How To Get Your Article Published

-Lareina Devi M. Rajah-

Just like any other task involved in journalism, getting published is yet another one that requires skill and insight. Many competent writers find it difficult to break through because of factors like competition, lack of familiarity with the profession and the passion that is crucial for the said task. The competition involved in getting your articles published can reach unspeakable levels. Professional and freelance writers all aspire to have their articles made known. It is just as essential to know the tricks of the trade. You will never learn everything from books which is why you have to be intent enough to ask around. As for passion, that is arguably the single most effective driving force behind anyone who wants to do something. It is therefore advantageous to be equipped with a few tips that can help us get published.

1. Be a fervent reader so as to broaden the coverage of your understanding about people, places and events. The expansion of one’s perspectives is central to developing as a writer in general. It is therefore the foundation of well-written articles.

2. Make an article that you yourself would consider as worth-publishing. There is no reason to dream of publishing an article that you know isn’t pleasing enough. To get a head start, it is imperative that you know the basic principles behind a good article. You then apply them as consciously as you can without having to limit in whatever way your creativity and writing style.

3. Be cultured about the publications around you. Find out what the policies of the newspapers are by contacting them. You can do this by looking up their website or calling the editorial staff to inquire about their guidelines. It’s as simple as having a feel of what certain publications and editors are looking for but it is as important as giving your article more edge by increasing its chances of publication. Being endowed with this knowledge gives you as a writer more advantage than others.

4. Make your initial aims on local newspapers. You have an elevated chance of getting published if you look into smaller, community-based newspapers, especially if your story has a local angle and would be something of interest to the readers in the community.

5. Take into the overall consideration two essential factors. The content of your story and your target audience are defining factors in choosing your editor, section and/or publication. Your story has to compliment the publication you intend to publish in. Your target audience should also be parallel with the readership demographics of that particular publication. This knowledge is attained through step 3 which is gaining knowledge about the publications and editors in your community.

6. Establishing rapport is crucial because the industry is better understood if you have people in it to give you guidance. Making and maintaining these connections will assist you in your publishing and may also be useful for future references.

7. Being open enough to listen to the opinions of others about your article is necessary. May these comments be positive or not, as writers, we should always know that there’s room for improvement no matter what. Asking tips from our classmates can help since their input could always increase your chances of getting published.

It is no joke to get published in this age of competition and intense drive among young professionals. Choosing the right editor of the appropriate section of a suitable publication is one of the hurdles needed to be completed as writer. Nevertheless, the task can be eased with the above mentioned guidelines. Enjoy and hope you get published!