Writing Tips: Writing to Get Published

You can succeed as a published author: Tips on writing to get published

Writing to publish is unique because it entails writing for a publisher, who has a high level of expectations, as well as writing for the audience, who reads what you write.

Here are some guidelines for those who are writing to publish.

What are the expectations of the publisher?

Find out exactly what the publisher's expectations are before you write your article, story or poetry. If it is not on topic, why should the publisher look at it? If you were looking for an article on freight trains, would you read something that talked about toy trains for children? No. If your publisher was looking to publish an article on raisin bread, would he or she purchase an article on red currant muffins? Maybe, but it is not very likely. Focus on what the publisher is looking for in your article.

What is the word count?

Find out exactly how many words the article should contain. Every article sought by a publisher has a pre-determined word count. There may be some degree of leniency, but that is not always the case. If you submit a two thousand word essay for an article that should have been five hundred words, it is going to be rejected, although you may be asked to rewrite and shorten it. If you submit eighty words, when the publisher requested five hundred, it will not suffice either. You may receive a request to lengthen it. If you are asked to lengthen or shorten an article, do so and resubmit it immediately.

What are the key points that your article should cover?

Publishers set out specific guidelines with respect to key points regarding content. For example, an article on ice cream could have the following key points: several different kinds of ice cream, hard versus soft ice cream, preservatives or additives in ice cream and the benefits of eating ice cream. Make sure you've covered all the key points because if you have not, your article won't get published.

Is your article on topic?

When you are writing your article, stay on topic. If the publisher realizes that your article is off topic, you may be asked to re-write it. Do a re-write if necessary, as quickly as possible and re-submit it with a letter of apology. For example, a publisher may be looking for an article on the good and bad things about twentieth century children's books. Your article talks about books for teenagers, so it's obviously off topic. It will be rejected unless you write something that is more appropriate, so find out exactly what the topic should be, and stick to it.

Are you using correct grammar and spelling?

Grammar is important to a publisher. Sometimes, it is difficult to find the appropriate way to express something, but there are basic rules and guidelines for grammar. Try to use appropriate language and sentence structure. Be careful with respect to spelling, because one word that is not spelled correctly can change the entire meaning of what you are trying to state. Do a spell check on your article before you submit it.

Is your article politically correct?

Since your article is going to be published and read by a wide audience, you may need to examine what you have written closely. For example, ask yourself if what you have written on the ethical concerns of aboriginal people is politically correct. If it is not, make the necessary changes before you submit it, rather than waiting for it to be rejected.

What is the deadline for your article?

When you are writing an article, look carefully at its due date. There is no point in submitting an article that is three weeks late. You have obviously missed the publication deadline. Check to see if the deadline has been extended. If so, you may still be able to do a submission.

Is your article exciting to read?

When you write, find something that attracts the attention of the reader, immediately. People love to read articles that are significant, pertinent and exciting. If it is not exciting, find something about your topic that is going to excite you, as well as others, including your potential publisher.

Does the article that you have written appeal to the target audience?

There are wonderful articles that are written, but rejected, because they are beyond the level of understanding of potential readers. You may need to write in a more casual manner, so that people can understand what you write. Speak to your audience directly in your writing style. Save the technical jargon for a more appropriate article.

Use humor appropriately.

Humor is fun to read, but it can also be inappropriate or malicious. Be careful how you write when you use humor. Make sure that it is always in good taste.

Do you have a pertinent title for your article?

When you are writing an article, make sure that the title is appropriate. For example, if you are writing about how to make kites, use the key word 'kite' somewhere in the title. For example, "You Can Make A Kite That Flies".

Are your introduction and conclusion appropriate?

When writing your article, make sure that your introduction gets to the point, immediately. It should entice the reader. State exactly what you intend to accomplish. Your conclusion should leave the reader feeling good about the article that he or she has just read.

If you have mastered these issues, you will achieve the successful publication of your article. You may be able to add your own ideas to this list. The bottom line is this: If you are writing to publish, write in such a way that it will be published. You can succeed as a published author.