Magazine Publications

[bfat]

Right now I'm in a very small Humanities program at a state university. I plan on starting my PhD applications next fall (2012) for programs in film, literature, and American culture, and I understand that journal publications are a great thing to have under your belt.

But what about popular magazine publications? I have an article coming out next month that doesn't really have anything to do with my academic study (other than that it's about an aspect of American culture), and I'm wondering if this is a good thing to list on a CV? To discuss in an SoP? Or would it be better to stick to academic publications (which I don't have yet) and research interests?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[CitizenHobbes]

It's a good thing to list on a CV, sure (it's actually something that I'd like to do myself.... could you give more information about that??), but as far as the SoP, you'll want to stick closely to academic pursuits (research interests and anything else immediately relevant to that).

[bfat]

Thanks, Hobbes.

I actually took a course in longform nonfiction narrative with a pretty well-known writer. He liked my work and put me in contact with a magazine editor--after some pitches and drafts, they accepted my article for publication. It comes out this week.

[CitizenHobbes]

Awesome! That's good to hear! I've been doing some writing myself for this online magazine that some of my friends put together. It's a nice change of pace from research/academic writing, and also something that can open up many interesting doors later on after one's phd program! Best of luck to you!

[theadvancededit]

Thanks, Hobbes.

I actually took a course in longform nonfiction narrative with a pretty well-known writer. He liked my work and put me in contact with a magazine editor--after some pitches and drafts, they accepted my article for publication. It comes out this week.

Congrats! I think, given types of programs you're interested it, it only helps you more to put your pop mag article on your CV.