By Jennifer Brown Banks
"More than 25 percent of the U.S. population
is now African American, Asian, Hispanic, and Native
American."
--Hispanic Magazine.com
Looking for ways to increase your bottom line? Build
your portfolio? Have cross over appeal? Consider
penning pieces for ethnic markets. Many writers
mistakenly overlook the abundant opportunities
available through these publications. According to
Hispanic Magazine .com, Latino buying power equals
about $450 billion and Asian Americans boast $229
billion, which accounts for a great consumer presence.
Truth is, you don't have to be African-American, or
Asian or Hispanic to appeal to this readership. Good
writing transcends racial and religious backgrounds.
Although there are issues inherent to these audiences,
there are many universal, topical themes as well.
Regardless of category, most lifestyle and general
interest magazines contain the following departments:
RELATIONSHIPS/LOVE
FASHION/BEAUTY
HEALTH/FITNESS
CAREERS
Pick one. Then do a little background research.
Approach the subject as you would typically do, but
incorporate statistics, data, and language that will
allow you to connect and convey knowledge of your
target group.
For example, let's look at the subject of health.
Obesity is a growing concern for many Americans. It
affects African- Americans disproportionately due to
diet and lifestyle differences. Read about it. Write
about it. In your voice, your views.
Another hot topic for ethnic markets is diversity
issues. How has it affected your neighborhood? Your
workplace? Your perspective?
Don't forget to use anecdotes and quotes. Enlist the
input of friends, colleagues and church members.
Be up to the challenge!
Here are a few writer-friendly ethnic markets to help
broaden your horizons and increase your cash flow:
BEING SINGLE MAGAZINE— www.beinsinglemag.com
Accepts articles of 800-1,200 words on relationships,
parenting, fashion, and items of interest to single
men and women from 25-60.
LATINA STYLE MAGAZINE-www.latinastyle.com
Addresses concerns of Latina women in the workplace.
TODAY'S BLACK WOMAN- www.todaysblackwoman.com is a
general lifestyle magazine for black women—married or
single that deals with diverse issues like love,
career, family and health topics.
CATALINA MAGAZINE- www.catalina magazine.com is
designed for bicultural Hispanic women 18 and older.
Contains recipes, beauty and fashion tips and more.
ESSENCE MAGAZINE-www.essence.com Seeks articles on
personal growth, celebrity profiles, social and
political commentary, and relationships, for and about
black women.
----
Jennifer Brown Banks
Writer/Poet/Author/Consultant
