How to Write a Newspaper Column That Sells

I cannot stress the importance of crafting your newspaper column--as well as your image--right from the beginning.

Just Like, but different

This is the real secret. Newspaper editors want a well rounded newspaper. They already know their demographic. What works--and what they want more of because it works. Bottom line, they want something that is “just like, but different.”

If you want to write an advice newspaper column, don’t even try to knock Dear Abby off the page. Instead, give advice to a specific group; teens, parents, singles, gays, dogs with bad owners.

Expand your demographic

Say you do have a yen to write an advice column. As a counselor in a middle school, you have the credentials. You send out a query letter asking editors to consider an advice column for kids. You get no response. How come? Simple. When was the last time you saw a kid read a newspaper? Better yet, when was the last time you saw one ask for advice?

Still, with just a slight rewrite, your newspaper column could advise parents as to how to handle problems at school. Presto-chango! You have just redefined your demographic. As well as expanded your chances of getting published.

Keep it under 600 words

Because editors want to appeal to as many readers as possible, they would rather have ten 500-word newspaper columns in their newspaper than--yes, even YOUR--truly superb 5,000 word newspaper column. Trust me on this one.

Example: The Movies - Producers do this all the time. Superman is a blockbuster but it will be a decade before they can just recast the same old Gotham City soap opera. And so along comes Smallville.

How do you redo the The Wizard of Oz? (And not get booed off the planet?) Backstory! A.k.a. Wicked.

Have someone else read your writing. Aloud and to you. Then take a bunch of sleeping pills and end it all. Kidding. If you can stomach this exercise, you will see every single thing that is wrong with your writing. Warning: This is for the tough-skinned only.

Editing your writing

Any writer can get lost in the woods. I have cut and pasted stuff so many times I said the same thing twice and the important stuff got "cutted" and not pasted. Reading your sample newspaper columns and query the next day is an absolute must.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

·	What is a “Syndicated Newspaper Column?“

·	How does Market2Editors work?

·	What response can I expect from submitting my syndicated newspaper column?

·	Which do newspaper editors prefer -- E-MAIL or snail-mail?

·	Does Market2Editors guarantee you will sell your syndicated newspaper column?

MONEY MATTERS

·	How much money will I make from writing a syndicated newspaper column?

·	How can writing a syndicated newspaper column change my life?

·	What should I charge for writing my syndicated newspaper column?

WRITING YOUR COLUMN

·	How do I write a compelling query letter?

·	How do I craft my syndicated newspaper column?

·	Any “style tips” I should know?

·	Should my newspaper column be daily, weekly or monthly?

·	Is my column’s topic of interest to newspaper editors?

·	How many words should my newspaper column be?

·	How important is my newspaper column’s title?

·	Do you need to be an expert to write a newspaper column?

MANAGING YOUR NEW CAREER

·	Do you have a sample contract for newspaper columnists?

·	How do I bill editors for my syndicated newspaper column?

SUBMITTING YOUR WORK

·	How many columns do I need to write to get started?

·	How will newspaper editors contact me?

·	How will my syndicated newspaper column be presented to editors?

·	Does Market2Editors send to ALL newspaper editors?

·	How can I be sure my syndicated newspaper column isn’t seen as spam?

·	What are the prices?