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Writing Garden Articles

19 years ago

I've been lurking for a while, but finally decided to ask a question or two. I've written over a wide field of interests, crafts, historical, for children, even have a children's novel to my credit. But what I like to do most, and what keeps me away from the CPU is Gardening! I've done a few articles on plants I grow, and I've written a weekly gardening column for 11 years. But I'm thinking I'd like to venture into garden magazines. I know, guidelines, study styles, formats, etc. But what I need to know is how to find the markets. Few are listed in Writer's Market. Have other garden writers found joining the Ass of Garden Writers useful? Or do you just buy the mags and send for guidelines as I've been doing? Any helpful hints would be appreciated. Jerry

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Comments (7)

katycopsey
19 years ago
Forgive me if this appears twice! Somehow the first one evaporated.
Anyway the best thing I did was to join Garden Writers Association. It is not cheap and the meetings are reasonably priced until you count the getting there and staying! BUT... the networking is invaluable. You cannot beat getting to meet the editors face to face and getting a feel for what they want. Or plant people from university research places that are a great resource for articles.
However, even with such networking, it still comes down to finding the right angle and article to reach an editor at the right time - networking can only get you introductions, not outright work!
Which ever way you choose, network locally with freelance writers, and garden writers and enjoy what you do - we are gardeners first and writers second! Good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: Garden Writer's Association
John_D
19 years ago
Some of us are writers first and gardeners second, but I'm quibbling.
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Jane, I apologize for snapping at you as I did. That was rude. My suggestion, if stated more politely, is valid. Each thread in this forum explores a gardening topic of some sort and can be the basis for a gardening article. Some threads are of more general interest than others and some go into more depth than others. Pick a good one, flesh it out with additional information by Googling, check your facts, again by Googling, and you have an article. About writing in general, I think you might find the book, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance interesting. It contains some really helpful insights into developing writing skills. Good luck with your writing. Jim
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Have you been seeing any of the comments on cable programs about the same? Especially on the evening shows on CNN and MSNBC? There is talk that the loss of free speech is now a double standard--Imus has the right to say things, as anyone does int he US. He seemingly crosses a line and all can call for him to chop his head off. However, others can make anti-Christian or very sexually suggestive things (and get by FCC fines) and yet they keep their jobs in local radio markets. Yes, things said can be distasteful or ridiculous, but remember it's THEIR comment. Same with Rosie O'DOnnell. Let her blab. Disagree. Protect the fact you can retort against her and now worry about (as in the Middle East or in Latin AMerica) you will be stoned, mamed, imprisoned or killed. It's disgusting that it boils down to ratings and $$$. Regardless, AMericans have the right to speech. And you and I have the right to talk back and choose other non-violent means to stand up to it.
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brandon7, I was wasn't addressing you, just theoretical naysayers in general. We have discussed the issue before in some detail and, in fact, are more or less in agreement. Grethenanne, I brought up an interesting point in a prior thread. Zones were moved down considerably following several very cold winters in the early 80's. Remember when Florida orange growers suffered HUGE loses (84?)? Prior to this, Knoxville was very safely in zone 7. The update reflected these very cold winters (Wilmington, NC in zone 7?!? The same Wilmington with Spanish moss covered live oaks and trunked palmettos?! Trunked palmettos (not s. minor) defoliate at around 15(?) degrees. Most experts seems to agree that the USDA is at least 1/2 zone too conservative. Also, many publications that I have read agree that suburban and especially urban conditions add at least 1/2 zone (also decent-sized bodies of water). You know all the pampas grass you see planted around town? Zone 7b. Cannas? 7b. Atlas and Deodar Cedars? 7a. Figs? 7a. Elephant Ears? 7b. Indian Hawthorn? 7a (at least). Cast Iron Plant? 7b. Weeping Yaupon holly? 7a. Acuba? 7a. Camellia sasanqua and japonica? 7a-7b (varies with variety, I think). Spanish Bayonnet? 7a. Oak Leaf hydrangea? 7a. Cleyera? 7a. Don't miss out on the increased selection of gardening in zone 7:)
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Comments (2)
You can contact the National Agricultural Library--they may be able to help you ;-)
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eddie_ga_7a
19 years ago
This reminds me of the two books I just bought on songwriting: Idiots Guide To Songwriting and Songwriting for Dummies. When I got through reading them I was truly thankful that I had written my songs BEFORE I read those books, otherwise I might have been so intimidated and confused that they would have never been written. That's my way of saying to just go ahead and do it (write the articles) then shop them around to the editors of gardening books that you see on the newsstand or bookstores. About the Garden Writers Association, If I was forced to reduce my membership in gardening organizations to just one - GWA would be the one I would keep. It means a lot to me to read their newsletter, go to their symposia, visit out-of-this-world gardens and meet the greatest garden people on the face of this earth.
clfo
18 years ago
I echo KatyCopsey and Eddie - Join Garden Writers and come to the meeting this September! You are fortunate - you'll be able to drive from where you live. You'll connect with editors and other writers. The GWA has an on-line directory of publishers (book AND magazines) that you can download as a member. Contact names and addresses. See you in Canada in September?
happyintexas
18 years ago
I've had good luck in other magazine genre with finding writer's guidelines online. Often I have to do a site search to find them, but what a treasure trove when you do. Just go to the magazine's site and explore. Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and ask which editor to send submissions to.

Good Luck!

Happy
robin_maine
18 years ago
You're welcome to email me for the guidelines for the online magazine I edit. My email address is linked in my profile.
JerryHarbor
Original Author
18 years ago
Thank you all for the fine advice about garden writing. Jerry

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