How to Submit to Black Belt Magazine: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Submit to Black Belt Magazine: A Step-by-Step Guide

So, you wanna be a writer for Black Belt Magazine huh? That’s like wanting to be a ninja but with more paper cuts. I mean, who wouldn’t want their name in fancy letters next to stories about kicking butt and taking names? But before you start dreaming of karate fame or licking envelopes like you’re in a glue-eating contest, let me give you the lowdown on how to submit your magnificent masterpiece. It’s easier than ninjaing your way through a bag of potato chips. Ready? Let’s go!

Step 1: Know Your Audience

First up is knowing who you’re talking to. It’s like trying to sell ice cream at a gym; people just ain’t gonna buy it. Black Belt readers are martial arts lovers, so write something they love! Think battles with the bad guys, epic karate moves, or even your grandma’s secret kung fu techniques with her broom.

Step 2: Perfect Your Pitch

Now it’s pitch time! Your pitch should be like a perfect roundhouse kick—sharp, precise, and sending everyone back against the wall saying WOW! Write an email that says hey look at this awesome idea I got and why you should care! Keep it cool and casual like you’re inviting your friend over to binge-watch some ninja movies.

Step 3: The Article Itself

So you’ve got the go-ahead from the editors (or they’re still looking for their reading glasses). Now it’s time to write your article. Make sure it’s packed with awesome tips or stories that make people wanna jump outta their seats. Don’t forget catchy titles too—like “How I Used Karate To Defeat My Neighbor’s Lawn Gnome.” Write like you’re on fire…but not literally because that would be bad.

Step 4: Follow the Rules

But hold up! There’s rules. Yep, nobody likes them but imagine if we wrote under water without rules—total chaos! Go check their website for submission guidelines. They might want specific word counts, types of articles, or what kind of coffee they drink on Tuesdays (just kidding about that last one).

Step 5: Proper Formatting

Here comes the boring stuff—formatting. Your article shouldn’t look like it was written during an earthquake. Make it clean and nice with paragraphs and spaces so even your goldfish can read it easily if he had thumbs. Just pretend you are putting together your favorite comic book and everything needs to fit nicely.

Step 6: Edit Like You’re Hercules

Now you gotta edit like Hercules lifting weights but also wearing glasses ‘cause he’s getting old yo! Look for typos cause trust me nobody wants to see “kicking butt” turn into “kicking cats.” Also maybe ask a friend or two to read it over or check if they can take any mistakes out—or just throw some dandelions at ’em if they’re annoying.

Step 7: Hit Send

And finally… drum roll please… send that baby off! Hitting send is kinda like throwing a shuriken—it flies away into the unknown world of editors probably sipping coffee while reading submissions with deep ponderous faces. Just chill after sending it cause they’ll get back when they’re good and ready—and not faster than a turtle running uphill.

Fun FAQ Section

Question: How long does it take them to reply?
Answer: It could take weeks or months… Time really moves slower than my grandma playing bingo!

Question: Can I submit anything?
Answer: Not really! They don’t want your grocery list or cat haiku… stick to martial arts stuff.

Question: What if my article gets rejected?
Answer: Well don’t take it personal! Even Steven Spielberg gets rejected sometimes—imagine THAT!

Question: Is there payment for articles?
Answer: Yup sometimes, depends on what they feel like giving ya which is kinda mysterious by nature…like ninjas!

Question: Do I need special training for writing?
Answer: Nah just aim for fun ideas—not fighting skills unless you wanna battle at Starbucks!

Question: Can I write about other styles besides karate?
Answer: Sure thing—kickboxing, judo whatever floats yer boat. Just make sure its cool!

Question: What if I have no experience writing?
Answer: Experience schmerience…Just keep punching those keys until magic happens!

There ya go buddy! Now go unleash that inner writer-ninja before someone steals all your ideas!