Break into Print with Your Local Parenting Magazine

By Kara Williams

Local parenting magazines are ideal outlets for write-at-home parents—especially new writers just getting their feet wet in the publishing world. These types of magazines are typically free and found your local doctors’ offices, recreation centers, supermarkets and kids’ stores. They typically carry short news items relevant to families, hard-hitting features about serious topics like post-partum depression or international adoption, humorous essays and a local calendar of events. These publications cater to one area of the country or a specific city; for example, NJ Family is for residents in the central section of the state and Chicago Parent covers the goings-on in the Windy City and its suburbs.

If you don’t already read your local parenting magazine, and you’re not sure if one is published in your neck of the woods, contact your Chamber of Commerce to find out. You can also check online at the parenting magazine I edit, Mountain Parent. Click on “U.S. Travel for Kids,” and you’ll find a list of nearly 100 magazines throughout the country, all members of the Parenting Publications of America.

Local parenting magazines love local perspectives. So, as a parent and a resident of the magazine’s market, you’ve already got a leg up on any competition from out-of-the-area freelance writers. Plus, you’ve got the pulse on what’s going on in your community. Is an acquaintance opening up a new downtown toy store? That’s news to your parenting magazine. Are you aware of a fabulous, little-known sledding hill? Suggest a round-up of fun, outdoor activities for families. Do you think the local pizza joint deserves some recognition for its kid-friendly service? Suggest a restaurant review.

Most local parenting magazines are hungry for good freelance writers. These publications have small budgets and small staffs, so they rely on outsiders to help fill their magazines with editorial. That said, you can’t assume you are a shoe-in, just because you’re pitching to a local publication. You’ll want to follow many of the same rules as querying a national magazine. Here are some hints:

1. Read the publication cover to cover — as many back issues as you can. If the same writer always seems to review restaurants, you may not be able to break in with that section. Suggest a story for another department instead.
   
2. Get a hold of the writers’ guidelines — either by calling the editor, sending an email or checking its website. This way you may be able to find out which departments are open to new writers or if they accept ideas for features from freelancers. Follow the magazine’s query guidelines to a T, whether they ask for e-mail submissions or entire manuscripts via snail mail.
   
3. Find out if the magazine has an editorial calendar. Typically, parenting magazines have theme issues: “Back to School” in the fall, “Holidays” for December, “Camp Guide” in the spring, “Summer Fun” when school lets out. Pitch your queries accordingly, and don’t forget to factor in about a three-month lead time.
   
4. Play up your expertise and local knowledge. If you’re a parent in the community, that practically makes you instant expert. If all other variables are equal, local parenting magazine editors will nearly always select a nearby writer to cover a subject over someone who lives out of state.
   
5. Draw from your own experiences. Having trouble getting your toddler to sleep through the night? Pitch a feature story about “bedtime battles,” explaining that you’ll detail your own family’s nighttime troubles, plus interview local pediatricians for advice. Have some funny stories about single-parent dating? The magazine might like a humorous essay for its Valentine’s Day issue.

As I mentioned above, regional magazines usually have small budgets — and that means you won’t strike it rich writing for one. (Mountain Parent pays 10 cents a word.) But if you’re new to freelance writing, trying to break into print publications, or wanting to fill in some gaps between other gigs, writing for your local parenting magazine just might be the ticket.

Kara Williams is the editor of Mountain Parent magazine, a bimonthly publication for families who reside in and visit the Aspen, Colorado, area. Learn more about her on her website.

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