Some writers get their work commissioned by magazine editors and art directors or even get commissioned to do work specifically for an upcoming issue, especially once a relationship has been established. But, how do you introduce yourself and get your work published when you don't already have the "in"?

How do you train for a marathon or big climb? You start running, you start climbing. I want to say “just start.” But, I know it isn’t that straightforward. There are definitely some pointers I wish I had known when I started out – things I had to discover on my own in a fairly long, drawn-out process that continues to this day. Here are my best tips.