Aspirants should keep in mind that they are not creative writers. What is needed is clear simple language which can be understood by all as magazine readers do not have time to ponder over what you write. Whatever you write must be straight. You should be able to catch the eye of the readers. Above all you must have passion for writing to become a successful magazine writer.
Before attempting to write, know your target audience --meaning the magazine. Understand the format. Read it carefully to know what it wants. Watch not only the content but also the way the magazine presents its articles. There is no point in submitting a fashion article to a magazine devoted to animals and animal lovers. The crux is that one knows his magazine and its readers. So before submitting anything, be sure the selection is correct.
Many may think that training is a must to be a successful writer. It is not true with every case. Whatever one writes must be grammatically correct. One must be careful even with the punctuation. Develop your own style. For evolving a style one must read as many magazines as possible. Of course, good literary background gives an edge.
A good magazine writer is expected to be familiar with what is going on around him. One must know the latest literary trends. To be familiar with these things, one may participate in group discussions, writers' workshops and literary conferences etc. It is not a bad idea, if one wants, to have some type of a basic course in writing or for that matter a bit of training.
