How to Get Selected by an Online Publisher

By Lisa Marie Mercer

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Every day, websites post calls for written submissions. These calls receive thousands of replies, but only a few engender a response. If you want to make your query stand out, read on.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

  • Writing clips
  • Writing skills
  • Knowledge of your topic
  • Knowledge of SEO

How to Get Chosen by an Online Publisher

Step1
Search internet job boards such as craigslist and Journalism Jobs. Find topics about which you are knowledgeable.
Step2
Make sure that telecommuting is acceptable. On craigslist, certain postings will be marked "Telecommuting okay." On Journalism Jobs, under "location," you will see "anywhere, telecommute." Additionally, make sure that the publisher does not only want articles from writers in a specific region.
Step3
Carefully read the publisher's guidelines. If a link is provided to its website and writer's guidelines, go to that page and read it carefully. Note how the publisher has worded the description of his publication. Is the style conversational or authoritative? There's a good chance that this is the preferred style for articles, as well. In general, blogging uses a more conversational style, whereas informational articles are more authoritative. Selecting the proper "voice" and tone for your query letter is half the battle.
Step4
Construct a query letter that includes writing clips of your best work. Preferably, these clips should be relevant to the requested subject matter. Try to pick articles that demonstrate your proficiency at SEO. If the publisher asks for a resume, be sure to include it. If there is a prohibition against attachments, cut and paste your resume into the body of the email.
Step5
Choose a catchy subject line for your email. Don't just type, "Writer." Think about what kind of title would catch your attention if you were the reader.
Step6
Read your query letter out loud. This is a great way to catch any typos or awkward sentences.

Tips & Warnings

  • The more you know about a subject, the likelier you are to be chosen.
  • Try to include details that are not common knowledge.
  • Install Firefox on your computer; it has a built-in spell-check function.
  • Do not plagiarize.
  • Avoid using all caps to make a point, or extra exclamation points.
  • Avoid using all lower-case characters or text-message language.
  • If you are writing travel articles, never write about places you haven't visited. Don't rely on internet research for such articles.

Resources

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eHow Article: How to Get Selected by an Online Publisher

Article By: Lisa Marie Mercer

Lisa Marie Mercer

Novice Novice | 0 Points

Category: Careers & Work

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