Imagine how it would feel, knowing your work is going to be published in a magazine every month. Wouldn’t it be better to have the certain knowledge that your article is going to appear in print, instead of writing in hope of eventual publication? For most beginner writers, and even many established ones, this would be a dream come true. In fact, it is a dream that each and every one of us can make come true. By pitching for, and writing, a regular column, your by-line could be appearing in local and national publications.
It isn’t as difficult or unattainable as it might seem. The steps which follow could help to turn your dreams into reality.
Identifying a Market
You don’t have to be an expert to write on a particular subject, but you must have an interest and a degree of knowledge. The first thing to decide is where your particular forte (be it expertise or ineptitude) lies. I mention ineptitude because writing regularly on a subject doesn’t have to be a serious treatise, or even a how-to type article. For example, writing for a gardening magazine isn’t confined to horticultural experts. Many magazines welcome humour and, for instance, a column about the disasters of a black-fingered, but enthusiastic, gardener could be a winner.
I write a regular column for Living France Magazine, mainly about life as an expatriate living in a small French town, but much of my column is devoted to the humorous situations that arise as a result of my appalling grasp of the French language.
Regardless of whether it’s children, computers, dogs, trains, boats or planes, everyone has areas of interest that could form the basis of a column. The trick is in getting an editor to see the benefits to his readership.
Building a Relationship
It’s very rare that an editor will give a column to someone who has never previously written for the title. The most important phase, therefore, is forming a good relationship with the editor of your chosen publication. Getting to know his taste and mindset is essential. By submitting lots of queries which eventually lead to writing a few articles for the title you will be able to familiarise yourself with the magazine’s style and content needs. You will also be bringing your name and work into continual contact with the editor.
When the time comes for you to pitch for a column, he or she will already know who you are and, more importantly, the quality of your work.
What’s Your Angle?
Research is vital. You need to decide on an angle that isn’t yet being used in your target publication, but that may be a successful feature of a rival title, or perhaps identify a new section or a different slant that hasn’t yet been used anywhere else. The history of local landmarks, easily accessible country walks, language pieces, an agony aunt column, pets corner – all of these are old ideas which could be changed to fit your particular writing style. The secret is in adapting the idea so that it reflects your personality. When I took over the Dernier Mot column it had previously contained much political commentary, which is not my forte at all. I proposed writing from a humorous slant with interesting facts included where appropriate. This not only suited my style, but it also gave something fresh to the readership.
Pitching for a Column
Once you’ve decided on an angle, you will have to sell it in such a way that the editor is happy that not only is your idea sound, but that you’ve given sufficient thought to the entire process. To pitch for a column you need to convince the editor that her magazine would benefit from having the column you’ve suggested. She needs to know who would read your work on a regular basis and why. What is it about your idea that is different and fresh?
He or she will also want to know that you can produce the copy week after week or month after month. The idea might be brilliant, but that means nothing if you can’t provide the work as required. To convince her you will need to send in at least three completed pieces, outlines for six more and a list of topics to cover another six. This way the editor knows that there will be a continuous supply of articles. A professional approach will reassure her that you will operate in a professional manner.
Never Miss a Deadline
Keeping deadlines, or even better beating them, is the best way to stay at the top of the editor’s love list. Working at least one month ahead of your deadline means you’ll be able to present your copy on time even if something unforeseen prevents you from writing for a week or two. It’s a good idea to keep at least one or two back up pieces, to use in case of illness and/or holidays. If at all possible, plan your work so that you have a clear idea of your subject matter, not just for the next month, but for the next three months.
Once you have one column to your name, why not look at other areas of your life. What else could you write about on a regular basis? As long as the titles are not in competition (in my case other Country-themed magazines) there is no reason why you shouldn’t write for more than one publication each month.
Don’t forget local newspapers might be interested in a weekly column on the same subject, but perhaps with a different slant, as your monthly column if you can show the editor your idea would suit his readership. Do first check that the newspaper pays freelance writers.
Apart from the financial aspect, there is something immensely satisfying in being able to say I have my own column and, of course, it looks good on a covering letter when submitting queries.
So, what’s your angle?
© Lorraine Mace 2005
