When a writer wants to break into a new market or squeeze another article into the work schedule, what are the simple ways to get more mileage out of pieces without exhausting oneself? There are low-effort article angles writers and bloggers can employ without sacrificing quality and value.
For time-strapped writers, getting a clip in a new industry could pay off down the road when their schedules open up and they are free to pitch more in-depth pieces. Here are three simple ways writers can enjoy a high return—both in print and online markets:
- Pitch interviews. Realize a byline in a market for a 1,500-word feature and a byline for a 1,500-word interview are just that: A byline. Why expend energy researching, finding sources, and time crafting a lengthy feature when you can transcribe an interview and still get a byline in the same market? This is an especially smart article choice if you are trying to secure a clip in a new market. What if the piece is killed? You could opt to sell it elsewhere.
- Re-purpose content. If one market liked your article enough to print it, don’t you think another would too? Check your contract or verify with editors when you submit work which rights the publication is purchasing. Print only? Find an online market, pitch the article, and offer digital rights. Did they purchase rights for one year? Schedule a reminder in your calendar 12 months from now to pitch re-print rights and get paid again for the same work. Now you have two clips, two checks, and you only spent time writing one article. Also, think of a different angle. I pitched an article about GPS for dogs to FIDO Friendly, which outlined different products on the market. I also pitched the article to Dog Fancy, but they wanted an angle that focused more on personal dog rescue stories as a result of GPS. This required new interviews and a different article, but the foundation was already there. Two checks and the same basic idea.
- Profile trends. Front-of-book (FOB) pieces in magazines are short and simple. Keep an eye on trends and pitch them right away to editors for FOB sections. Typically you can get a byline in a new market with just 300 words. Subscribe to services like Trend Hunter and Springwise to get fresh ideas sent to you each week.
The methods above pose a lower requirement on the writer for lengthy fresh copy, and at the same time allow you to connect with experts and industry leaders and tap into new markets. Plus, a source you are interviewing may need a writer down the road! High mileage for a car may not add value, but high mileage for a writer’s words sure does.