Magazine Writer
Why Magazines and Professional Writers/Journalists Still Matter
We’re all consuming content and fortunately, Canadians recognize that some of the most credible, relevant and accurate content is found in magazines.
As Magazines Canada, the national trade association that merged with the Canadian Business Media Association in early 2016, reports: Canadians are still reading magazines albeit reading them differently across new platforms, including digital issues, magazines websites, e-newsletters, apps and more.
In 2015, magazines reached almost three-quarters of Canadians, which is unchanged from over five years ago, because the significant increase in digital readers has offset the decline in print readers.
Why?
Good question!
In large part, it’s because most readable, authoritative magazines and their editors rely on experienced, trained journalists whether their target audience is B2C or B2B. They may have staff writers but in today’s increasingly flexible work environment, many also or exclusively rely on a stable of trusted, freelance writers and journalists.
Freelance Magazine Writer and Journalist
For many publications, professional magazine writer and journalist Kara Kuryllowicz is one of those trusted suppliers. She has written thousands of feature articles for trade magazines and hundreds for consumer magazines.
Journalists recognize the importance of reporting the facts as they find them and telling the stories as they were told to them. They know what questions need to be asked and how to earn their sources’ trust. They commit to finding data and statistics from reputable organizations to support the quotes, comments and anecdotes.
As importantly, they know how to write a great hook that draws readers in and carries them through the engaging and compelling story they have to tell. That’s not all – they take the time to check their facts and are deeply committed to getting it right every time.
Freelance magazine writer and professional journalist Kara Kuryllowicz has more than three decades of magazine experience earned after graduating from Ryerson University’s three-year degree program as a journalist.
If you’re an editor that needs a trained, experienced magazine writer and journalist:
- Kara’s interview skills are outstanding
- Kara loves asking questions
- Kara always wants to know how and why
- Kara teases out the great anecdotes and quotes
- Kara is adept at getting examples that bring sources’ answers to life
- Kara knows how to find the background
- Kara gets the supporting facts and stats
- Kara always checks her facts
- Kara knows how to tell a great story
- Kara gets it right
- Kara always keeps her editors in the loop regarding the story’s progress and any possible issues
- Kara lets editors know ASAP if a story takes off in an unexpected direction
- Kara NEVER misses a deadline – EVER
So much of today’s online content is written by non-professionals who share a series of so-called facts and opinions on pseudo magazine and news sites. It typically reflects a profound bias and we might even admit to reading that content because it’s often so bad that it’s highly entertaining. However, when we really want to be informed, educated and even entertained, we know it’s time to get a real magazine put together by professional editors, writers and designers.
Contact Kara about an assignment and check out her portfolio!
About Kara – Magazine Writer & Journalist :
Kara Kuryllowicz is a professional freelance writer and journalist who creates a wide variety of content for print and digital publications.
Why is she still doing magazine work after all these years?
She likes learning new things whether it’s about materials management and distribution, manufacturing, IT, lifestyle, MSPs, travel, the plastics industry, real estate or property management.
In short, there is very little that doesn’t pique her curiosity which is great because she is always going to ask questions. She likes getting the facts and there is still nothing better than being able to share a great story!
A great believer in lifelong learning, Kara continues to hone her skills and enhance her experience. In addition to a journalism degree from Ryerson, she has completed the university’s writing for the internet course and is taking George Brown College’s Social Media Marketing program.
In 2005, she completed the Cours de Langue et Civilisation Francaises de La Sorbonne, La Sorbonne, Paris, France. Yes, she got to live in Paris. Yes, it was awesome!
She continues to commit to the various business, writing and editing seminars presented by the Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC), Editors’ Association of Canada (EAC) and International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).
Recent Clients:
| Q Magazine | Purchasingb2b | Fleet Management |
| MM&D | Auto Trader | Canadian Property Manager |
| Resale | New Homes | Condo Guide |
| Beauty & Wellness |
Fast Facts on Magazines Today
Canadians still love their magazines:
- In 2015, digital magazine readership grew by 67% over 2014 and has nearly tripled over the past two years.
- Magazine readership among upper income and managerial/professional Canadians—typically hard-to-reach, high value audiences—remains strong with notably higher audience penetration.
- The total (duplicated) magazine audience of 31,941,000 readers was a combination of 20,604,000* (64.5%) print magazine readers and 11,337,000** (35.5%) digital readers. The net (unduplicated) print/digital magazine audience was 22,560,000 readers.
- 42% of magazine readers are cross-platform readers (print and digital). On average, 9% read digital versions exclusively. This composition varies widely by magazine title.
- Mobile reading is big with 70% of digital readers are using their mobile device to read magazines and newspapers.
Process/Fees – Magazine Writer:
Getting Started:
- Discuss story assignment including specific perspective and angle, key points to be made if known in advance.
- Check out website and other information to gain an understanding of the industry, readership and reach.
- Determine word count and deadline.
- Identify the need for images (photos, charts, graphs),
- Confirm *fee/pay rate and obtain/provide written contract.
- Detail possible sources – Kara recognizes that in many instances, the client/editor wants to recommend and requires the use of certain contacts/firms.
*Fee/Pay Rate: If you’re an editor, you know most magazines pay by the word. Talk to Kara about what word rates or flat fees are mutually acceptable.
Mid-Stage:
- Apprise client/editor of progress.
- Inform client/editor immediately if story is going in an unexpected direction.
- In that event, discussion with client/editor as to next steps and any required adjustment in angle/theme/perspective and the potential impact on word count and timeline.
- If key or recommended sources are unavailable, Kara will again inform client/editor and discuss options.
- Every effort is made to write to word count, but if the information is other than expected, Kara may discuss word count alternations with client/editor.
Final Stage:
- The article is fact checked.
- The article is proof read.
- Article submitted with collateral such as images if required/agreed upon.
