Magazine Article - how many words? (sentence, paragraph, library, quote)

[Amisi]

How many words should a magazine article have?? I am currently writing something for submission and I already have 1500 words and there's more to go. I'm thinking that by the time I'm done, it will be about 2500 words

[TroutDude]

Most freelancers have an increased chance of placing their work if they research particular markets before writing an article.

I would suggest you consider which type of magazines might be interested in your topic. Then research several past issues of those magazines (the library and/or the net can help there). Go to the websites of those magazines and look for writer's (or contributor's) guidelines.

Study those guidelines. They'll tell you how long an article should be and how to query the proper editor to find out if they'd be interested in your piece.

A query is a short, three or four paragraph overview of your proposed article and yourself. Within, you'll describe the overall thrust of the piece, projected word count and a bit about yourself, including references to previously-published work, if any. (If none, just toss in a sentence or two about yourself/family/education/hobbies.)

You'd do well to pick up the latest edition of Writer's Market and study it. It lists thousands of markets, and there's lots of info up front on how to query editors/agents/publishers as well as other info of importance to the beginning freelancer.

If it seems like a fit, you might consider a subscription to their website. It is updated far more frequently than the book, of course. At one time they offered a free, one-year subscription with the purchase of the book. Be worth checking to see if they still do.

Good luck.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by Amisi

How many words should a magazine article have??

About 10-15% more than what the editor asked to be written.
Then you can fight about which 10-15% will be cut out.

[harry chickpea]

Write as much as you want, then self-edit ruthlessly. There is generally no standard length to articles.

[DR1665]

Though I see a lot of 150-300 word "articles" online - often watered-down press releases - my own work tends to run in the range of 2500-4000, and in some cases over 6,000 words. All depends on the piece.

If you are writing for an editor, I would expect your assignment to specify length. In the absence thereof, put your structure and substance first, let the chips fall.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by DR1665

If you are writing for an editor, I would expect your assignment to specify length.
In the absence thereof...

...you're writing on spec.

[DR1665]

Originally Posted by MrRational

...you're writing on spec.

Thought that went without saying, but yes.