by Gary McLaren
Are you looking to set yourself a challenging goal for your writing
career this year? Why not aim for the sky? Set yourself the goal of
being published in an in-flight magazine, one of the publications
provided by airlines in the seat pockets in front of passengers.
Many freelance writers dream of being published in an in-flight
magazine. Imagine your story being read by travelers as they fly all
over the globe. Many of those magazines will eventually find new
homes - from coffee tables to taxis to dentists’ waiting rooms -
after passengers carry them away at the end of their flights.
Why Write for In-flight Magazines?
There are several reasons why being published
in an in-flight magazine is a worthy goal for your freelance writing
career. Firstly, there’s the exposure. Secondly, you will have an
excellent publishing credit to add to your writing portfolio.
Winning other high-paying assignments will become just that little
bit easier. Thirdly, you’ll be paid well. Most in-flight
publications pay very well, with many paying in the vicinity of one
dollar per word.
Diverse Passengers, Diverse Topics
Don’t limit your article ideas to traditional
travel writing. Although many airline passengers are on vacation
others travel for business or other reasons. Since passengers come
from all walks of life in-flight magazines publish articles on quite
a wide variety of topics. Their content includes articles on travel
and adventure, food and entertainment, business, nature and the
environment, and many more topics.
Always remember when pitching ideas to an in-flight publication that
destinations are critical. Every article must have a connection to
the destinations and routes of the airline.
Did I Mention Competition?
There must be a catch, right? Well, getting your work published in
an in-flight magazine is not going to be a walk in the park. You
will not be the only freelance writer pitching your ideas to these
editors. To say it will be highly competitive is probably an
understatement.
Editors of in-flight publications demand a high quality of work, and
they prefer to work with freelancers who have proven experience and
professionalism.
It’s Not For Beginners
What should you do if you have just starting out in freelance
writing? Start elsewhere. Try targeting some local publications.
After you have a few pieces published begin working your way up to
regional magazines. As you build up your portfolio of published
credits you will eventually be ready to target in-flight magazines
and other leading publications.
Some Examples of In-flight Publications
The following are just a few examples of in-flight publications that
you could write for.
Alaska Airlines Magazine
The in-flight magazine for Alaska Airlines, reaching more than a
million travelers every month in Alaska, California, Washington,
Oregon, Arizona, Nevada, Western Canada and Mexico. 80% freelance.
Columns include Journal (arts and culture), Business, On Location,
Profiles, Sports, Technology and Travel. Rates begin at $50 to $100
for shorts through to $300 for columns and $500 for features.
Enroute
Air Canada’s award-winning
bilingual (English/French) in-flight magazine. This is an upscale
travel lifestyle magazine interested in everything from wine to
design, popular science to pop music. "As many travellers’ first
introduction to Canada, we are proudly Canadian but never parochial
about Canadian content." Pay: base rate is CDN$1 per word.
Spirit
Southwest Airlines’ in-flight magazine. A general interest
magazine that appeals to the upscale consumer. Explores a diverse
array of subjects, including pop culture, business, personal
technology, sports, health, food and drink.
US Airways Magazine
January 2006 marked the debut of this new US
Airways magazine. They are looking for writers who can deliver
smart, pithy copy. "We like breezy. We like humor. We like a light
tone. And we like writers who can deliver short pieces as well as
longer stories."
Each of the magazines above has freelance
writer’s guidelines available at their web site. To get the direct
links to these publications’ guidelines and for even more in-flight
magazines, visit
http://www.worldwidefreelance.com/inflightmagazines.htm
About the Author
Gary McLaren is the editor of Worldwide Freelance Writer. For more
information on freelance writing and a database of more than 2,200
writing markets, visit
http://www.WorldwideFreelance.com
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© Copyright 2005 Gary McLaren.
