Get some journalism knowledge - www.poynter.com

then read the mags u want to work for. see what kind of content they publish. submit an article idea to them or submit the full article. keep doing this until you have a portfolio of features - then apply for full-time work.

be warned - magazines pay far less than PR, and often less than the R2 a word reccommended by the freelancers assoc of SA.

good luck.

Hey there
It's hard getting into a magazine. I work at one now, but started in newspapers - that's where most of the mags get their people from anyways, its a good grounding. Another option is to volunteer, if you can afford to work without pay, for an internship to get some idea of what it takes to get in. Just some suggestions...

The advice we, at Associated Magazines, always give aspiring magazine journalists is to get trained as a sub-editor. Subs are always in demand, so there are always opportunities even when starting out. Good subs can become excellent editors, and, once a person has subbed bad copy - they learn to recognise the good stuff, which still counts if they are to become a decent writer, features editor or editor! When embarking on a career in journalism, it is possible to get subbing shift work on magazines and newspapers (and therefore valuable experience) far easier than you could get employed as a junior writer, for e.g. Further down the line, being able to sub competently means that you have the choice to work flexibly, or from home.
And, the more good subs we start with - the better for the industry.
Good luck, all of you!

Couldn't help over-hearing. I am an experienced magazine writer intent on branching out into sub-editing. Where in Cape Town can I enrol for a "quickie" in sub-editing?

The other respondents have all hit the nail on the head. My only tip to you is that editors are keen adherents of the mantra 'seeing is believing.' Get your byline out there by bombarding editors with freelance pieces you have written. This gives one an idea whether they can use you on a future project. Don't be put off by the usual ruse that "unsolicted material is not welcome." How else do you get a chance if you don't solicit? You are getting it from the horse's mouth; someone who used the same approach and it worked.

I have been doing this at a local magazine for a few weeks at a time over the past 18 months . I do whatever is needed - whether it's phonecalls, tea or interviews. I've gained invaluable experience in both editorial and the general running of a magazine office - excellent experience and one hell of a ride!

My dear, I am in the same position as you but I believe that when you start somewhere with something. I am working for peanuts as an editor of a local magazine though I know that my heart is somewhere far from here. I am enjoying it and doing it as though I was in my dream magazine though I must be honest with you, it is challenging but the reward is doing something you love.