How Do I Get a Job Writing for Rolling Stone Magazine?

Rolling Stone magazine was founded in 1967 by Jann Wenner. The magazine averages 1.4 million copies per issue and covers entertainment, sports, politics and pop culture, with an emphasis on the music industry. The magazine is also available in digital format that includes content channels, blogs and access to more than 1,000 back issues. Rolling Stone appeals to a young, upwardly mobile demographic; the median income of a typical reader is more than $84,000. Getting a writing opportunity for the magazine is challenging, but you can do a few things to improve your prospects.

Obtain a two-year associate degree or a bachelor's degree in journalism, mass communications or new media. This provides you with a solid foundation in news writing and magazine writing as well as digital publishing, broadcasting, video and social media. Seek every opportunity to write and get feedback on how to improve.

Visit the magazine's website RollingStone.com. Click on the "Contact" link at the bottom of the home page and locate the email for internship inquiries.

Compose an email detailing your interest in becoming an intern. In the subject line of the email, specify the type of internship you want -- online, print, editorial, photo, editorial production or video. An internship gives you a real-world view of what it takes to write for the magazine and can help you make valuable contacts for possible employment.

Pitch a feature article about a subject that fits the magazine's profile. Rolling Stone is a cutting-edge magazine with stories on rising musicians, established celebrities, political profiles, investigative reports, American culture and music reviews. Ensure that your article idea has a fresh spin and is culturally relevant. Visit the Contact section of the website and locate the option to reach the editors with a story idea. If you want the name of the editor for a specific section of the magazine, click "Click Here to View the RollingStone.com Staff."

Create a pop culture blog that showcases your writing talent and your "voice," which is the way you write that sets you apart from other writers. Your writing should have a strong point of view. You should be knowledgeable about feature films, television, politics, culture and especially music. A well-written blog can become your calling card when you pitch an idea to Rolling Stone.

Note

Writing for Rolling Stone is challenging. It may take a few years before an article you pitch is commissioned by the magazine. Meanwhile, seek a position with a local or regional entertainment magazine.

You should keep writing and improving your skills as you wait for that big break.

Get to know Rolling Stone staff through social media and professional groups.

Rolling Stone does not advertise jobs and rarely hires staff writers. Your best chance of working with the magazine is writing feature articles as a freelance writer. Be aware that the magazine receives many feature article pitch ideas and may not respond to your email inquiry or may send you a form letter response.