Tips on pulling together your article

Once you’ve written a piece and think it’s ready to submit to an editor, set it aside for a day or two. Then go back to reading it and ask yourself a few questions:

• Does your headline set up your lead? The title of the article should grab the reader’s attention without being sensationalistic, guide the reader to the first paragraph (the lead).  
• Does your lead explain why the reader should care about this topic? That’s your angle to the story, and it’s essential for making the reader want to read on.
• Does each statement provoke a question on the part of the reader? This prompts your readers to want to know what happens next. (And of course you’ll answer that question every time.)
• Have you used subheads effectively? Editors will scan these for a sensible chronology and an organized story.
• Did you use sourced quotes for each section of the story? Quotes always strengthen the content. If the quote is from an interview, make sure you are comfortable that all the quotes are accurate. If you’re quoting a referenced document, make sure you have included a citation (according to the publications style manual) and that it is a primary reference (not a reference that your reference document cited; those are secondary references).
• Have you included examples and anecdotes? If so, your main points will have added clarity.
• Does your conclusion “play” on your lead? This helps to bring your topic full circle, and you’ll be able to see if you brought your reader smoothly from beginning to end.

If you're happy with the answers to these questions, your article is as finished as it can be (more on that in a future post).

Hooded falcon*
Photo by Gail M. Pfeifer
*The hood protects the bird from distractions during a falconer demonstration.

How to be a good freelancer

The main goal when you freelance is to make life easier for the editor who has hired you. Here are some Dos and Don’ts:

Do:

• Follow the guidelines the editor sends to you; if you don’t have them, ask for them. (See the related post on author guidelines here.)
• Read the publication you are writing for and glean the typical style; you won’t get everything right, but you will please the in-house copy editors who do the final style edit.
• Suggest a change in story angle if you uncover new information that warrants the change, but be ready to back that up with a solid rationale.

Sunset Over Great Sound No.2, Stone Harbor, NJ
Photo by Gail M. Pfeifer

Don’t:

• Miss a deadline; you won’t be hired again, no matter how good a writer you are.
• Give frequent updates on the roadblocks you have encountered while writing; your editor wants your article, not your excuses.
• Share the obstacles you have overcome (I did the interview on the lunch hour during my day job; I skipped my planned vacation this weekend to get you this article, etc).