How can I get my magazine published?

As an amateur can I get an article published in a big newspaper or magazine like Chicago tribune or Newsweek?

• I am just 15, I wrote an article and everybody seemed to love it, I am really interested in getting it published in a prestigious newspaper or Magazine like Chicago tribune or Newsweek or New York times or the times. I was wondering if any of these magazines had a section especially for amateurs or so and if Yes, what are the steps that need to be taken to apply for a spot there. P.S. I am not in the States. I am overseas.

• Answer:

  The major publications have their own writers. Guest editorials are sometimes featured, but it's usually written by someone prominent in the community, nation or world. I don't know what the individual papers' policies are, But your first step might be to talk to an English teacher at your school - what's his/her advice? Teachers can have all kinds of contacts that could benefit you. You don't say what area your article is in - but news publications want input that's timely. Something to keep an eye out for: some newspapers periodically extend an invitation to members of the community to become guest writers. My sister does this for a major newspaper. The article usually has to be something that would be considered of interest to the paper's circulation ... local news issues. Have you looked through a copy of Writer's Market? They list all the major magazines, whether or not they'll accept unsolicited manuscripts, and whom to contact. I hope you'll pursue different avenues about this; what you see here is just one person's opinion, and I don't work on a newspaper; I work on a magazine that isn't a news magazine. So others may have a better take on this. Best of luck!