How contributors can progress from unsolicited to commissioned writers
In answer to constant queries, I have in the past commented on how contributors can get published in the Nation. Many would-be writers like to submit articles for the Opinion pages and many of them send queries to me. But let us get one thing straight: The Public Editor does not edit any part of this newspaper, not even this column. So my comments are just advice.
My remit is essentially to act as a go-between with the editors when members of the public have complaints about editorial matters. My functions are pretty well summarized in the credit line at the end of this article.
Decisions on what to publish are made by other editors. For the Opinion pages it is the Opinion Editor. His advice is the best and the most authoritative you can get. Now that we have that out of the way, let me say some things I have said in the past because they cannot be repeated too often.
The Opinion section publishes articles from both regular columnists and guest columnists. Regular columnists are contracted to write a regular column. Guest columnists write on speculation that their articles will be published; their contributions are usually unsolicited. “Unsolicited article” is a contribution that has not been asked for, is uninvited, and but may be published on merit.
Air their views
Writers who get their unsolicited articles published often come back to ask if they can be paid for the articles. Unfortunately, such articles are not paid for. However, not every contributor of such articles wants to be paid. Many writers are just happy to have their work published and to have a platform to air their views.
Still, many writers often asked how they can become regular columnists. That question is best addressed to the editors, not the Public Editor who is actually an outsider-insider critic. But here is my two cents worth of advice. While it always pays to have an inside tract, the best way for the ordinary contributor to get a regular column is to demonstrate your writing ability and mastery of your subject areas. This can be done over time.
But let us stick to the basics. There are steps that you need to take to become a regular columnist or commissioned writer. Although your articles may be unsolicited, it is good to know editors are always soliciting -- asking people with deep knowledge, expertise, authority or relevant experience to contribute special articles that help to illuminate specific issues or problems.
But this is a “two-way street” situation in which both the editor and the contributor can play a part. If you have an idea for an article that an editor is likely to want, you can pitch it to him. If he accept the article then your article moves from the category of unsolicited to solicited. If this happens too often you are on your way to becoming a regular and paid writer. This process, however, takes a l bit of work, initiative and an inkling of the kind of materials the editor might be interested in; if he is not interested, your task is to get him interested.
The initial steps involves studying the publication. What kind of articles does the newspaper publish? What kind of articles do regular and commissioned contributors write?. You can call this studying the market, which is basic.
Contact the right editor
In proposing your article idea based on the market study, let the editor know your credentials for wanting to write the article. Nothing succeeds better than success. Propose to write on subjects or topics in which you are thoroughly knowledgeable either through research, study, observation or experience.
Keep a portfolio of your work. You may need samples or brief descriptions of your published work, if any, to establish your credentials for wanting to write on a particular subject or topic.
Having good credentials, however, is not enough. You need to pitch your article idea, as I suggested earlier. You have to persuade the editor to accept the idea. The editor will listen if you have a good pitch.
Last, but not least network. You need to know the right editors to pitch your article to. You need to know which NMG platforms are most likely to be interested in your contribution and then contact the right editor. BY DAILY NATION
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