Syndicated Column Writing - How to Make it Happen

·	Should my column be daily, weekly or monthly?

I would suggest no more than weekly. Writing even a twice-per-week column is a really time-consuming part-time job which might not bring in enough revenue for you to quit your day job.

I wouldn't suggest going much longer. As for shorter, I have seen 200-word columns that have done extremely well. You have to remember, space is at a minimum. Most editors would rather offer their readers 10 small features than 5 longer ones. There is a better chance of finding something that will appeal to everyone.

Is this an exact word count? Nope, give or take 20-30 words either way. But you should keep them all at the same approximate word count because editors save a certain amount of space and it is difficult for them to adjust the rest of the page for space. Hopefully, your word processing program has this word count feature. If not, just go by the rule that the finished column should end up about 1 1/4 page, single spaced when written in a 10 pt. type.

Writing a weekly column is absolutely do-able, however. Plus, newspaper editors can more easily find space for it. Since it may take you some time to for your column to "grow," unless you are independently wealthy, you cannot afford the time it would take to produce anything over a weekly.

·	How many words should my column be?

The short answer? Not over 800. Six hundred is better, 500 better still. But no matter what size you choose, never write one word over what it takes to get your point across.

For my column, "Ask Rat Dog," I find 550 to be the perfect word count. After a couple of years, I cut it down from 650 to 550 and found it to be a far tighter column. (I announced this change to the editors first, of course.) I found the shorter word count made me say what needed to say and get out.

·	How many columns do I need to get started?

Four. (See how easy this is?)

Our Basic Column Submission Package sends the same query letter with a different sample column, sent out one week apart, over the course of four weeks. We can offer you these rates because we prepare a composite proof - the query and all 4 or 6 columns - all at one time. Besides this, if you just write one column to start, when an editor asks for more samples, you will have to write REALLY FAST.

How will writing a syndicated column change my life?

What makes the “Market 2 Editors” site THE expert on writing a syndicated column?

How does one write a syndicated column?

Do newspaper editors prefer E-MAIL or snail-mail?

Is my column’s topic of interest to newspaper editors?

Does the “Market 2 Editors” site turn down any columns?

Do you need to be an expert to write a column?

How important is my column’s title?

How do I write a compelling query letter?

Any tips for editing my writing?

What do I need to know about the business end of writing & syndicating a column?

What should I charge for writing my syndicated column?

Do you have a sample column contract?

How will my syndicated column submission be presented to newspaper editors?

Does the “Market 2 Editors” site send to ALL newspaper editors?

How will newspaper editors contact me?

What percentage response can I expect from submitting my syndicated column?

Do you have any references? Does the “Market 2 Editors” site guarantee its service?

Why isn’t a single submission enough to launch a syndicated column?