As a wildlife photographer, you probably dream of seeing your name on a multi-page photo story in a glossy magazine, but it's not always easy to get your work published. I've compiled 76 top tips to help you improve your chances. Here are the next 10...
Tip 41: Ask intelligent questions. Inquire about the mag's future photo needs and the suitability of any projects you are working on.
Tip 42: Be aware. Editors are always up against a deadline and don’t have a lot of time. It’s your job to make their job easier for them.
Tip 43: Give advance warning. Tell your chosen editor about anything big you are working on that you think they might be interested in, especially if you know they like your work.
Tip 44: Phone calls aren’t always the best way to promote your photos – every editor's time is tight. And never ever pitch via social media!
Tip 45: Less is more. Email the editor about 10–15 of your best images that showcase the quality and variety of your work.
Tip 46: Choose wisely. When pitching, concentrate on the pictures that are best-suited to the mag, its readers and your story idea. Don't just send everything you've got.
Tip 47: Target a section. Show you are familiar with the mag and have considered its needs by specifying which section you are targeting.
Tip 48: Think ahead. Many mags are “long-lead” which means that they work several months – or even years – ahead, so pitch early.
Tip 49: Keep it brief. Anything longer than a few hundred words will have the editor flicking to the next email (or making tea).
Tip 50: Be honest. If you've manipulated your images or used live bait, highlight this to the editor so they can make an informed decision about whether they want to use them.
Tip 42: Be aware. Editors are always up against a deadline and don’t have a lot of time. It’s your job to make their job easier for them.
Tip 43: Give advance warning. Tell your chosen editor about anything big you are working on that you think they might be interested in, especially if you know they like your work.
Tip 44: Phone calls aren’t always the best way to promote your photos – every editor's time is tight. And never ever pitch via social media!
Tip 45: Less is more. Email the editor about 10–15 of your best images that showcase the quality and variety of your work.
Tip 46: Choose wisely. When pitching, concentrate on the pictures that are best-suited to the mag, its readers and your story idea. Don't just send everything you've got.
Tip 47: Target a section. Show you are familiar with the mag and have considered its needs by specifying which section you are targeting.
Tip 48: Think ahead. Many mags are “long-lead” which means that they work several months – or even years – ahead, so pitch early.
Tip 49: Keep it brief. Anything longer than a few hundred words will have the editor flicking to the next email (or making tea).
Tip 50: Be honest. If you've manipulated your images or used live bait, highlight this to the editor so they can make an informed decision about whether they want to use them.
There are still plenty more tips to come next week. Now you've pitched your story, it's time to impress with your professionalism and build long-term editorial relationships.