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Magazines, newspapers and e-zines

Started by a_novel_girl at 04-25-2006 10:33 AM. Topic has 1 replies.
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   04-25-2006, 10:33 AM
a_novel_girl

Joined on 03-20-2006
Posts 4
Various questions from a newbie
I'm fairly new at this - trying get a couple of pieces I've written published in a magazine, but am not having much luck. Really, really could use the advice of some of you veterans.

My first question has to do with the market listings. I don't understand what some of the terminology is on the listing itself. For example, on rights, what does "FNAR" mean, and what does "all" mean? And what is a "kill fee"? Any help decoding these listings would be very much appreciated.

How can I improve my query? Is there a section of this website where one can go to improve/study/learn about writing a killer query? I think I need some help with composing this letter. Examples of magazine queries would be great!

Also, what is the take on Rights? I've seen a number of posts where people have mentioned they've managed to sell their articles over and over again, but in my ignorance, I've assumed that once the piece is sold to the magazine, it becomes the mag's property. Can anyone direct me on how to educate myself on rights?

I'll keep surfing the posts, but this specific help would be very good. I am struggling a little here, and could use the wisdom of people who've done this for a while. Thanks in advance ~
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   05-11-2006, 1:54 AM
Bandito63

Joined on 04-03-2005
SW MO
Posts 252
Re: Various questions from a newbie

Hi novel girl,

Most magazines will buy "First North American Serial Rights."  After that, the article rights come back to you and you can sell second rights or reprint rights.  Selling "All" rights mean that they control all media rights.  A "Kill Fee" is a payment to you if they want you to write something and then they decide not to publish your article.  This amount is less that the full published offer.  Because of the rights that are sold, you can't sell an article over and over again.  But, if you sell an article, then rewrite that article with a different slant or aimed at a different market, then you can sell that article again. 

I hope that this information helps.  I'll let someone else help you with the "killer query" letter.  Good luck to you.

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