Karen Taylor-Vermaak completed her Magazine Journalism Course at SA Writers College (www.sawriterscollege.co.za) in February 2010. She has since become a regular contributor for Fitness Magazine.
An Interview with Karen Taylor-Vermaak
What writing successes have you had since completing your course?
I was lucky enough to have my first article about Carbohydrates published in the May issue of Fitness Magazine. A second article was published in the September issue and I was then invited to become a regular contributor. I have just submitted my fourth feature article for their January issue.
How does it feel to sell your first article?
It’s a bit unreal at first. The sense of pride and achievement I felt when I first saw my name and article in print was unforgettable.
What have you learned from actually working in the industry (as opposed to the theory of it)?
The magazine industry works like any other industry that relies on freelance staff – if you make an effort, stick to deadlines and deliver on the brief, you’ll prove your worth quickly. Hard work pays off.
“…If you make an effort, stick to deadlines and deliver on the brief, you’ll prove your worth quickly.”
What tip(s) would you give other aspirant journalists?
You can never do enough research. The more research you do, the better your understanding of a topic and the easier it becomes to write about it in your own voice.
How did the writing course help your writing?
The course covered all the essential steps and basic information I needed to know about writing for magazines. My tutor’s help was invaluable and she really made an effort to get me to scrutinize how and what I was writing.
