Determine the reprint request guidelines of the publication that originally published the material you would like to reprint. For example, as of May 2011, the Los Angeles Times accepts reprint requests through the mediums of fax or e-mail; the Journal of the American Medical Association accepts requests via fax, e-mail or regular mail. To find out the guidelines, look for a contact on the editorial information page near the beginning of the print publication. Alternatively, you can visit the publication's website and look for a link labeled "Reprints."
Gather the information necessary to submit your request. This likely will include the reprint material's title, author, original publication date and issue number. You also will have to describe how you intend to reprint the content. While the Los Angeles Times asks that you simply "describe exactly" how you wish to use the L.A. Times material, the Journal of the American Medical Association requires the specifics of your publication, including publisher, press run of the work that will include the association's content, your publication's funding source and its intended audience.
Compose a request and submit it using one of the means of submission specified in the guidelines. Review your request and make sure it sounds straightforward and professional and is free of grammatical and typographical errors. Double-check that you have included all of the required information, including your contact information.
Follow up on your request if you do not receive a timely response, or if the request is urgent. The Los Angeles Times indicates it will respond within two to five business days and have a dedicated phone number to call if a response is required more quickly.