To become a columnist, improve writing skills, familiarize yourself with the publication, come up with an original topic, and prove expertise. Approach editors with clear, original ideas and be prepared to discuss credentials.
Many aspiring writers and journalists dream of one day having a column in which they can discuss the topics that interest them most. If you want to become a columnist, following some tips can help you reach your goal. First and foremost, columnists must be excellent communicators, and therefore, you should take every available opportunity to improve your writing skills. Second, your opportunity to become a columnist basically boils down to whether an editor decides to give you a chance. To increase the likelihood of impressing an editor, familiarize yourself with the publication in question, come up with an original column topic, and demonstrate that you are an expert on that topic.
It may seem obvious, but if you want to become a columnist, you must be able to write well. Perhaps most importantly, you can show a potential editor that you can write well. So, before launching a column, you should spend some time honing your writing skills. You could, for example, start a blog or contribute articles to your local newspaper. Save clips of your published writing, which you can later show potential editors as concrete proof of your talent.
No matter how strong your desire to become a columnist, actually getting your own column published will largely depend on whether an editor decides to take the risk. If you’re a journalist these days, getting your dream column might be a matter of putting in some time and then pitching an idea to your editor once he’s familiar with your work. If you don’t have a professional relationship with the editor of the publication you’d like to write for, you’ll need to make an effort to get their attention and prove that your column idea is worthwhile and that you’re the best person to write it. .
One of the most important steps you can take before submitting your column to an editor is to familiarize yourself with publishing your column. Read multiple issues in full and understand the publication’s tone and target audience. Review existing columns, asking yourself if yours will be a good fit or if it is an area already covered by another columnist. Many editors say that one of the main annoyances of their job is taking suggestions from writers who are obviously not familiar with their publication. Therefore, only after you are sure that your column is suitable for publication should you try to get it out there.
Another tip that can help you become a columnist is that you should approach a potential editor only with clear-cut, original ideas. For example, an argument proposing a column covering world travel might be rejected because it has been viewed multiple times and is so broad that it seems vague. Try to think of your area of interest from a specific angle. If you’re a European travel enthusiast who frequently vacations with your kids, for example, you might propose a column about family-friendly European vacations.
Finally, even if an editor likes your column idea, he will need to be convinced that you are the best person for the job. Regardless of the proposed topic, be prepared to discuss your credentials. If you’re pitching an economics column and have a master’s in economics, proving your expertise is simple. On the other hand, if you want to write about a topic that doesn’t offer concrete proof of expertise, your best bet might be to submit sample columns that show you can write competently about that topic.
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