Let the readers know
what is in store for them by the " blaze" in
your first paragraphs of an article. There are
two kinds of
articles; those which cover things in general
and can be
published at most any time, and current events.
The best place to
start with these kind of articles is the local
newspaper with a
goal of syndication to many other media.
In order dor acceptance
by the editor there must be a local twist
of personal interest to the readers. The ununusual
and odd things
abot people and their vocation and gives the
reader a departure
from the daily drudgery are the best and most
saleable articles
to write about. This includes adventure,mystery,
murder, money,
accidents, discoveries, economy, history, illness,
jail,
jealousy, obsessions, quacks, struggles, taxes,
etc.
You must attract attention
from the first words when writing
feature stories for a newspaper type publication,
where as a
novel or short story for a magazine builds to
a climax and
generally clears up all the loose ends at completion
For a magazine article
to sell to the publisher "action" in the
first and last part is a must, while the body
copy is devoted to
narrative or explanations with a number of vital
incidents to
keep the action alive. Keep the writing "flowing"
in such a
manner the reader will anxiously read ahead to
see what happens
next.
When it is possible
to do so without distorting the truth, add
some fiction to your life stories to keep them
interesting and
alive! Submit 8x 10 glossy print photos if possible
as often the
picture will be the difference between acceptance
and rejection.
It will pay you to get a good camera so you can
snap pictures to
go along with the articles.
When submitting your
copy, put your name, address and phone
number at the upper left cover of the first page
and total number
of words containeed in the article on the upper
right side. If
you are submitting an article to the newspaper
a title will not
be necessary as the editor will usually determine
after reviewing
the article.
Leave plently of room
at the top of the pages, use double spacing
and wide margins so there is plenty of space
for editing. Number
the pages at the top. preferable on the right
hand side. Type
only on the front side of each page. Enclose
a Stamped, self
addressed return envelope. Lay it out so your
name always appears
with the article so that you will gain recognition
as a writer.
There are millions of
things to write about so you should nver be
without ideas for your articles. To get the ideas
all you need to
do is go through the dictionary and write about
anything and
everything that comes to mind, based on the more
practical words.