both.  Understanding grammar and punctuation is a writing skill that is necessary for the craft.

Checklist for Article Layout

When submitting your article there are guidelines to be followed and listed below are some details on article layout.  They are:

• Always double space your article when submitting to an editor.  This allows them room to make comments if necessary.
• In the top left corner include your name, address and a zip code.  This is only needed on the first page.
• The top Margin should be between 1 ¼ to 1 ½ inches.
• In the top right corner and parallel to your name include the number of words in your article.
• Add a double space after your zip code and include your fax and telephone number and your email address.
• A third or half way down the page type the title of your article in caps.  Center the title.  Double space again and include your name.
• Double space once more and begin your story.
• Remember to indent 5 spaces before every paragraph.
• Remember to start with a new paragraph when using dialogue.
• When including a break in your article, you can show this by double spacing twice or centering three pound marks or ampersand signs between the section breaks.
• Always end your article with a period or a question mark.
• When submitting your paper make sure that you paperclip on the left hand side.  Only use metal paperclips as these seem to work best.  There is nothing more frustrating for an editor than to open up a submittal and find that it hasn’t been paper clipped.  Papers get lost if not kept together.
• Don’t forget to review this checklist against the writer’s guidelines that you’ve received from publishers to ensure there is no conflict with their requests.

Because there are so many factors involved in completing an article and getting it published, following a check list ensures that you have covered all the angles and nothing is left out.  Editing written work is not always fun but once you have a good finished product and your article gets published it will be rewarding.

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Knowledge Base > Magazines > How to Write a Magazine Article? 12 Golden Rules

How to Write a Magazine Article? 12 Golden Rules

Although the number of magazines is shrinking in the digital age, many magazines have moved online. Many magazines created by online magazine maker are still popular, and authors enjoy fame and respect. That’s why, for many freelance writers, writing articles in magazines is often a career goal – because the pay can be ten times more per word than writing articles or texts for the local newspaper.

Writing magazine articles requires a different skill set than writing blog posts, screenplays, or advertisements. What’s more, as a magazine writer, more than in any other industry, you need to specialize to succeed. You write articles about history differently, sports differently, and sports history in a different way still.

A talent for writing, a love of meticulous research, and flexibility in creating texts are vital skills you need to master. Therefore, many people are interested in creating and publishing their own magazine need to master this specific style and learn how to write a magazine article.

What is a magazine?

A magazine is a publication that is a collection of articles that appears regularly. The magazine articles can be about any topic, as well as topics that interest a specific group, such as sports fans, music fans, or board game enthusiasts.

A magazine can be published weekly, monthly, bimonthly, or only a few times a year. Most magazines are published once a week or once a month. Most magazine articles do not have a list of sources and are written by regular magazine editors and writers, rarely freelance writers.

Most magazine articles are easy to read and don’t take too long to read. They are often illustrated with photos or other images, and are written with simple but remarkable fonts . Today, magazines are increasingly being replaced by websites, but there are still many magazines on various topics.

What is a magazine article?

A magazine article is a specific text that can be found in a magazine or newspaper. It can be a report, a profile of an important person, an opinion piece, a discussion of a topic or a personal essay. Depending on the topic, a magazine article is usually 1,000 to 5,000 words long.

The magazine usually employs a group of editors who come up with a theme for each issue and relevant article ideas. This way, all the articles and features in the issue will have something in common. A sports magazine might talk about the start of a new season, a political magazine about an upcoming election, and a Valentine’s Day issue might be about romance.

How the format of a magazine article differs from that of a newspaper or other articles? In a newspaper that comes out every day, put the most important parts of the story first. Newspaper articles are usually read once and aren’t supposed to influence anyone. It has to be news, something you want to read.

On the other hand, a good magazine article should often start with a mystery, a question, or a situation that makes the reader want to read on. Daily newspaper articles should be unbiased descriptions of what happened, while magazine articles, often subjective, can cover a particular topic from a certain angle. To learn how to write a magazine article, you need to know what the magazine is about and how to appeal to its readers.

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Types and examples of magazine articles

Magazine editors categorize articles by type and often mention them in publication’s submission guidelines, so knowing these types by name will help you communicate with the editor. These are: First Person Article, Opinion Piece, Information or Service Piece, Personality Profile, and Think Piece. Many news articles, how-to articles, and reviews can also be found in magazines, but they are slightly different, and many of these have moved online, to digital magazines . Articles can also feature essays or humor pieces.

First Person Article

First-person magazine articles are written in the first person because they are based on personal experience. Depending on their length and newsworthiness, they can be sold as feature articles or essays. They are frequently personal accounts, especially interesting if they are written by a well-known magazine writer or celebrity. Typically, the purpose of such an article is stated in the first line or paragraph to hook the magazine’s target audience, such as “I voted for this politician, and now I regret my life choices.” When you write a magazine article like this one, you should present an unpopular or overlooked point of view from a fresh perspective.

Opinion Piece

This kind of magazine writing piece or opinion essay is less personal than the First-Person Article, but it still requires a narrow focus on a specific topic. The reader’s main question is, “Why are you qualified to render an opinion?” Everyone has an opinion, but why should anyone read yours?

If you’re an expert on this subject, let the reader know right away. Don’t criticize music trends if you’re not a musician! Demonstrate your knowledge, and support your opinion with up-to-date information and credentials.

Information/Service Piece

An informational or service piece expands the reader’s understanding of a particular subject. This can be a guide, a list of important issues. You can either be the expert or interview one. These are extremely pertinent to a specific industry. In a sports magazine article, you can explain a complete history of a sports team and its roster for the upcoming season.

You can expect some in-depth knowledge if the article title contains the phrases like Myths about or Secrets of. Explain everything you know: magazine journalism is different than being a freelance writer in that you should have some industry knowledge already.

Personality profile

This type of magazine article can present a silhouette of an important or relevant person – a politician, a political activist, a sports legend… If you’re writing for a video game magazine you can showcase a famous game designer or even an entire article can be about a game character like Lara Croft or Guybrush Threepwood, if the fictional character is detailed enough! Explain why readers will find this person interesting or noteworthy.

Think Piece

Written in an investigative tone, the think piece frequently shows the downside or less popular ideas of a popular industry aspect. This magazine article could also explain why something is popular or why a political party lost elections. A think piece is more in-depth than most feature articles and necessitates credibility. Confirm your thesis by interviewing analysts and experts. This type of article can be also found in zines , self-published magazines in small circulation, which often focus on niche hobbies, counterculture groups, or subcultures. If you would like to expend your knowledge about interviewing, make sure to check our guide on how to write an interview article .

How to start a magazine article?

Most creative writing professionals would agree that the best way to start writing a magazine article is with a strong opening sentence. A feature article must draw the attention of your target audience, and grab them from the go.

You can start by asking the reader a question which you will answer in the text of the article – for instance “Did you know that most users of Windows never use 80% of their functions – and that’s a good thing?”. In the content of your magazine articles you will be able to answer this question.

Another example of a good magazine article beginning is storytelling – human brains are fascinated by stories. Starting your example with “20 years ago no one in the industry knew what a genitine was, but now their inventor is one of the most influential people” can draw attention and spike up curiosity.

A great example is also a shocking quote – a compelling idea that goes against the grain is sure to capture the reader’s attention.

Most creative magazine article ideas

Even the most experienced journalists can often be looking for ideas for great articles. How to write a magazine article if you don’t have the slightest idea? Here are some of our suggestions:

Take a look at your specialty. If you’re a freelance writer, it’s a good idea to write about what you know. Delve into a topic thoroughly, and you’ll eventually find your niche and you might move from freelance writing jobs to magazine writing! Why? Having a writing specialty will make magazine editors think of you when story ideas in that genre come up.

Check out what’s trending. When browsing popular stories on social networks, many freelancers choose to write about current events. Lists of popular articles can help you understand what to focus your efforts on. Keep in mind that an article for national magazines needs to be well researched, and what’s trending now may change before the magazine finally comes out.

Reach out to the classics. Nostalgia always sells well. You can go back to books or movies that people remember from their youth or, for example, summarize the last year. Lists and numbers always look good!

12 rules on how to write great magazine articles

1. Write what you know about

If your articles are really fascinating and you know what you are writing about, you have a better chance of getting published, whether in a local newspaper or in a major magazine. Writing requires researching your chosen issue thoroughly. Identify perspectives that have not been explored before – describe something from the perspective of a woman, a minority, or a worker.

2. Research how you should write

Check the writing style requirements or guidelines of the magazines to which you want to submit your work. Each magazine has its own set of guidelines on what topics, manner and tone to use. Check out Strunk and White Elements of Style for tips on writing styles, as this is what many magazines draw from.

3. Remember to be flexible

One of the most valuable writing talents a journalist can possess is flexibility. You may find that you discover completely new facts while writing a magazine article and completely change your approach. Maybe you’ll change your mind 180 degrees and instead of attacking someone, you’ll defend them – anything to attract attention.

4. Make connections and meet people

Networking is important in any business, especially for freelance writers who want to make a jump to magazine writing. Editors regularly quit one magazine to work for another. Therefore, remember to know the people first and foremost than the magazine they work for.

5. Prepare a query letter

A query letter tells the editors why your magazine article is important, whether you think someone will want to read it and why you feel obligated to write it. Add to it a text sample and some information about yourself as a writer. Even a local magazine might not be aware of who you are, after all.

6. Prepare an outline

Always before writing a text have an outline that you can use when composing your articles. It must contain the important ideas, the content of the article body and the summary, the points you will include in it. You will find that it is easier to fill such a framework with your own content.

7. Meet the experts

You need to know pundits in your industry. There are several methods of locating experts, from networking to calling organizations or agencies in your field of interest. If you want to meet a police officer, call the police station and ask if someone could talk to a journalist – many people are tempted if you promise them a feature article.

8. Talk to experts

Once you get a contact for an expert, do your best to make the expert look as good as possible. The more prominent the expert, the better your text. Make a list of questions in advance and compare it with the outline to make sure you don’t forget anything. Remember to accurately describe your expert’s achievements and personal data.

9. Create a memorable title

This step can occur at any point in the process of writing an article for a magazine. Sometimes the whole article starts with a good title! However, there is nothing wrong with waiting until the article is finished before coming up with a title. The most important thing is that the title is catchy – editors-in-chief love that!

10. To write, you have to read

You never know where you will come across an inspiring text. It’s your duty as a good writer to read everything that falls into your hands, whether it’s articles on the front pages of major publications or small blog posts. Learn about the various issues that may be useful to your magazine writing skills.

11. Add a strong ending

End with a strong concluding remark that informs or elaborates on the theme of your piece. The last paragraph should make the reader satisfied, but also curious about the future progress of the issue. He must wonder “what’s next?” and answer the important questions himself.

12. Don’t give up

Writers are rejected hundreds of times, especially when they are initially learning how to create articles for magazines. However, even a seasoned freelance writer and professional journalist can get rejected. The most successful authors simply keep writing – being rejected is part of magazine writing. Freelance writing is a good school of writing career – including coping with rejection.

Now you know how to write a magazine article that will be engaging and interesting. Despite the digitalization of the market, writing magazine articles still offers many possibilities to a freelance writer or a seasoned professional. The market of press and magazines is evolving fast, but the basic principles of journalistic integrity stay the same!

You may be also interested in:

How To Publish Digital Magazine? How to Make a Magazine Cover With a Template? 5 Reasons to Start Using a Magazine Maker

Jakub Osiejewski is an experienced freelance writer and editor. He has written for various publications, including magazines, newspapers and websites. He is also a skilled layout graphic designer and knows exactly how to create visually appealing and informative PDFs and flipbooks!

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Public Communication: Magazine Article

• Introduction
• Writing Techniques
• Visual Elements
• Letter to the Editor
• Magazine Article
• Opinion Piece
• Wiki Article
• Newspaper Article
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On this page:

“ Why [does] your article matter, who will want to read it, and why [do] you feel compelled to write it. ” Laura DeCesare, How to Write a Magazine Article

An article is a piece of writing which can give either a balanced view or a specific standpoint on a particular topic.

You have probably read many magazine articles before now. You may be a music fan who likes to read about your favourite musicians, or you might have an interest in business and economics, so you read weekly articles about the financial world. Magazine articles are written for specific publications, therefore written for specific readers. How you write will depend on your article's topic and purpose.   

The Purpose of a Magazine Article

Why are you writing your article, is it to  inform, persuade, or effect change? 

Depending on its  purpose and target audience , the language used in an article may either be very direct and informative, or poetic to create a sense of its topic.

For example, an article about a recent film release would include details about actors, the script, and performances. It may also include the writer’s opinions if it’s more like a review/critique. However, these will be  informed opinions  using references from the current release, but also further reading and research. 

A magazine article can be  conversational , how formal or informal your work is will depend on your audience. A conversational tone will make the article livelier and the reader more engaged. 

Structuring an article

Before you start writing you want to familiarise yourself with the structure of magazine articles. Look at those on similar topics of your own, or in the same field i.e. business, film, health, environment etc. 

Have in mind how you want your article to look by planning it out beforehand, be that visually or as a list in a word document/your notebook. It's design may change as you begin your writing process, but having a visual representation of the article will help you structure your work. 

Here is the basic anatomy of a magazine article: 

Headline -  A snappy heading to grab people’s attention and entice them into reading further. 

By-line  - Your name(s).

Body -  The basic text of the article, but break this up with subheadings and pull quotes (short sections of your article pulled out and repeated in bigger text to grab attention).

It should also include related images, diagrams, charts etc, which will illustrate and strengthen your points, especially if the images are shocking/surprising.  

Video: a visual representation of what to include in and how to structure a magazine article.

Design 

You have a lot of flexibility in design.

• Text is usually in columns which shortens the line length making is more readable and accessible.
• There will always be images. Make sure they are not too big or too small, they are just right. Images should be captioned and have alt-text.
• Pull quotes should stand out and be cited.
• You may wish to start sections with 'kicker paragraphs' which are often emboldened or in a different text colour. This makes them stand and anyone scanning the article will be drawn to them. Make sure they contain the important information you want to emphasise.

Do have a snappy headline that grabs the reader’s attention. 

Do be timely. Write about recent events that are relevant.  

Do be sensitive with your language. You can still shock/surprise people whilst using sensitive language. 

Do be critical depending on your topic. 

Do use visual elements. 

Do format and structure your article correctly. 

Don'ts 

Don't have a confusing headline. 

Don't write about irrelevant and outdated topics. 

Don't use profanities and insulting/discriminatory language. 

Don't be disrespectful if critiquing something/one. 

Don't use too many visuals as it may leave you with less space for text. 

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Writing contests, make money writing, hottest topics, how to write a magazine article.

Freelance writers write many of the articles featured in magazines. Freelancers write for all types of magazines including major consumer titles like Glamour , trade magazines like Target Marketing , and the hundreds of other magazines published everyday by companies and custom publishers.

If you want to get your article published in a magazine, you must first sell your idea to the editors with a great query letter. But once you have an assignment, how do you write an interesting article that will keep your readers interested and keep your editor coming back to you time after time with assignments?

Here are 6 tips for how to write great magazine articles.

Know Your Audience

The first thing a writer should focus on is exactly who their reader is. Does the magazine target teen girls or CEOs? Knowing who the magazine targets will help you focus your article so that you’re speaking directly to your audience.

For instance, trade magazines are targeted to professionals working within a certain industry. These readers want information that they can use on a daily basis to operate their businesses successfully. A common mistake for a new magazine writer might be to write a trade article that targets the wrong audience. If you’re writing an article for an HR trade magazine, don’t write tips for finding a new job. Rather, the HR professional wants tips for how to find the best job candidates.

Stick to the Word Count

Magazine editors have a certain amount of space to fill each month. When you land an assignment to write an article, the editor will specify a certain word count, say 1,000 words. Don’t turn in an article of 1,500 words or 750 words. This will annoy your editor and create unnecessary problems. Aim to hit your target word count as closely as possible.

Find the Best Experts to Interview

Most magazine articles quote experts on the subject of the story. Make sure that you find and interview the best possible sources for your article and add their quotes to your article. Expert sources lend a voice of authority to articles and offer different perspectives for readers.

Edit Your Article

Be your own editor before submitting your article to the magazine. Don’t turn in a story riddled with grammar errors. It will make you look unprofessional and careless. Editors don’t want to spend hours rewriting a bad article. Editors want to work with writers who turn in clean copy that requires minimal edits. Help make your editor’s job easier by striving to turn in the best copy possible.

If you need to brush up on your grammar skills, there are plenty of books and guides on the market to help.

Meet Your Deadline

It goes without saying that you should meet your deadline. Again, you want your editor to love your work so that they will come back to you with future assignments. If you turn in late work or fail to turn in your article at all, don’t bank on future assignments from this editor.

You’ll set yourself apart from other magazine writers by always meeting your deadlines.

Understand Article Structure

Knowing how to write a great article takes practice. Articles have various components including the lede (or introduction), main body, and closing. Study articles by other writers in your favorite magazines to learn how they structure their articles. You can pick up article structure easily by studying the work of other top writers.

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Magazine Content Structure Guide for Publishers

Magazine publishers, both new and established, eventually find out that the hard way that magazine content structure and pre-publication workflows can get confusing. We’ve designed the following guide to help simplify the process and keep it manageable. Put on your coffee, send the new guy out for donuts, and round up the team. We’re about to make your magazine content structure and your content prep process a worry-free scene.

Your content is a big deal and so is how you communicate it to your stakeholders and the printer. I’m about to share a company secret here, a 5+ year secret we at Flip180 Media have been using to order our content prep process and keep it streamlined.

Choose a solid cloud file transfer platform

There are so many tools to manage teams, processes, and content that it can really get overwhelming learning and using them all. While testing many of them we believe the most crucial of these are:

• Google Drive

Pro tip – Be transparent:

Don’t forget to share files with your production team when adding links to your emails – it allows everyone to know what they’re dealing with. It also helps to make sure that people don’t have to guess at what you’re talking about, but can immediately understand what you’re talking about.  And this can help when you have multiple similar projects with similar names, etc.

Focus on internal magazine content structure

Everyone thinks that the cover is the most important part of the publication. The cover is the face of the magazine, but as a production company, we focus on the magazine body and the magazine’s issue content structure and outline first and put the cover on the back burner until the entire issue has shaped up. This prevents problems later, such as as a major change in the magazine content outline (the table of contents) from impacting the relevance of the chosen cover before the editor.

One of the pivotal aspects of magazine content structure is the table of contents (TOC). The TOC serves as the outline of the issue content. It’s a central reference for the content in the magazine issue. It’s not just a formality or an afterthought. The TOC is where the reader finds their way to what they care most about.

So what is the perfect TOC and how do you get it ready? Well, here’s how you should see your TOC if you want to make the most of it:

Section naming

A great TOC should reflect the true and intended magazine content structure for that issue. The TOC should have sections with clearly-defined names, as well as the article name and the article subheading (if there is one). To make the article references  logical within the article file, we recommend using different font sizes, like this:

Section Name : 24pt, bold

Article headline : 16pt, bold.

Subhead: 14pt, italics

Don’t make a mess. The headline in the TOC should refer to and be identical to the headline of the article, and the name of the Dropbox folder should be identical to the name of the magazine section it references.

Unlike with social media headlines, within the TOC, you don’t really need to change the headline for the audience just to gain their attention. They’re already in the table of contents, after all. Nor is it helpful to your production team to use alternative or “shorthand” references if there are potentially similar titles or related article topics within a single issue.

Consistency is the name of the game here. You don’t want your readers so dazzled by your versatility that they are unable to identify which article is which! And you certainly don’t want your production team confused about which article they are dealing with, either. They have enough on their plates as it is!

Pro tip: Use a ROADMAP

Also, along with the TOC (table of content) file there can and really should be ROADMAP file. The roadmap gives an opportunity to the editor or the publisher to plan each page on the magazine and create the right order of all the elements – sections, ads, etc.

The roadmap is like wireframe or flowchart, showing how the issue should flow and branch out into the different content in a very exact way. This can help to nail down precisely the editorial vision already in place by the time the production prep is being handed off. It can actually save a lot of time, energy, and caffeine!

Uploading to the Cloud

Now that you’ve successfully organized and prepared all the content and files, you’re now ready to upload the files and share them with your production crew.

For content sharing with production teams, we prefer the Dropbox platform. The reason is that it’s a proven, reliable tool and also because it’s very easy to register and quickly get started. We use it every day, so simply create your account and then log in and we’ll start from there:

• Create a main publication folder with the clear name (e.g., “Women’s Lifestyle Magazine”).
• Inside this main folder, create an issue folder (e.g., such as “Spring 2019”).
• Article #1 name
• Article #2 name
• Article #3 name

Now, let’s also create as many article folders as there are different articles in the magazine. To make it crystal clear, name each of your article folders exactly as you referred to them within the TOC.

Now that have a perfect folder structure that closely matches the TOC, let’s upload all the content into the folders. Let’s look at the cover folder also – it has one or more images to use for the image that matches the cover. We also have a cover content file that has the right hierarchy, so now it’s crystal clear on

• what the cover is
• what the main headline is for each article
• what articles are super-features
• which articles are features
• what’s additional text

Leave an “Instructions” file top-level within the issue’s main cloud folder. If you feel like some special instructions need to be given to the production team, just add an “Instructions” or “Directions” file to the same folder – it can be text (.txt) or even a voice-recorded memo. Either way, an instructions file is a good best practice to follow.

Take a quick peek at just such a feature folder. It has multiple pictures and the main text file. Make sure to check what we have in the main text file and whether it’s easy to understand.

• a. At the very top, we see the author name and photo credit.

• b. Going further we see the article name (same as the file name), subheadline and the main body text.

• c. The text is nicely formatted, has any links embedded, titles bolded, paragraphs and breaks defined, etc.
• d. At the bottom of the document, where the body text ends, we can add additional elements that are needed to design the article. In this case, we have a photo caption and pull quotes. To separate these elements from the body text and inform the designer that this is additional information, simply use square brackets.
• e. Once adding these captions, make sure your ad has an exact image name next to the caption so the designer can find it quickly and easily.
• f. Sometimes it’s hard to get good quality images, so in all such cases, we recommend using Stock images from stock.adobe.com or similar website where you can find reliable quality images that truly match the occasion.

More resources:

Use these resources for stock images. Always be sure your stock image sources are from the approved list to avoid copyright issues.

• Negative Space
• Death to the Stock Photo
• Startup Stock Photos
• Fancy Crave
• StockSnap.io
• Life of Pix
• Gratisography
• ISO Republic
• New Old Stock
• g. And finally, if you think some liarticular images need to go with some particular part of the text in the magazine, just add a note to the designer [file-name.jpg goes here]. And don’t hesitate to give your reasons, as that will help your designer understand your directions and to spot mistakes. You want to be crystal-clear why such an unusual choice is being offered.

Double-check & SHARE IT!

Just before sharing the files to your production team, take a minute to look through the TOC. Compare it with the magazine content structure in your folders and files to make 100% sure that everything matches up just as we’ve recommended here. If everything looks good, proudly click the share button to let the magic begin!

In conclusion

By making the production process a more logical, tidy, and transparent one, you empower your production team to be confident that they are producing a quality product. Whenever something isn’t clear, they’ll know that it’s okay to say something or – in extreme deadline situations, what to go ahead and correct, and what to refer back to the editor on at once.

Magazine content structure issues should not have to hold publishers and their production teams back. When everybody is clear on the logic of the standard production prep process, everybody can do their job better and maximize the office supply of caffeine – and we all know how important that can be. Your entire team will be happier and more productive and become that well-oiled, super-intuitive machine that gets things done and makes the most of their time and resources.

Share this infographic with your team!

It’s free to use and share. Feel free to post it on your website or elsewhere on the web, but please credit us via a link to this post where it originally appeared.

Like this post? Interested in publication design? Subscribe to our YouTube channel ! We love this topic and always trying to deliver usable tips to add value to your design and production repertoire!

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Writing an article

Topic outline.

The purpose of an article is often to inform and persuade the reader. 

Articles give the reader information about a certain topic, bringing together and discussing different perspectives to provide a balanced argument which lets the reader make up their own mind about the topic. 

Articles can also be used to persuade the reader that a certain viewpoint is correct. For example, articles in newspapers or magazines might express a particular viewpoint or perspective; this may be positive or negative depending on the topic. 

The ways you use language and organise your ideas when writing an article will depend on the audience and the purpose you are writing for.

• think about the audience that the article is for – w hen writing an article, you do not usually know your readers personally and so you will need to think about their likely interests and experience before you write
• how you expect, or want, your audience to react – re member that the tone of most articles should be semi-formal, so before deciding on your tone imagine your article being read out loud and how that might sound to your reader. For example, an article reviewing a film may be humorous, even sarcastic, but that would not work well for more serious readers or topics
• the purpose for the article – is th e purpose, or reason, for writing your article to persuade your readers to agree with you or to invite your readers to think about different points of view and decide for themselves? For example, do you need to sound reliable and well informed, or choose words that strongly convey a particular emotion?
• how to keep your readers interest – ima gine how boring it would be for your reader if you used the same kind of sentences and simple repetitive vocabulary all the way through your article. Try to include a range of grammatical structures and relevant vocabulary to make sure that your reader wants to keep reading.
• Plan a route through your article before you start writing it – th e structure of an article is usually in three parts. For example:
• An introduction – engage your reader’s interest and introduce your argument or the main points of the topic to be discussed.
• A middle – develop relevant and interesting points about the topic to interest and/or convince your readers to think about a particular perspective.
• An end – d raw your points together and leave your reader with a clear impression of the argument you want them to believe or the viewpoints you would like them to consider.
• Organise your ideas into paragraphs as appropriate – this will help you to develop and support your points convincingly, to build your argument and/or offer a full explanation of a particular point of view.
• Show your reader at a glance what your article is about – articles usually have a suitable headline to attract their readers’ attention and you can choose to use subheadings (a bit like mini headlines) to help break your article up and move your reader on. Do not overdo these, but well-chosen subheadings can help to catch and keep your reader’s attention, as well as sum up the main points you are making.
• Show the connections between ideas in sentences and paragraphs – for example, where a new point or idea follows on from what you have already said you might use linking words or phrases such as, 'in addition’, ‘likewise’ or ‘similarly’.
• Example of an article

May 26, 2021

What Makes a Magazine a Magazine?

Every title is unique, but structure, variety and personality bind them all.

Quick — name three passions. Now, name your go-to resources for keeping up with the latest news, trends and opinions on these passions.

Chances are, you’re thinking of your favorite news sites, social feeds, the sites of companies or associations that specialize in these topics — and magazines.

That’s part of the medium’s magic: It can be as mainstream or as niche as you need it to be, and it changes often enough to remain relevant.

The print magazines found in bookstores and on newsstands run the gamut of popular interests. Factor in the titles produced by custom publishers or brands for specialty audiences, and the well of information and inspiration that shapes the way we live and work deepens considerably.

Despite the tired tropes that “ print is dead ” and that today’s readers lack attention spans, recent research from MPA —The Association of Magazine Media  shows that 9 in 10 American adults  read magazines. The format is persists regardless of the platform it’s experienced through.

“Whether they are consumed in print, on tablets, on a smartphone or on the web, magazine media fulfill readers’ desires for timely information and entertainment that appeal to a broad spectrum of personal interests,” says MPA, adding that magazines also “deliver powerful relationships that influence, inspire and endure.”

To which I say, yes — and yes!

But what makes a magazine a magazine?

Each magazine has a unique mission and vision, target audience and subject matter focus — not to mention its own pool of contributors, publication process and methods for attracting readers.

And yet, certain common attributes distinguish magazines as a whole from other media. When clients ask what makes a magazine, my go-to answers are these.

Magazines have structure

Compare the latest issue of your favorite magazine with a preceding issue. The individual stories will be different, of course, but you’ll see that the bones are the same. In print publishing parlance, you’ll find these parts of a magazine:

• Cover pages
• Front-of-book content, which may include columns (including an editorial), letters to the editor, news, quick-hit trend pieces and publisher-focused content
• The feature well, typically two to five long-form articles that are more extensively reported and more creatively designed
• Back-of- book content, which may include reader-engagement pieces (such as quizzes or puzzles) and product-focused content (such as reviews)

The reason for this boils down to one simple truism: There’s comfort in continuity — both for readers and for the magazine producers.

Some readers consume a magazine from cover to cover. Others gravitate first to favorite writers or departments and then flip through the rest of the book, stopping to read only what interests them. Either way, all readers come to expect a certain experience each time. If there’s no rhyme or reason to what’s in each issue, they’re less likely to become emotionally or financially invested in the experience. On the other side of the equation are the publishers, editors, writers, designers, photographers, illustrators, advertisers and others who labor to create what ends up in readers’ hands. Having a constant framework from issue to issue allows for maximum creativity within that framework. Reinventing the formula every single time is exhausting, quite frankly, and deeply confusing to your readers serving.

Features are the entrees; columns, departments and spotlights of the magazine are the appetizers, sides and desserts.

Magazines have variety

If every story is roughly the same length and each issue is organized and  designed  the same way, what you get is a very boring reader experience.

To put it in relatable terms: If features are the entrées, then columns, editorials and spotlights of the magazine are the appetizers, sides and desserts. If you overdo any one of these, you’re going to walk away under- or over-nourished and, most likely, dissatisfied.

A well-rounded reader experience, on the other hand, offers a mix of quick hits and deep dives, informed opinions and straight facts.

Feature articles typically quote more sources and examine topics in greater detail and with more objectivity. Because they have higher word counts, they rely on callout elements such as sidebars and pull quotes to break up the text and draw readers’ eyes. And they eschew a templated format, with each feature having its own look via varied (often dramatic) photo, illustration and font treatments.

Meanwhile, columns tend to be subjective and conform to a templated design — thus, they’re shorter. Departments also tend to be templated, shorter and often more visual to help break up the monotony of dense copy blocks. Think: non-narrative techniques like checklists, charts and infographics.

Magazines have personality

Food & Wine  versus  Bon Appétit .  People  versus  Us Weekly .  Time  versus  Newsweek .  Sports Illustrated  versus  ESPN The Magazine . In each case, you have titles treading the same territory, but they aren’t the same.

This is because the people who produce each of these titles have worked hard to cultivate a voice and tone, an editorial philosophy or a point of view that’s unique to that brand — a  personality .

It’s not just what they’re saying, it’s also  how they say it . That’s why every magazine has an editorial style guide that goes beyond the grammar and punctuation rules dictated by the AP Stylebook , The Chicago Manual of Style or other publishing authorities. The standards a magazine staff establishes for the writing and design of the publication ensure consistency across issues and clarify—both for contributors and the audience—what the magazine stands for. Think plain versus pedantic, friendly versus formal, sarcastic versus serious and so on. Without some semblance of personality, a publication  feels like a mouthpiece  for the company or association that produces it. There’s certainly a place for that type of communication, but it’s rare, if not downright impossible, to find all of that in anything other than magazines.

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Hitachi Vantara Restructures for AI and Hybrid Cloud Focus

As new technologies like AI continue to grow , there has been an explosive growth of required processing for the increased level of data. In fact, the vast majority of IT professionals are currently unable to support the increased level of AI-related requests from within their organisation.

With this in mind, Hitachi Vantara - the data storage and hybrid cloud management subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd. - is doubling down on its enterprise storage, AI and hybrid cloud business through a strategic restructure. 

The new structure includes the integration of the Hitachi IT Platform Products Management Division to provide unmatched data processing, reliability and resiliency capabilities. 

Hitachi Vantara is not the first company to realign its priorities on account of AI this year, wth SAP having restructured parts of its business to prioritise AI development in January 2024. On the other hand, leading electric vehicle (EV) companies like Xpeng are set to hire thousands more workers in order to shift to a more AI-led focus.

Accelerating internal growth plans

With extensive plans for technological growth, Hitachi Vantara prides itself on its ability to respond to market opportunities and focus on hybrid cloud and generative AI (Gen AI) . As a result, the company’s new structure seeks to command infrastructure and data storage experience across manufacturing and hybrid cloud.

In addition, it will have a shared focus on collaboration to drive meaningful business outcomes for the company’s customers. Aiming to innovate and adapt to market needs in real-time, Hitachi Vantara will also be building upon its extensive expertise in managing data across mission critical environments.

This announcement comes during a significant time in enterprise technology space, as customer demand for data and processing continues to spike. As a result, plenty of companies are struggling to keep pace with evolving AI projects.

According to recent research, AI budgets are expected to increase over the next three years, with 62% of business leaders anticipating that it will improve operational efficiency and productivity.

Upscaling AI transformation to improve business outcomes

Hitachi Vantara is also working to pioneer the development of hybrid cloud storage that aims to combine on-premises and cloud computing to achieve safety, high performance, reliability and cost advantage. This will enable critical large-scale data to be processed easier for complex business requirements. 

For instance, the company recently announced a partnership with Nvidia to create a new generation of transformational AI. Hitachi iQ seeks to layer industry-specific capabilities on top of its AI solution stack, resulting in more tailored and specific outcomes relevant to the particular organisation harnessing the technology.

“The rise of Gen AI and the explosion in data processing power are pushing the pace of change, and many organisations are struggling to keep up,” says Sheila Rohra, CEO of Hitachi Vantara. “This next phase of business transformation is designed to help us accelerate our execution and scale our business to identify and capitalise on market opportunities in real-time. 

She continues: “This extension of development, manufacturing, sales, and delivery capabilities will strengthen our ability to provide our customers with the AI-driven data performance, reliability, and resiliency they need across their hybrid cloud environments in order to realise real-world impact and growth.”

As part of the new organisational structure, Akinobu Shimada, formerly president of Hitachi’s IT Platform Products Management Division, has been appointed as chairman of Hitachi Vantara. His goal is to further strengthen the connection between Hitachi Vantara and Hitachi Ltd.

“Our strong partnership across the organisations has helped to create the right synergy to formalise a Hitachi Vantara structure that brings R&D and engineering closer to our key markets around the globe,” Akinobu Shimada says. “Given the impressive amount of industry expertise and technical understanding infused into our business, I am confident that we will lead with a unified digital infrastructure and AI strategy and execution plan that enables us to deliver high-impact outcomes for our customers and positions our business for continued growth.”

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