Self-Syndicate a Column
Having a syndicated column is a dream of many writers. Writing the essay is the easy part; but finding someone to publish it takes a lot of time, patience, perseverance and very thick skin. Being able to handle rejection is key to surviving in writing. If you think you have something to say, then write it down and start calling editors. Read on to learn self-syndicate a column.
Instructions
1. Decide in which genre your column fits. Are you an expert in any field? Perhaps you could write a home and garden column, a parenting column or a business column.
2. Determine your column length and frequency. Most newspapers are tight on space and prefer 500 to 800 words. Columns can run daily, weekly, biweekly or monthly.
3. Research publications to which you would like to submit your work and determine what kind of content they publish. Make sure yours fits within their guidelines. Decide which editor to contact based on the department in which your column will run.
4. Price your column based on the publication's circulation. For instance, a paper that has more than 100,000 circulations will have a larger budget to pay its writers. Most columns average a rate of $10 to $50.
5. Decide what rights you are going to sell. First rights gives the newspaper the right to be the first to publish. One-time rights gives the newspaper the right to publish it once. All rights gives the publication the rights to publish it as many times or in as many venues without compensating you further.
6. Prepare your pitch kits. Include a cover letter describing your proposed column, six sample columns, supporting materials, including clips of articles and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
7. Begin calling the appropriate editors. Explain to them who you are and what you have to offer. Ask if you may send them a kit with samples.
8. Follow up on all your calls. It may take several times to reach editors.
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