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Breaking In: International Mags |
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Breaking In: International Mags By Mridu Khullar If you’re looking for a way to parlay your bilingual skills into a lucrative writing career, consider freelancing for international magazines. Not only will you have the opportunity to write about exotic and exciting places, but you’ll also add an entire new niche to your repertoire—a goal every writer seeks. But there’s more to international writing than just changing the way you spell “color.” You need to be in tune not only with the publication’s audience but also with the culture and ways of that specific niche. “A lot of people overlook the fact that we publish in a Muslim country,” says Nikki Ahmed, editor of Bahrain’s Woman This Month magazine. “So I get a lot of articles that are about sex, extramarital affairs, drug use and alcoholism, which I simply cannot use.” Remember: Politics, sex and controversial issues are usually a big no-no in Muslim countries, but you have a lot more leeway in other Asian nations. Successful international writers recommend selling your articles to as many international publications as possible. Take, for instance, freelance writer Michael Sedge, who’s also the author of Marketing Strategies for Writers (Allworth Press). Sedge is known for selling his articles across the globe. “If a writer knows how to manage his rights, it’s a great way to expand potential markets,” he says. He recommends making your international sales a marketing, and not a writing, effort. He “makes up” rights, such as English-language rights in Japan. In addition to selling reprints, getting hold of the editorial calendars of your target markets and submitting a year’s worth of ideas is a great way to show the editor that you’re in it for the long term. Who knows, this might even land you a contributing editor position. You could also propose being a foreign correspondent for a permanent slot on the masthead. Most editors agree that they won’t reject an article on the basis of American spelling as long as the article is otherwise relevant and suitable. But they’re thoroughly impressed if the writer goes out her way to show that she’s familiarized herself with the publication. Before you go selling your piece, though, think conversion rates. That big-sounding Rupee 5,000, when converted to dollars, is just a little over $100. On the other hand, if you’re making 500 Euro, that’s $660. So it’s wise to focus a great deal of your effort on European markets instead of markets that would pay you less for your dollar. Don’t give up on Asian and African publications, though. The small checks easily add up, and, in terms of resales, they can give you a great payoff for no extra work. To achieve success in this market, don’t forget the most important mantra: Keep your name out there. As an international writer, you’re not going to be the first on any editor’s list of freelancers, so double your efforts. “Keep sending ideas, articles or synopses,” says Shelagh Whitby, editor of the South African magazine Your Pregnancy. “The more I see your name in my inbox, the more likely I am to take you seriously.” |
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