I have the opportunity to pitch several ideas to the editor of a decent glossy magazine on aspects of my research for potential publication as an article. Which is amazing, because I emailed initally and didn't think they would get back. Anyway, does anybody have any experience of this? how did you pitch a story at the right level? has anybody written anything journalistic before?

That's great Chrisrolinski, congrats!

I've written a couple of things but my advice will probably be hopelessly generic. I'd say write a paragraph of each idea and keep it relatively simple (in my experience, make it as simple as you feel i should be, then go another notch, but this depends on how specialist you tend to be normally). They can always edit your work if need be but I'd guess your best bet is to read back issues of the magazine to get a feel for their tone - do they have a specific slant? In terms of pitching, try to define your target audience/readership and think about what they would want from the article, then tailor to those motivations.

Thanks - I followed the advice about simplicity and a paragraph in length, and sent two ideas off to the editor. I keep sitting here refreshing my inbox but know it could take weeks to hear back.

Must return to email...I mean, thesis.....;-)

Yay! I have 3 pages and 2 pictures worth of space to do in a national magazine! :)

I willbe sure to mention this in my job interview tmrw!

whoo!!! congratulations on that chrisrolinski!! good luck for your article, I'm sure it'll be great! and good luck for your job interview tomorrow!!! I'll think good thoughts!! (up)