Have you ever picked up a book, magazine, read an article on the web and I said to yourself “I could do better than that.” Then why not read these ten top tips then give it a go?
Top tip one:
Start small. Think about writing a letter to your local paper or your favourite magazine. They are always looking for good reader letters, tips, recipes and humorous stories. The buzz you’ll get from seeing your first piece in print will spur you on to bigger and better things. You may even receive a cash prize, vouchers or gift.
Top tip two:
Read, read and then read some more. Take every opportunity to read everything you can from books to magazines to the web to the newspaper, even the bill boards. How are you going to improve your own word power, know what is hot and what is not unless you read?
Top tip three:
Get in the habit of writing everyday, even if you decide to delete all of it later. As with all things it is about practice, practice, practice. How else are you going to hone your skills unless you write, write and write some more?
Top tip four:
Join a writing club. These not only give you the chance to bounce ideas off of other members but also you can discuss each others work and find out what works and what does not. You never know someone may come up with a plot twist or that dramatic ending that has been eluding you.
Top tip five:
In the beginning it is best to write about what you know. So think about the magazines you buy. Drag out all those old issues and look at what they’ve covered. Is there something you know a lot about that hasn’t been covered? If so contact the editor (information on how to do this will often be contained in the magazine or on their website) and ask them if they’d be interested in a piece you could produce for them.
Top tip six:
Find yourself a niche. This will more than likely be something you are already interested in. It stands to reason if you’re interested in a topic then there are other people who will also interested in. These people will read magazines and items on webs sites. So get to know your subject inside out and you’ll be able to corner that market and get yourself published.
Top tip seven:
When you’ve cornered that niche start to think out of the box. For example your niche is tropical fish so you’ve written for every fish magazine you can think of. Why not write for a children's magazine and get them started early. Do you know someone who came into fish keeping as a way to fill their retirement? Then write for a magazine dedicated to this age range. Why not produce a piece on writing non-fiction features after all once you’ve been published that’s what you’re doing.
Top tip eight:
Research your market. Contact the magazine (or what ever market you have planned to target) and ask for the submission guidelines. Give them what they want. If they want 1,000 words then give them this. If they say they don’t take e-mail submissions then don’t send it as an e-mail.
Top tip nine:
Learn to edit and use the written language correctly. Should it be your or you’re? Should it be there’s or theirs? H you used ten words could you use just five? When working for any market I never send a piece in until I have gone through it a minimum of three times. I also make it a rule to allow a piece to ‘fester’ for a few days then edit again before sending it off. This way you can spot any errors and correct them increasing your chances of getting published.
Top tip ten:
It’s amazing how many people say “I’d love to write and get published,” then do nothing with it. If you don’t send it out and take the chance then how are you ever going to get it published? Bite the bullet! What is the worse that could happen? You get a rejection slip. What is the best that could happen? You get published!
