How to Write a Column

Nuke those exclamation marks!!!!!

Not only is this the mark of an amateur, many spam-catchers are set to weed out messages chockablock with too much excitement! Exclamation marks were used generously in writings of 100 years ago, but if you use them, editors are likely to think you are 100-years-old! Today’s thinking is that your words should convey the excitement! Editors (and their readers) resent being told when to get all atwitter!

Know when to spell it out and when to use digits

According to The Associated Press’ Stylebook and Libel Manual--which I would suggest you invest in--“Spell out whole numbers below 10, use figures for 10 and above.” The exception is the beginning of a sentence where you ALWAYS spell it out.

Example: They had three sons, a fleet of 10 station wagons and were $2 million in debt.

1	Go down to the corner.

2	Turn left.

3	Pay the pretty girl.

4	Explain to your wife.

·	Take a walk in the woods

·	Eat something bad for you

·	Learn to swing dance

See how annoying that is?

In general, it is a really bad idea to use exclamation marks except in extreme cases. Bottom line, your WORDS should have the "!" effect. Save the mark for use only when the meaning would otherwise be lost.

Know when to use “Numbers” and when to use “Bullets.”

This is a small point, but one worth mentioning. Say you have a list of items that you want to call attention to. Should you list them as 1., 2., 3., or bullet them as in *, *, *.

And the answer is . . . If the items need to be accomplished in a particular order - use numbers. If the list has no order, use bullets.

Examples:

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?