Content Mastery Guide

Editor and Ghostwriter

Want to write more? Get out more!

By

Ok, so I thought that my editorial schedule and PWAC seminar about new media tools, I heard a wonderful speaker, Joan Vinall-Cox. A writing coach, editor and educator, she is also a Web 2.0 consultant. I was so entranced by her warm, accessible way of describing all of the cool Web 2.0 tools out there.

Many of the tools weren’t new to me, but my enthusiasm got sparked. I’ve now got my very own delicio.us account and a great new feed reader that I’m actually using (more on that in another post). Plus, Joan and I have set up a chat and I’m really looking forward to getting to know her better (and maybe finding an opportunity for YOU to get to know her, as well).

I got a bit futher out of my comfort zone at CaseCamp. Unlike the CaseCamp event I attended at a museum in July 2007, this one took place in a loud, dark dance club filled with hundreds of people, mostly gen-Y’ers. I heard some inspiring, interesting and entertaining presentations about how people are using Web 2.0 tools. I’m still following up with some of the contacts I met – so the rewards of that outing are still to be revealed, but I’m really glad I went (and I was glad to get home to bed).

Publishing Your Article in a Print Magazine – Anatomy of a Sidebar

By

In my interview with Sharon Crawford, freelance writer, editor and writing instructor, she offered some tips on what to put in a sidebar.

Sometimes editors will ask specifically for sidebars, and will include that content in your word count (clarify this before you submit your article). Check out some back issues of the magazine to see the other sidebars they've printed.

As you know, I'm a big fan of Top 10 lists – and that is exactly the type of thing that makes for a good sidebar. And in some cases, your Top 10 list might be the inspiration for your longer article (I'll be writing about that topic next).

A good sidebar MUST be relevant to the story. Often it's a list of tips or resources from the expert author (that's you!) or an expert you interviewed. You could also use quotes (famous quotes or quotes from your interview subject), a quiz or statistics/facts about the topic of your article.

Sharon's suggestion: If content is important enough to include but will interfere with the flow of the story, move it to a sidebar instead.

Publishing Your Article in a Print Magazine – What NOT to do

By

In my interview with Sharon Crawford, aside from offering a breakdown of a winning query letter, she also suggested some things NOT to do if you want to be published in a print magazine:

  1. Don’t bug the editor – especially if they’re rushing to put out their publication. Follow-up according to their publication schedule. Follow-up once, then let it go. Let them know that if you don’t hear back from them you’ll be pitching it somewhere else.
  2. Don’t be vague.If your query was by email, enclose the original email below your new message.
  3. Don’t sign away all your (copy)rights. Make sure you understand exactly what you’re signing.
  4. Don’t be late with your deadline. If you’re struggling (e.g. family emergency or scheduling problems with your interview subject), contact the editor as soon as you know you might be late.
  5. Don’t go more than 20-50 words over or under your word count.
  6. Don’t assume anything. Be crystal clear about what the editor is expecting.

Can a computer programmer teach a coach anything about writing? Perhaps…..

By

Have a look at this series of blog posts by Dave Thomas of Pragmatic Programmer, a publishing and training company for programmers.

To start at the top of this 7-part series, scroll to the bottom of this page:
http://pragdave.pragprog.com/pragdave/writing_a_book/index.html

I particularly liked Dave's suggestion to imagine Readers on Your Shoulders as a way to write what your niche wants to read.

Writing Prompt: Read through Dave's description of the hero's journey and how it relates to the journey of programming novice to expert. What is the journey you want YOUR readers or clients to take?

Publishing Your Article in a Print Magazine – Anatomy of a Winning Query

By

In my interview with Sharon Crawford, freelance writer, editor and writing instructor, I learned how to "hook" an editor with a story idea – the first step to being published in print.

It all starts with a query – literally asking the question, "so, are you interested?"

Before you even get to that stage, though, take some time to look through a few issues of the magazine that you’re pitching the story to. Visit the website or call to find out whether they accept freelance submissions, and for their submission guidelines.

Sharon recommends that your query be no longer than one page. Here is her breakdown of a winning query, paragraph by paragraph:

Paragraph 1: This is where you really need to hook them in to keep reading. Make sure you offer some kind of quirky, unusual twist on the story you want to tell. Show how your story could tie into a current event, piece of news, research study or societal trend. This paragraph will often end up in your full article.

Paragraph 2: Now, you pitch the specifics, "so, how about an 800-word article about __ (topic)?" List the things you could talk about, with examples, and show the editor you’ve already put some thought and research into it. Point form is appropriate for this section.

Also, show that you’re familiar with their specific publication, and suggest different sections where the article could fit. Talk about why their readers, in particular, would be interested in reading your story. Point out how your story idea matches their editorial schedule.

Paragraph 3: Describe your subject, the person you could interview for the article. That means that before you even sit down to write your query, you need to have chosen someone, spoken to them briefly and they’ve agreed to be interviewed.

You’ll also want to mention any other people you could interview, such as people who know your main subject and can offer a different perspective about them or the experience you’re interviewing them about.

For example, if you’re going to interview someone who has achieved success from hiring a life coach, you could also interview that person’s spouse, boss, colleague or friend to hear about the changes they’ve witnessed from the outside.

Paragraph 4: Why are you the best person to write this article? Here is the place to talk about your credentials, and the personal and professional experiences that make you uniquely positioned to tell this story. Cite examples of any previous articles you’ve published, particularly on the same or similar topics.

Paragraph 5: As you’re closing your query, make it clear that you’re willing to work with the editor’s suggestions. Notice how Sharon suggests you use the word "could" throughout the query. The more open you are to questions, revisions and rewrites, the more likely it is that you’re query will be accepted.

Finally, let the editor know that you’re going to follow up, and when. And by all means, do it! If you show them in the query process that you’re responsible, committed and true to your word, they’ll be more interested in working with you. Deadlines count!

Thanks again to Sharon Crawford (http://www.samcraw.com) for providing this great information!