The Magazine Article: How to Think It, Plan It, Write It

by Peter Jacobi

"... this is surely one of the more thoughtful books on magazine journalism. Highly recommended." ―Library Journal "An excellent how-to, guaranteed to satisfy requests from would-be authors." ―Booklist "... provides writers with hundreds of ideas to help stimulate their creative approach to magazine article writing." ―WRITERS’ Journal "All kinds of writers will want to keep this volume on their handiest reference shelf." ―Arts Indiana "For any aspiring magazine writer, or even a practiced one, this book is a treasury of inspiration and solid, eye-opening instruction." ―Herald-Times "More than just another writer’s guide to marketing an article, or coming up with salable ideas, [the book] is actually an idea promoter in that it illustrates the basic principles of good magazine article writing, uses examples from well-known publications, and offers strategies for leading into an involving piece." ―The Midwest Book Review In this indispensable text, veteran journalist Peter Jacobi offers students hundreds of ideas to help them become more creative in their approach to thinking, planning, and writing magazine articles. Packed with useful advice and top-notch examples, this book takes a practical, hands-on approach to help beginning writers turn everyday subjects into compelling features.

Genres: Writing

247 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1991

Reviews

[I Trump · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read much of this very carefully. I don't write much non-fiction, but he had so many interesting examples, I was hooked. It read like fiction to me. You don't have to be in journalism to gain wisdom from this book. If you write articles or even non-fiction books, you will learn a lot. Even his narrative examples had something for fiction writers. I got a sense of why they worked. Worth a read!

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just as Family Guy’s Brian Griffin sets out to make a name for himself as an author of self-help books; Jacobi attempts a similar role in the world of magazine writing. In a world where online news and social media has not yet been invented; Jacobi looks at leading American publications from Time Magazine, The New York Post; and even Playboy. I learnt a lot from the opinions of the articles quoted; even if I choose not to believe that the Encyclopaedia Britannica was established in Chicago or that the roll-top desk is the best piece of furniture ever made. But the again, this is the 90s. It's a shame that no exercises are suggested for aspiring writers other than to read, read, and read; and the majority of this book is taken up by examples of other writers for the reader to devour. But there are some hidden tips squeezed within; such as the beauty of poetic writing and ensuring that structure and purpose are present. There’s also a hidden proof-reading exercise (though I don’t think that’s intentional).

[Lorenzo Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a must for those who wish to write magazine articles that sell. That said, I tell you that it would prove valuable in any form of writing, non-fiction of the reporting and creative types, fiction, poetry, memoirs, and so forth. For the reader, it gives substance to understanding what she or he is reading. How a piece of writing is constructed leads to a better understanding and enjoyment of the material. Of course, the casual reader might dispense with it, but the serious reader who wants to gain something out of a piece of writing other than mere entertainment, could benefit from this book.

[Melynda Burt · Rating 4 out of 5]

one of my textbooks in the journalism program at BYU, I've never really set it down ... use it in writing curriculum for each of my courses and writer's workshops. a must-have reference book for all magazine writers.

[M.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It's a great resource for any writer. Jacobi provides great examples and specific tips that a writer can use immediately to improve his or her writing. I borrowed this book from the library, but I would like to get a copy of my own to keep as a reference.

[Marianna Monaco · Rating 4 out of 5]

hundreds of examples of good writing
out-of-the-box suggestions for topics to write about
a good read for all kinds of writers

[Helen Lemus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Generosity is a wonderful virtue and Peter Jacobi shows this virtue in this must have reference for would be writers of magazine articles.

I enjoyed the real world examples from magazines like Newsweek, The New Yorker, National Geographic and more. The book was logically organized according to the natural writing process-idea, development, drafting and editing. So happy to have found this book.

[Anni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of useful techniques and info here. However, the author's writing style does get on my nerves.