Written my first magazine article. Now what?

[BonnesVacances]

I pitched an idea for an article to a specialist magazine and was commissioned to write it with no guarantees to publish. I've now written and submitted it and the editor has told me it'll be published and asked for a bio photo.

What happens next? Will I get paid, told what issue it'll be in, receive a copy of the magazine for my 'portfolio'? This is all completely new to me but I don't want ask these questions to the editor and give away my inexperience (though they know I haven't been published before).

Tbh I'd have written it for free as it's a subject close to my heart, so didn't sort anything out before sending it through. I'd have just been happy to get it published. But just trying to figure out what happens now and if I have to do anything?

Email them and ask! Say, what details do you need about me? Shall I send you a photo? Which issue will the article be printed in? Please send me a free copy.

You should really have sorted out payment before writing the article! But ask about that too.

Just get business-like: 'Where should I send my invoice?' They will probably just reply and tell you to send it to them or to Person X.

Then just look online for a template invoice, describe the work you did 'Article for April issue', put in your details and email it over.

Ask where to send the invoice to and for how much - 'How much do you usually pay for an article of this length and who will I send my invoice to?'

And just ask for a copy, they'll be used to that!

And congratulations!