Read several copies of the Rodale magazine you would like to be published in.
Submit a small piece to areas of the magazine that do not require a query, such as "Rave Run" and "Life and Time" in "Runner's World." Since staff members write the majority of articles in the Rodale magazines, these shorter departments accept reader content and are often easier to get published than feature articles or larger departments. The "Runner's World" editors encourage electronic submissions (rwedit@rodale.com) within the body of the email, not as an attachment. No confirmation of receipt or notice of rejection will be sent to you; only acceptances are acknowledged.
Submit a "Malegrams" piece to "Men's Health," just to get your foot in the door. This is a small article of about 200 words. After getting this type of article printed, submit a proposal for larger pieces. To query "Men's Health," submit a one-page, single-spaced proposal with the first paragraph similar to the completed piece, along with names of people you will interview, research sources and anecdotes. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. If you want to send a manuscript, format it with one-inch margins and double- or triple-spaced. Make sure you send a copy (not your original manuscript) to "Men's Health" (Rodale Inc.; 33 E. Minor St.; Emmaus, PA 18098-0099).
If you are writing or have written a book you want to publish with Rodale, read several titles to ensure you know the type of submissions the company accepts.
Prepare a concise book proposal complete with an beginning that captures the editor's attention, sources you plan to interview, insight you may have and a marketing platform that depicts who your target audience is, how the book can be marketed and what you are willing to do to promote the book. Keep your proposal to one side of one page.
Submit your book proposal to the Rodale editor who publishes your specific genre. For instance, as of publication, Tami Booth Corwin is editor-in-chief of the Women's Health Books division (400 S. Tenth Street; Emmaus PA 18098; 610-967-8775). The Book Market website (bookmarket.com/health.htm) lists other editors and their divisions.
Write your manuscript and submit the carefully proofread copy to your Rodale editor, if she accepts your proposal. Follow the editor's advice and instruction for revisions. Work cooperatively with your editor to see your dream book in print.