Article Writing Tips
If you're writing an article, here are my top five tips for doing a good job:
Tip #1: Know the Constraints
Unless you are able to publish the article yourself, you will need to meet the requirements of an editor if your article is to get into print. Generally that means word count, readership and any house style considerations. It's a given that you have selected the publication first - it's very difficult to write an article and then try and market it. Look at previous issues and see how long the articles are and how they are used. Are they written in prose or bullet points? Are they formal or relaxed? Good research is invaluable.
Tip #2: A Framework
You'll need a beginning, middle and end to your article. The beginning sets up what you are going to talk about, the middle delivers the content, and the end draws together a neat conclusion. Approach the task like a chauffeur: help the reader in, take them where they want to go, and help them out at the other end.
Tip #3: It's All Give, Give, Give
Most editors are very sensitive to advertising that's thinly disguised as comment. You need to give real value to the readers of your article, whether opinion or fact. An article that sounds remotely like an advert will get short shrift from a print editor. If you're posting on line it's less of an issue, but you must still respect your readers. Let them decide whether you are worth contacting, based on the quality of the information you provide. And don't forget your contact details.
Tip #4: Authority or Helper
Some people are uncomfortable setting themselves up as experts or advisers and avoid writing articles for that reason. You have a choice of how you approach any article though. Professionals such as accountants and solicitors are expected to be authoritative and should be so. Vagueness is not helpful and personal opinion should be handled with care. However a practitioner in any field can put together an article that tackles an issue they have encountered and pass on some useful learning. The aim is to be thought-provoking rather than authoritative and it is just as effective.
Tip #5: Like A River to the Sea
Flow is a key tool for any writer. The idea should be to remove any kinks and obstacles in the writing so that the reader gets a smooth ride. Surprises (in the content) are fine, but breaking up the rhythm and making the reading awkward are not. Remember that a sentence can only take so much punctuation, so avoid long strings of words. Short sentences work well, with the occasional longer one thrown in to vary the pace. Always read out loud what you have written - there is no clearer test of the smoothness of your writing. If you can't say it, it needs fixing.
If you want help with an article you are writing, contact me now and I'll be glad to work with you on it. For more free writing tips, sign up to the free Write the Talk newsletter at the top of the page.
