4 Things to Add to Your Magazine Article That Your Editor Will Love

Make their job easier and they’ll want to work with you again

After 11 years of writing for magazines and newspapers, I’ve found there are a few easy ways to impress your editor and make them more likely to pick you for their next commissioned job.

If you include these four elements in your final article, you make your editor’s job a lot easier and, as busy people, they will love you for it.

1. A Standfirst

A standfirst (also called a sell or a kicker) is the first paragraph of your article. It goes above the article in bold and summarizes the content. Often it includes your name as the writer and if you’ve interviewed someone, their name as well. Most magazines have a preferred style for their standfirsts.

Some like very straight forward short descriptions including the author’s name. Here are two I’ve written for a magazine that likes this style:

KELLY EDEN talks with the team at Merivale Osteopathy about the value of osteopathic treatment for new mums.

The choice to stay at home long term with our children can be a big decision for parents. KELLY EDEN discusses the rewards and realities of being an at-home parent.