Freelancing acquisitions

If you’re a freelance writer and you want to write for magazines, odds are you need to actually read the magazines you wish to write for. News stand prices can be a bit steep for a writer who is trying to keep overhead low. Here’s how I manage to read magazines, without blowing my budget.

Ask friends, family and local business owners if you can borrow or have their old issues. You’ll be surprised at how many of them will be thrilled to let you have the publications that would otherwise end up in the trash or recycling bins.

Go to your local library. If they don’t have the title you’re looking for, ask the librarian to add it to their subscription list. It won’t cost you a cent to read them there, with the added benefit of some quiet time.

Sometimes magazines offer free subscriptions in the hopes the reader will like it so much, they’ll renew at the end of the free term. Type “free magazine subscription” into your search engine and see what’s available.

Subscribe to or become a member of a “frugal” or “freebies and bargains” message board or forum. You’ll find not only information about free or inexpensive magazines, but other items you might need.

Shop around. If the only option available is to pay for a subscription, look for the best price available. You should never have to pay full retail price for a magazine when you subscribe.