New to this

Eliza Lynch

Hi Guys,
I have recently sent of my first article ever to a paper, I doubt it will be included, however the idea is quite topical and the editor seemed to like it, so many he will run with te over all idea.
So I was wondering does anyone have any tips for getting printed or for that matter writing good articles?
I am sorry if this is vague it is just I am very new to this.
Thank you in advance for all you help, and I hope that I am posting in the right place.

pickarooney

I know there was a thread on this about a month back but I can't find it at the moment.

The gist of it was to find out beforehand what type of articles each paper is interested in and tailoring whatever you submit to suit.

What makes a good article is highly subjective, and again a great article for one paper would be totally out of place in another. If you can spot patterns and themes you could submit something that 'fits' the paper's style or you could go the opposite way and send in something completely original.

General tips are to read, re-read and have someone read your piece, avoid overblown language and waffle, make it interesting, us humour sparingly unless it's your strong point and/or you're submitting to a humouristic publication and keep your prospective audience in mind - if submitting to a football magazine you won't need to explain who Cristiano Ronaldo is, but if you mention him in passing in an article for pigeon fancier's weekly you might.

Eliza Lynch

Thank you very much! I am sure it was a stupid question to ask but I am afriad I had to.
I was very glad I submitted the article but then when I did I realised I was unsure what to do then!!!?!? I suppose my aim more than anything is to get the views of the younger generation out in to the press.

pickarooney

Are the younger generation actually reading the press though?

Eliza Lynch

Good point, I do though, and I think in the current times maybe more young ppl are paying more attention to both the press and current affairs and just looking around more to see what is going on?
When you are looking for jobs or information you quickly have to try figure out what is going on, what trends are developing, how well regions are doing etc?
Well that is what I think?
And even if younger ppl do not read anymore maybe the few ppl who do write about youth issues can help shed some light on what is affecting us?
better than doing nothing?
Maybe I am the lone graduate who is both worried and annnoyed about all I see around me? Or Maybe it is just naivety, and youthful optimisim?! I dunno really!

pickarooney

Eliza Lynch wrote: »

Good point, I do though, and I think in the current times maybe more young ppl are paying more attention to both the press and current affairs and just looking around more to see what is going on?
When you are looking for jobs or information you quickly have to try figure out what is going on, what trends are developing, how well regions are doing etc?
Well that is what I think?
And even if younger ppl do not read anymore maybe the few ppl who do write about youth issues can help shed some light on what is affecting us?
better than doing nothing?
Maybe I am the lone graduate who is both worried and annnoyed about all I see around me? Or Maybe it is just naivety, and youthful optimisim?! I dunno really!

I had to read your post in an Australian accent with all the question marks.

So what kind of stuff do you write?

Eliza Lynch

Lmao....now I am too!

Angry...possible more frustrated political stuff I suppose.
I just decided I should try voice it rather than seeing a head line or a news snippet and being angry. Plus if you can share experiences both good or bad someone may benefit from it (really want to add a question mark!).

pickarooney

There's a million and one angry bloggers venting their spleens for free on the web and unscupulous newspapers won't hesitate to steal their words. Be careful where you post/send yours.

Eliza Lynch

Thank you for the advice, I have just sent it to one paper, and it was just theraputic to write about my recent experiences and the resulting anger, so from my side I am already happier.

EileenG

Something to bear in mind. Papers and magazines want something new. You won't have a lot of success just ranting about young people, but if you can bring a new angle, or new information, then you have something you can sell. Whatever you are writing, try to make sure it includes some information that is new to the reader.

If you were at the Young Scientists Exhibition, you'll have noticed a lot of projects dealing with attitudes of young people to various things. You could use some of those as a spring board for an article because it is new research, and you can tie it in with your particular view. Just giving your view, without something to back it up, won't be nearly as salable.

If you have a solid basis for an article, then ring the paper or magazine you are interested in, and talk to the editor. See if she is interested, and if so, what length she wants, when she wants it, and how much she will pay. Then deliver, on time and as promised.

Eliza Lynch

Thank you for that advice.
It is based on my experiences trying to get information etc (not sure how much I should say here) and the experiences of my friends, family aquantances etc more so than a rant as such.

Eliza Lynch

I just got a response from the editor and my article is going to be published (I am am getting paid) so I just wanted to thank you all for your help and words of advice

pickarooney

Congratulations! Let us know when/where it's published?

EileenG

Congratulations. Where and when?

ToasterSparks

Hey - congratulations. I'd also love to read your article - see what it takes to get published! Let us know.

El Guapo!

Hi all,
Im considering sending an article into a newspaper too. Im just wondering how much on average do they pay? I suppose it probably depends on length/quality etc. but I'd like to know a ballpark figure.
Its not about the money really I'd just love to see my article in print! But I suppose I'm just curious!

EileenG

Which paper, what type of article? There are NUJ rates, but you can usually do a better deal if you can make a case that this article involves more work or specialised knowledge than most.

ToasterSparks

Also - quick question:

When submitting an article, do you first email the paper/magazine with your idea, and wait for a reply before going further, or do you send your article with your first email?

I'm assuming the former, but I feel that the latter would stand a better chance of being read. I guess the second option is a little unprofessional? I don't know, please advise!

EileenG

I would ring the first time you contact a paper. After that, you can e-mail with ideas. Do not ever send unsolicited articles unless you are extremely famous and what you have is so unusual that anyone would want it. In which case, you should contact all the papers and see which will pay more!

You'd be surprised how often the same idea strikes several people at the same time. For instance, halloween is coming up, and you have a great idea involving ghosts. So do half the journalists in the city. If you send in an unsolicited ghost article, it won't be used, because the editor will have already commissioned one, and you'll be convinced the paper stole your idea. If you get in on time, and discuss it with the editor, you could be the one who gets the commission.