I can't comment on others but my rides were discovered on the net, through my website and word of mouth. I have friends that annoy the shit outta magazine editors for months and months on end all but begging them on hands and knees, then
finally they get a 1/4 page spread! :laugh: Hey! What ever works I guess lol. Just depends how serious
you're wanting to get in a mag?? :dontknow: I've had a few cars as feature and cover cars in the past and they were found by word by mouth and just in the car scene itself. Mind you, our car scene is a lot smaller down here so it's not as hard to get your name or vehicles out there. Not sure what magazines you are aiming for as some have different criteria. Some will let bone stock trucks in, others have to be fully custom and slammed with 8 tone paint jobs, etc.
How it usually works: In most cases the editor will contact you, ask if you'd like to be in the magazine. Once you confirm then they'll organise a photographer to come around when it suits who will/should also take some notes down about who, why, when, what, how, etc. I usually do a 3-4 page word document about why, when, how etc to help save time and give them a good platform to build from. They'll change it heaps but it helps. If you're not good with cameras and don't have a good camera, then you'll work together to find a nice back drop for some shots, most pro photographers will take around 1-2 hours to get the shots required which are always: profile (side on), front, rear, rear 3/4, front 3/4, engine, interior and then details. Once they have the notes and photos they go away, mix it together and send you a PDF proof.
You confirm all the info is correct that that you're happy and it's off to print and depending when you are slotted in, it could be 3-4 weeks before it's on the stands or 3-4 months. Words of advice -
Make sure you get the proof. I
demand a proof and go over the article with a fine tooth comb and I make sure I am 100% happy with the images because once it's printed and on shelves, it's printed and on the shelves.
Don't worry about being pushy or scaring them away "ruining your chance", they need you as much as you need them and you have to be happy. I know a few guys who didn't ask for a proof and their articles had several mistakes, some minor, some real bad and they regret it now. Below are some of the magazines I've been, not the full articles/speads just enough to show you what they're about. Been in a few others but only readers rides type stuff, half a page or less, still cool though! I'm give or take about getting in. It's cool if I don't, cool if I do, but I won't lie, it is awesome seeing all your hard work in print.
Just one of the many rewards for doing the work yourself. Good luck and keep us posted and post some pictures of your truck for us to perv at!!
Cheers,
Carl
