Editorial calendars are the backbone of magazine planning, guiding content creation and deadlines throughout the year. Understanding these calendars is crucial for writers looking to pitch stories that align with upcoming themes and issues.
Lead times vary widely, from months for feature articles to days for digital content. Mastering the art of pitching means not only crafting compelling ideas but also timing submissions perfectly to fit a publication's schedule and needs.
Editorial calendar navigation
Understanding editorial calendar components
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Editorial calendars organize content themes , special issues, and deadlines throughout the year
Key components include issue dates, themes, submission deadlines, and advertising closing dates
Calendars typically span 6-12 months in advance for planning purposes
Publications often make calendars available on websites or through media kits
Interpreting calendars requires understanding industry-specific terminology (FOB, TOC, editorial well)
Calendars may include both print and digital content planning (social media schedules, podcast topics)
Flexibility and strategic use of editorial calendars
Calendars remain flexible to adjust themes or deadlines based on current events (breaking news, trending topics)
Writers use calendars to align story ideas with upcoming themes or issues
Advertisers utilize calendars to plan targeted campaigns around relevant content
Editorial teams use calendars to balance content mix across issues (features, columns, departments)
Calendars help manage resources by allocating staff and freelancers to specific projects
Regular calendar reviews allow for strategic adjustments to content strategy (audience engagement metrics, market trends)
Pitching and submission planning
Aligning pitches with editorial calendars
Match story ideas to upcoming themes or issues in the calendar
Factor in lead times when planning pitches (3-6 months for features, 1-2 months for shorter pieces)
Understand distinctions between pitch deadlines and final copy deadlines
Plan seasonal content pitches several months ahead (holiday gift guides, summer travel features)
Maintain a personal calendar to track multiple submission deadlines across publications
Build buffer time for revisions and fact-checking into submission planning
Managing the pitch-to-publication process
Develop a system for tracking pitch status (submitted, accepted, rejected, in progress)
Follow up on submitted pitches within appropriate timeframes (2-3 weeks for most publications)
Prepare to adjust story angles based on editor feedback or changing publication needs
Plan for simultaneous submissions when appropriate, tracking where each pitch is sent
Schedule research and interview time in advance of writing to meet deadlines efficiently
Establish relationships with editors to better understand their preferences and needs
Lead times for different stories
Variations in lead times by publication and content type
Magazines typically have longer lead times than newspapers or digital outlets
Feature articles often require 3-6 months lead time before publication
News-oriented stories may have lead times of a few days to a few weeks
Seasonal content can require up to a year of lead time (Christmas issue planning in January)
Regular columns or departments often have shorter, more consistent lead times
Digital publications generally have shorter lead times but vary based on editorial strategy
Factors influencing lead times
Publication frequency affects lead times (weekly vs. monthly vs. quarterly)
Story complexity and research requirements impact necessary lead time
Time needed for fact-checking and legal review in investigative pieces
Coordination of visual elements (photography, illustrations) can extend lead times
Breaking news or trending topics may necessitate shorter lead times
Editorial review and revision processes vary by publication, affecting overall timeline
Adapting to publication-specific guidelines
Writer's guidelines outline submission requirements and preferred formats
Common submission formats include email attachments, online forms, and query letters
File type requirements vary (.doc
, .docx
, .rtf
, .pdf
)
Formatting specifications may include font, spacing, and word count limits
Email submissions often require specific subject line formatting
Some outlets request additional materials (author bios, headshots, research notes)
Tailoring content for different publication styles
Adapt writing style and tone to match publication's voice and target audience
Familiarize yourself with various style guides used by publications (AP, Chicago, house styles)
Prepare to format digital submissions with SEO optimization (keywords, meta descriptions)
Understand requirements for hyperlinking and multimedia elements in digital publications
Be ready to provide sidebar content or pull quotes as requested by editors
Develop skills in crafting compelling headlines and subheadings for different publication styles