How to break into writing articles for hard copy pubs
And of course get paid for it. A lot of writers are pleased to get more than $10 for a 500 word article. Most national pubs pay $1.00 a word. Even if you don't have experience you can get hired to write articles on a freelance basis.
The first step is deciding on a topic. It's best if it's one that you know about. Get ideas by going through publications that would be interested in your topic. The public library is a good place to start. Take a couple of hours and leaf through the current issues and 3 or 4 back issues. Get an idea of the style of writing, the length of the article and whether the writer gets a byline or credit. Make notes. Jot down the 'articles editor' and mailing address of the pub. If it has a website write that down too.
Later on when you have some credits the byline won't be as important, but right now you want to build up your portfolio. Stick with pubs that give you a byline.
Take your topic and phrase it as a question. Come up with 4 or 5 bullet points that answer the question. Write a sentence or two for each bullet point. Change the question into a snappy title. Titles are important they snag the editors and reader's attention and draws them into reading the article.
That's the bones of your article and what you will be using for the query letter to the editor.
A query letter is addressed personally to the articles editor or to whichever you feel would be a good fit.
The first paragraph states that it is a query for a XXX word article. Then your title, bullet points and sentences.
The second paragraph shows why that particular magazine's readers would find the article valuable.
The third paragraph outlines why you are the best writer for the article based on your experience and writing credits. If you don't have writing credits emphasize your experience.
Some people advice including a self addressed stamped envelope with the query letter so the editor can send you a rejection. I don't do that. If the editor is interested they won't send a letter they'll call you.
Any questions? Anybody else have advice?
The first step is deciding on a topic. It's best if it's one that you know about. Get ideas by going through publications that would be interested in your topic. The public library is a good place to start. Take a couple of hours and leaf through the current issues and 3 or 4 back issues. Get an idea of the style of writing, the length of the article and whether the writer gets a byline or credit. Make notes. Jot down the 'articles editor' and mailing address of the pub. If it has a website write that down too.
Later on when you have some credits the byline won't be as important, but right now you want to build up your portfolio. Stick with pubs that give you a byline.
Take your topic and phrase it as a question. Come up with 4 or 5 bullet points that answer the question. Write a sentence or two for each bullet point. Change the question into a snappy title. Titles are important they snag the editors and reader's attention and draws them into reading the article.
That's the bones of your article and what you will be using for the query letter to the editor.
A query letter is addressed personally to the articles editor or to whichever you feel would be a good fit.
The first paragraph states that it is a query for a XXX word article. Then your title, bullet points and sentences.
The second paragraph shows why that particular magazine's readers would find the article valuable.
The third paragraph outlines why you are the best writer for the article based on your experience and writing credits. If you don't have writing credits emphasize your experience.
Some people advice including a self addressed stamped envelope with the query letter so the editor can send you a rejection. I don't do that. If the editor is interested they won't send a letter they'll call you.
Any questions? Anybody else have advice?
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GuruGazette -
Thanks
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