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How to Write a Column
by Sylvia Kent
Good columnists are hard to find. Ask any editor. A column is a regularly appearing article in a magazine,
newspaper or other publication. It is different from other forms of journalism in that it is a regular feature
which, in time, becomes
a personality-driven piece of narrative by the author with his or her
distinct point of view. Readers get to know the columnist by their style and while contributing a regular column
can be fun and profitable - especially if the writer is syndicated - they must be prepared for brickbats.
There have been drastic changes in the nation's print media over recent years. Budgets for newspapers and magazines
across the world have been cut, staff numbers slashed and freelancers' contracts terminated. It's grim, but there
is still a chance for new columnists, maybe not in national press, but more probably in local newspapers.
Are you ready to offer yourself as a regular columnist?
Before embarking on your quest, do learn about your markets and the newspaper titles or magazines that you
prefer.
Do you have a specialist knowledge say in music, history, sport, beauty, finance? Are you green-fingered, can you
make people laugh or know a lot about keeping fish? There is a huge versatile market out there, but if you're new
to writing, it is perhaps best to stick with what you know and are comfortable with. Are you efficient in using
your computer and the internet and can send off your copy and photographs electronically?
Have you enough material?
Writing a regular column is satisfying and profitable, but you should be realistic in how much material you can
provide on a regular basis, whether you start with a set of half a dozen articles or feel you can continue
indefinitely.
Study your target titles.
It is not enough to casually look up the provenance of a magazine in a year book. You need to study several
sequential issues of the chosen title that you are targeting and note the layout, by-lines, advertisements, regular
features and try to get a picture of the typical reader, their sex, age and style.
Note also the length of non-fiction features, but above all, try to find where your particular expertise could fit
into this journal. Look for a gap in its index of content and offer the editor a chance to fill it.
Techniques
Develop the technique of using quotes and anecdotes provided by some of the people you interview. Often people like
to be mentioned and their photograph used, but always seek their permission first.
Deadlines are vital - don't ever miss your deadline. If holidays are approaching, prepare well ahead of time in
order to email copy and illustrations to cover your absence. Many columnists have half prepared articles at the
ready in case of unexpected occurrences or illness. There is no excuse for non-delivery of copy. Research is
important - keep a pad with you to make notes of ideas and impressions and always keep to the main point of the
column. That is the reason for readers to turn to your particular section of the publication that you have made
your own.
Pitching your work
Sell your idea in a well constructed email or letter to the editor. A succinct writing CV will help. Keep your
ideas short and to the point. Include links to your latest or most relevant work. Show your familiarity with the
publication and refer them to your website or weblog to give indications of your style.
Sylvia Kent is a prolific freelance writer, who contributes to national, regional magazines and on-line
journals. Most of her books have been reprinted. ESSEX FOLKLORE helped Channel 5’s film COUNTY SECRETS aired
recently. her 7th book THE WOMAN WRITER, publisher The History Press, sells nationally and at the British Library.
Visit her regularly updated blog at: http://www.sylviakent.blogspot.com
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