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12 Feb 07 - 04:00 PM (#1965192) Subject: BS: Getting article published in newspaper? From: Marion Hi folks. Not folk music, but I thought with the range of experience here, someone here might be able to give me some good starting points. As part of a student project, I need to write an article or two for newspaper publication - most likely a free local community paper, but possibly a major city daily too. Some things I am wondering about newspaper norms are: 1. Do newspapers in fact publish things sent in by random non-journalist types? Or do they just want to get press releases and compose the texts of articles themselves? 2. I know that magazines, scientific journals etc. expect you to send a query letter first, rather than just sending them an article. Is this also the custom with newspapers? If not, do I need a cover letter to accompany it? 3. I'm assuming that I'd submit something by email as a word document attachment - any reason why I shouldn't do that? 4. Is it bad form to offer an article to more than one paper at once? If I do send it to more than one, and more than one want to use it, is that OK? 5. If I'm presenting something as a press release - should I be stating the facts as baldly and briefly as possible, or trying to write something that could be published as is? Thanks for your help, Marion (who did not go to nursing school in order to become a journalist) |
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12 Feb 07 - 04:05 PM (#1965200) Subject: RE: BS: Getting article published in newspaper? From: curmudgeon Blind, unsolicited articles are likely to be ignored. Just call the appropriate editor and explain what you're doing, give them an idea of what your planning to do the artcle on. They'll most likely give you a chance and might even pay you. That's how I started, and I kept writing for the paper for a couple of years - Tom |
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12 Feb 07 - 04:19 PM (#1965215) Subject: RE: BS: Getting article published in newspaper? From: Ruth Archer I was married to a journalist for 15 years, and have done some writing myself, so maybe I can offer some thoughts, too: 1. Do newspapers in fact publish things sent in by random non-journalist types? Or do they just want to get press releases and compose the texts of articles themselves? 2. I know that magazines, scientific journals etc. expect you to send a query letter first, rather than just sending them an article. Is this also the custom with newspapers? If not, do I need a cover letter to accompany it? I would discuss your idea with the editor (or one of the deputy editors) before you write anything. Get some sort of a commission before you write anything so you don't waste your time. 3. I'm assuming that I'd submit something by email as a word document attachment - any reason why I shouldn't do that? No - but again, make sure you've got some sort of commission, even if it's non-paid, before you send it. 4. Is it bad form to offer an article to more than one paper at once? If I do send it to more than one, and more than one want to use it, is that OK? I think that at least partly depends on whether you're getting paid. Again, it's a conversation to have with the editors. 5. If I'm presenting something as a press release - should I be stating the facts as baldly and briefly as possible, or trying to write something that could be published as is? Always try to sell your story in a press release. Understand what a press release is, and what it's for. I always write press releases as a news story that can be lifted and used pretty much as is - that was on advice from my husband, and it seems to work. Journalists are largely very busy and (sometimes) quite lazy - make their job easier. |
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12 Feb 07 - 05:15 PM (#1965282) Subject: RE: BS: Getting article published in newspaper? From: wysiwyg 1. Do newspapers in fact publish things sent in by random non-journalist types-- a press release-- should I be trying to write something that could be published as is? Yes, and a quick read of the paper to scope out their style conventions will make your release more quickly usable, winning you points by saving the editor some time. You could do a press release to get your foot in the door as a competent writer in their style, and then pitch a short feature article idea. Don't ask them for an idea-- have two or three good ones for them to choose from. Some weeklies have a number of columns they can let you take a guest turn doing-- ours, for example, has the weekly message (sermon) local clergy take turns doing, which sometimes allows a laypeson to do a piece; also there are news blocks from local care facilities that feature birthdays, staff-led activities news, card game results, or reviews of people who came in to present music. Our band worked with a reporter once on a short feature of a monthly singalong we were doing; we wrote most of the copy and he added a lead and a closer. At our church the dude who does our press writes a whole article complete with quotes he's solicitied from members, all about our 40+-years-running antique show. The paper usually runs it as a news feature. I've also written many Red Cross pieces they used without any changes at all; if your article covers a local non-profit that is well-known in the community, chances are they'll use it. Like, a Red Cross piece about household winterizing would have been run in October and a volunteer could have written it based on research they did at the natioanl Red Cross website; you could cover a blood drive as Girl Reporter (with Red Cross pre-OK) and ask donors waiting in line why they donate blood. But if you played some music at a local nursing home, and wrote up a piece about some of the residents you met there, it would have a good chance-- who you met, what work they did before they retired, which songs you presented that related to that, etc. The smaller the paper, the more they will want to work with you and be eager to get new, free copy. They will only be interested in something with a strongly-local angle, and they will want a good picture submitted in case they want to use that (be sure to have written photo permission from people in it, and a caption ready with correct name spellings). Be sure to put in just a bit more than you think they will use, so the editor can feel like s/he's earning their salary by cutting a paragraph or two. :~) ~Susan |
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12 Feb 07 - 05:21 PM (#1965296) Subject: RE: BS: Getting article published in newspaper? From: Marion Thanks for the info so far, everybody. FWIW, I'll be writing about breast cancer screening - I'm thinking that my angle would be something like "10 Myths about Mammograms" - and I can appeal to the authority of the local Community Health Centre where I'm doing a placement. Marion (who still doesn't want to be a journalist, but "Girl Reporter!" does have a ring to it) |
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12 Feb 07 - 05:25 PM (#1965300) Subject: RE: BS: Getting article published in newspaper? From: wysiwyg Mammogram Myths Busted, says Girl Reporter. :~) ~Susan |
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12 Feb 07 - 05:55 PM (#1965324) Subject: RE: BS: Getting article published in newspaper? From: Cool Beans Marion, "10 Myths About Mammograms" is an excellent headline/title and will help you sell your story. The advice you've been given above is good. However, when you're writing an article, multiple submissions are frowned upon. Newspapers like to feel special. But a press relsease is another matter; publications understand that press releases go to many media. NOW: Can you think of a peg for for your story, something timely you can hang it on: a walkathon to raise money to fight breast cancer? A health fair? Newspapers love stories with pegs. I realize your subject is timeless, but that's how newspapers think. Don't forget to sell your expertise; I gather you're a nursing student. You are a good writer. Your questions are succinct. I have been a writer and editor at daily newspapers for more than 30 years. Good luck! |
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12 Feb 07 - 05:58 PM (#1965327) Subject: RE: BS: Getting article published in newspaper? From: Bainbo I can tell you from a Brit point of view, Marion, but I don't know whether things are the same in Canada. Can't be too different, though. All the points made above are good ones. Newspapers, in general, like to have a "peg" to hang a story on. All you have to do is come up with a reason for them to print your mammogram myths, so that they can present it as news. As you're going for community papers, see if you can find a local angle. Is the local hospital launching a screening programme? Can you find a local woman prepared to talk about her experiences? Is anyone appealing for funds? Just look through the papers, and you'll see the same kind of stories cropping up time and again. That should give you some ideas. If you're going to be stating things as a fact (e.g. there's no need to fear such-and-such; or x-per cent of cancers are preventable if caught early enough; that kind of thing) you'll need to attribute them to someone, so readers know how much trust they can put in a statement. It might be yourself, or maybe some "health expert." Newspapers love "experts". If the paper you're targeting is big enough to have a specialist health reporter, then target him or her. Arrange to meet them and chat, if you like. It's always easier to deal with someone you know. If they don't have one, talk to the newsdesk or the features department. If you're planning on presenting it as a press release, feel free to blitz as many media outlets as you can think of. Journalists know that's how press releases work, and that you'll be looking for as wide publicity as you can get. Otherwise, approach the paper and offer to write an article, or to be interviewed. Journalists are quite happy to be helped along. They can't be experts in everything and, as Ruth Archer said, many are too busy or too lazy to spend a lot of time on research. Best of luck, John (no telly either, but no spare time because of Mudcat) |
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12 Feb 07 - 06:23 PM (#1965359) Subject: RE: BS: Getting article published in newspaper? From: Q (Frank Staplin) I haven't sent one in for some time, but I have had some accepted. The Calgary Herald requires a written copy (mailed or hand-deliver to their mailbox). About once a week, they print instructions and name of editor and address of 'Letters-to-the-Editor.' Give full name, address, phone and all that stuff. They may call to verify. Main problem- they edit, and may shift your viewpoint, without notifying you. Toronto Globe and Mail- I sent one and it was accepted and printed as I wrote it. They require full address, etc. as well. Must be printed copy, mailed. (They may have changed procedures since then). Medical info might give them pause if not from a doctor, nurse or health official. Much junk advice and fakelore is out there and a good editor is wary. If they have a Health column editor, contact him, as already noted above. Community papers print letters as filler. Often the luck of the draw. |
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12 Feb 07 - 08:20 PM (#1965503) Subject: RE: BS: Getting article published in newspaper? From: GUEST,::: If you cannot meet with the publisher/editor in person....ALWAYS send a query-letter FIRST. You may query several dozen publishers and find that two, three, even a dozen may "bite on the bait"...however, they still have not published until (IF) it is published...and they all might publish withou exclusive rights. It also helps to have a SASE enclosed. You need to present the article outline and more importantly YOUR personal qualifications as an authority rather than an X-SPURT on the subject.
Based on your background and lack of authority on the medical subject I would suggest you change the interest of the article and your intended audience. Perhaps, Backpacker Magazine or Rick Steve's Through the Back Door and title like "avoiding the three major STD's of busking", or "blisters and bliss - life on the road - in 37 countries."
Sincerely, |
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12 Feb 07 - 08:46 PM (#1965518) Subject: RE: BS: Getting article published in newspaper? From: Rapparee Local papers will often publish, but CALL FIRST! Talk to the editor. Be sure you use the format they want (usually but not always double spaced, for example) and if you file by email, be sure that the word processing program you use can be used by them (Wordperfect, for instance, will open a Word document without trouble, but it doesn't work the other way around). And for all you know they might be using Quark Express! ALWAYS include contact information: your name, address, phone number, and email address. That way they can contact you if necessary. ALWAYS run both a spell check AND a grammar check before you file. And it's considered polite to include a word count. See any decent book on public relations for examples -- the "For Dummies" might be good. |
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12 Feb 07 - 08:50 PM (#1965520) Subject: RE: BS: Getting article published in newspaper? From: Big Al Whittle If you have a cool original idea for an article - just the sort of thing they publish then:- Write your article, make a front page with just the title on, your contact deatils, and printed at the bottom:- Firt Serial Rights Don't hold your breath, but it shows you want to be paid. If you're not bothered about being paid, phone up and ask what they want an article about. Explain you would like to make the first steps towards being publishesd and building up a portfolio. Have some suggestions. makes more sense than working your ass on something purely speculatively. Take an interest in the magazine to the extent of reading a copy before setting out on this route. |
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12 Feb 07 - 11:50 PM (#1965612) Subject: RE: BS: Getting article published in newspaper? From: Stilly River Sage I agree with Curmudgeon and Rapaire and the others who advise to call ahead. And with your studies in nursing, you may want to see if any of your professors have been published locally and can offer advice about publication or health editors. Every so often I call my local paper to offer information for an article they'll be wanting to run, or call to ask for information (the university library where I work houses the photo archives of the local large newspaper). I don't write for them, I don't have time. They're just people and they're pretty approachable. You might want to call a circulation desk and ask a couple of questions--who is the health editor and when is a good time to call? There are some busy times in the day at a daily paper, and you don't want to get lost in that shuffle. If you're doing this for credit in school, don't worry about the pay. It's more important to get published than it is to get paid for it right now. If you're making multiple submissions, then you have a number of options. If you're sending a query then you can make the article a little different for each place that accepts the general concept. If you're sending the complete article, then I'd send out one at a time, or send the full article to one place and query others. Don't write a full new and different article for each submission. Just do the writing for the folks who show interest, and send the full article to the place that show the most promise. And ignore half-assed ignorant pissant GUESTS ::: . Go the the Library or Barnes and Noble and get a copy of the Writer's Market and read their information about rights. First North American Rights, Serial Rights, etc. If you want to haggle about something like this, that's the place to find it. If you want to use the article again somewhere, then retain the Serial or reprint rights and sell the First North American Rights. Something that goes in the newspaper isn't going to have a long shelf-life, but if they put it on their online pages then they'll probably ask for those rights also. Again, if the goal is to get published for an assignment, don't worry about this and just write the piece. Good luck! Maggie (SRS) |
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13 Feb 07 - 12:21 AM (#1965622) Subject: RE: BS: Getting article published in newspaper? From: katlaughing 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 |
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13 Feb 07 - 10:16 PM (#1966868) Subject: RE: BS: Getting article published in newspaper? From: GUEST,pattyClink Thanks for all the info, particularly Susan. I'm not trying to send in an article myself (found out long ago papers ignore anyone who doesn't schmooze them on the phone first) but we need to get a little feature done on our little song circle / singer's club. Lots of good insight here. |
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13 Feb 07 - 10:42 PM (#1966896) Subject: RE: BS: Getting article published in newspaper? From: wysiwyg pC-- Have fun with it or it don't count. :~) I'd be happy to look a draft over if that would help, via PM. One month, we did our jam with the local senior citizens center's habitues coming over to visit us and sing along. Their contracted hot-lunch program came along too. The admin staff did all the work of making it happen-- we just used Hardi's chrch as a music venue and they did all the lunch setup, transportation, and so forth. We were a real outing-- the seniors had a great time! Now, if I'd gotten a STORY on it too-- but I was so busy with the music side it never occurred to me. ~Susan |
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14 Feb 07 - 11:08 AM (#1967440) Subject: RE: BS: Getting article published in newspaper? From: Marion Thanks a lot, everybody. One more question: suppose I want to inform the media of something, but my goal is not to have my message published but rather to get one of their reporters to come out and cover our event. Would I use a press release to announce the event? Marion |
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14 Feb 07 - 11:18 AM (#1967465) Subject: RE: BS: Getting article published in newspaper? From: wysiwyg No, you would prepare a fact sheet complete with a background file, call to arrange a reporter visit if possible, and be prepared to write it and interview yourself and others if necessary (for quotes). Sometimes for a small paper they will send a photog only and take the printed stuff back to the editor or assigned reporter to cobble up a short piece. Often, the crucial info can be squeezed into a caption, by a good copywriter. Papers are hungry for pix that can do the job for them and they know readers are drawn to pix to see what is being said about local people they know, or don't know. So also be prepared, if they send no one, to provide the photo as well. Look at the paper of your choice to see how mundane the photos are, until you see the caption that actually tells the story. Many reporters and editors also like getting text pasted into email they can grab and put into their system to save them typing time. A fact sheet and file might include a copy in plain text or .rtf form they can use the same way at their option. They do not all know how to use attachments, and you want to make it all as easy as possible-- and then make it even easier. ~Susan |
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14 Feb 07 - 11:52 AM (#1967508) Subject: RE: BS: Getting article published in newspaper? From: Bee Small, specialty magazines are more likely to really want free copy, as long as your story fits their theme (say, 'Walking in the Laurentians', or 'Reptile Pets'). Speaking from the POV of a small mag, which might have only two or three employees (publisher, editor, designer), all of whom do double duty reporting, proofreading, picture taking, etc., a well written story, preceded by a phone call/email exchange, is really welcome. Including a picture or graphic is nice. Something with health or medical themes, however, would be looked at very carefully. Backup documentation from a medical doctor or a hospital would ease your way. And yes, editing is almost certain to be done, usually for length. A good layout person will edit seamlessly, a poor one can make the story senseless, and can even change the point you were trying to get across. Read a copy of the zine before sending your story. |
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14 Feb 07 - 12:35 PM (#1967565) Subject: RE: BS: Getting article published in newspaper? From: Stilly River Sage You can get results from a press release. Write it in the "inverted triangle" style, with the most important information in the top of the article and the less important below. Newspapers will cut and paste these into the space they have and simply trim off what they don't have room for. If you send a press release then consider providing a good link back to your information. If there is a way you can provide a variety of photos that can be downloaded from your site then you've made the writer's job easier. (In days gone by, publicity photos would have been included in a mailed press release, but scanning takes time and is a distant second choice if a downloaded file is available). I have some pages at the library where I work that are intended for public affairs folks. I take photos and make it a couple of different sizes and link to them from a thumbnail on a page of thumbnails. Label them for web use (relatively small, in the range of 400 x 600 pixels) and for print media (the full sized image, 5-10 meg, in JPG, PNG or TIFF format). Good luck! SRS |