I started out by calling the paper and introducing myself and my qualifications. I did a couple of pieces for free, to get my foot in the door. That worked and I wound up being paid for an op/ed column which also caught the attention of a nationwide paper which then reprinted it in their pages, so I was paid twice for each article. As others have said, if you don't want to be a journalist, don't worry about being paid.

One other true test, besides spelling, grammar, etc. read it aloud and see how it sounds. If it sounds good, then great, otherwise tinker with it a bit until it does. And, it may sound trite, but don't forget the five "W's" Who, What, When, Where, and Why. You'd be surprised at how many folks forget that and their own contact info.

Good luck,

kat