Let’s face it. Some web writers are treading water financially, waiting for that “one big break” that will take them to the next level. If that sounds like you, let’s take a step back and look at some viable options.You don’t have to restrict yourself to writing web content or churning out $30 – $50 blog posts.
In order to fatten your wallet as well as gain credibility as a trusted writer– editorial and column writing may be just the break you are looking for.
How do you break into editorial writing?
Editors want readers to generate their own ideas. Every column has a certain flavor. Do your homework and find out whether the one you are trying to write for is commentary based, personal, informative and witty, or highly opinionated. The best way to match yourself with a potential editor is to realize what type of writer you are and look for a column that seems to appreciate those skills. I tend to be the informative, yet opinionated and humorous writer. I like to find the odd bent or intolerable point to a topic and capitalize on it. If I can get my readers to think in a new way, even if they don’t completely agree, I feel a sense of accomplishment. I also being up to my elbows in research. In my case, I would look for the editor who appreciates a combination of entertainment and information–Borat with a pen.
There is a reading segment that prefers straightforward, less entertaining writing, but articles that can entertaining plus inform stand a better chance at passing the editors acid test. Editors want to see new ways of thinking. Choose an interesting and meaningful slant. You can also simplify the process by going straight to the section of the paper you wanted to publish your column in. Then, look online at about 12 weeks of back articles to see what previous columnists have chosen to write about. Doing so will not only help you to brainstorm new ideas, but it will give you an idea of the overall tone of the column.
Pick a handful of newspapers from http://www.newspaperlinks.com/voyager.cfm, the worldwide newspaper website. Analyze the articles to determine the tone and find several that fit your own writing strengths. Getting accepted by a newspaper is like gettting matched on eHarmony. You have to “be” the perfect fit. Don’t try to fake it. Write genuine articles with your own personal style, tone, and flair. Then go about the business of finding your editorial perfect match.
Editors want to see experience and preparation. Many will ask to review a series of seven or eight articles with word counts ranging from 600 to 2,000. If you are serious about getting your foot in the door, write several articles in advance, so you’ll be prepared. After this, the submission process can begin. Visit http://www.smalltownpapers.com/ for smaller newspapers.
Editors like to know you have properly conducted your research. Newspapers are written to entertain, inform- and sell copies. Can your article be linked to a hot local event? If so, you will maximize your chances of publication. Always try to find an interesting hook to play on. Local newspapers want local flavor. Tie in your article with a related, yet overlooked local personality or monument–anything to inspire editorial interest.
Keep your chosen editors close through networking. Look for opportunities to introduce yourself to editors on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Read what they are Tweeting about and find a way to strike up a conversation. Social networking can help to spark a freindship that can lead to solid work.
Submitting your work. You may find greater success by sending simultaneous submissions. Unless it is stricly prohibited by the particular newspaper you are targeting, there is now reason to limit your submissions to one editor at a time. How much can you make writing a column for a newspaper? Rates of pay for articles vary from $250 on upward.
Bottom line: Don’t box yourself in to writing for one small group or niche market. I am a writer. I love to write, plain and simple. Whether it’s the ghost written blog post for the business owner, the insightful column, or the SEO content for a brand new website…I am there.
–For more information on well researched web content, ghost blogging, or copywriting, please contact Robin Hale with Writers-Elite today.
