Parenting publications are popping up everywhere, and more publications means greater demand for writers. Some of those writers become regulars through features and columns. If you can write clearly and concisely and can provide new information regularly, one of those writers could be you. Below are eight steps to landing an online parenting column.
Instructions
1. Define your parenting niche. When deciding on a niche, find an area that has yet to be tapped into, that you are well suited for, and that you will enjoy for many years to come. If you don’t enjoy it, the work involved in building an audience and finding publications to purchase your column can become so laborious that you begin to dread the work.
2. Set a word count. Columns vary from, for example, a 100-word review all the way up to a 1,500-word how-to article. By setting the exact number of words in each column, you set a precedent for future publications. Your column length lets potential editors know if they’ll have room for it on a regular basis.
3. Develop a writing style. Your writing style is your voice. It’s your personality expressed through words. It distinguishes you from other columnists and allows you to develop a following. If you’re not funny by nature, don’t attempt a humor column. If you’ve never been hip, avoid trying to incorporate “hipness” into your writing. Develop a writing style based upon the audience you want to reach, the word count you’ve selected and the type of column you want to write.
4. Find a critique partner. This must be someone you can trust with your idea and someone who will give you honest feedback—even if it hurts. The best way to polish both your writing and the overall feel of your column is to ask for honest critiques. This way, before delving into a column, you'll have the concept polished.
5. Write up a dozen columns and have them critiqued. Not only will this help you bring out the best in your column, it will tell you whether you want to continue with the concept or try something different.
6. Locate an online publication. Look through Writer’s Digest’s book "Writer's Market" for publications that may be interested in your column idea. You can also do a search for “columnists wanted” or “parenting publications” to find the contact information of possible leads.
7. Write a query letter. A query letter is a pitch or proposal letter. It’s written to the editor of a publication telling him that you have an idea he may be interested in. Give specifics about the column idea and tell the editor why his readers will want to read it.
8. Sign a contract. Whether you’re writing the column for free or for payment, ensure that all terms are written down and signed by both parties. You don’t want to later find yourself in a dispute as to who owns the rights to your column. Your contract should address considerations such as publication rights, ownership of the column heading, ownership of the columns written and payment.
Tags: your column, writing style, column idea, Develop writing, Develop writing style, query letter, those writers
