Freelance magazine writing is an area of the industry that is not only high paying, but one of the most competitive.  Therefore, you won’t see many experienced writers or agents encouraging new talent to pursue article writing for magazines.  There’s just too much competition, and the odds of getting steady pay are quite slim because of this.

Most freelance writers who have magazine publications on their resume don’t do it for the money.  If they were fortunate enough to get staffed, then that’s a different story, but 9 times out of 10 they are doing it more for hobby purposes than anything else.  They submit articles to magazines on topics that they share a passion for, or publications which they truly enjoy and read frequently.  Getting and article accepted to one of these magazines would be a bonus because of their genuine enjoyment of it’s content.

Don’t go giving up on your dreams to be published in a magazine, but know that unless you are a staff writer, freelance writing for a major publication is a cut throat industry.  Be sure to diversify your writing mediums and don’t rely on magazine submissions to pay the bills.  Spread out your income before you go chasing the magazine dream!