Do you have a great idea for a magazine article? While getting the idea from your head to your computer might seem difficult -- "How do I get that interview? What’s a great pun I can use for the introduction? Just how am I going to end it?" -- writing is the easy part. It's getting published that's the difficult part. How do I know? Well, before I landed this awesome job at Weekly Reader, I too tried my hand at freelance writing, with varying degrees of success. Luckily, all you aspiring writers out there in computer land can benefit from my tips--written from experience. I learned the hard way so you don't have to.  :)

For starters, pick a magazine you want to send your idea to, and make sure they accept submissions. Try to look on its Web site to see if there are any guidelines. If you request the guidelines, send a self-addressed stamped envelope. Editors aren't going to shell out their own dough to send you a response. And know your audience! If you want to write an article on the newest monster truck in a magazine about cooking, chances are, it's not going to happen.

Next, send a query letter or e-mail. What's a query letter? I'm glad you asked. This is a letter stating what your article is going to be about, why the readers would be interested in it, the proposed word count, info like that. Most editors will not read unsolicited manuscripts. If they like your idea, they will contact you and work out the details.

And on that note, when you are sending your query, send it to someone. Preferably a real person whose name you saw on the masthead. (Yes, this requires some research. But researching by reading magazines is definitely more fun than researching for a big history paper. At least, it is in my opinion.) Editors hate it when they receive letters addressed "To whom it may concern." Even worse if you address it "To Sir," and the editor is female. Trust me on that one.

Be prepared to send out lots of queries without any response. Editors are busy people--writing their articles and blogs and all--and if they don't like the idea they might not write back. Rejection comes with the territory, but it builds character. (Or characters for your next story. Get it?) If an editor does say yes, don't pitch the idea to a different magazine as well. It'll get the editor mad if you recant, plus it's just not cool. You never know who knows whom, and sometimes scorned editors talk. You don't want to be blacklisted from all magazines!

Anyway, dear writer, those are some of my tips. Now go forth and, well, write! And good luck to you.