Month: June 2019

What is the Difference Between a Nonfiction Ghostwriter and an Editor?

Posted on by The Writers For Hire, Inc.

With so many different terms used in the process of writing a book, it’s easy to see how someone might get confused.

In our previous blog, we explored what a ghostwriter is and what they do. But, how does their job differ from that of an editor? And can a ghostwriter and an editor be one in the same?

First, let’s definite exactly what an editor is.

An editor is the person who prepares a manuscript for publication by polishing, refining, and enhancing it. An editor:

  • Helps organize the manuscript so that it flows
  • Makes suggestions to improve clarity and readability
  • Makes sure that style and tone are consistent throughout the manuscript
  • Corrects spelling and punctuation errors
  • Helps verify facts

Unlike a ghostwriter, who generally does the bulk of the writing, an editor does not actually write a manuscript. An editor’s job is to take work that is already written, and improve it.

Another difference is that an editor will not generally do any research for a manuscript. Research, as well as story development, is something that is done by the ghostwriter. 

Both an editor and a ghostwriter must have the ability to look at the rough beginnings of a manuscript and understand the author’s vision and what they are hoping to ultimately achieve with their book. They also both have to have a keen understanding of the author’s voice, so that the final product will sound like the author (and not the ghostwriter or the editor). And, ultimately, both and editor and a ghostwriter are responsible for turning the author’s book into the very best it can be.

There are vast differences, though, in what an editor and a ghostwriter do.

If you are looking for someone to essentially turn your thoughts and ideas into a well-crafted manuscript, it is a ghostwriter you want. However, if you have already written your manuscript and just need someone to polish it and make it better, you are probably looking for an editor.

And though there are ghostwriters who also occasionally moonlight as editors, it is highly encouraged that you do not use a ghostwriter to write AND edit your manuscript. Having a fresh pair of eyes to look over and refine your completed piece is an important step to getting your book publish-ready.

The Dos and Don’ts of Email Greetings

Posted on by The Writers For Hire, Inc.

In this day and age, it is not unusual to communicate with a client almost entirely by email. Emails are a quick and easy way to relay messages and keep track of important information. ­

Figuring out how to start an email (especially when you are sending it to someone you don’t know very well) can be a bit of a challenge, though. You don’t want to come off as too informal, but you also want to be sure your email makes you sound friendly and approachable. 

The actual greeting is not the only thing you need to worry about. The name you address a person by is equally important. After all, most people have strong feelings about their name preferences, and calling someone by the wrong name or title can immediately give the person a negative impression of you.

And starting an email off with a generic greeting, like “To Whom It May Concern,” or “Dear Sir or Madam” gives a very impersonal feeling and can make the reader feel like you have no idea who they are and are just sending a generic email.

So, how do you know the best way to start an email? And what name should you use to address the person you are writing to?

This great article from LADDERS explains the importance of using the right email greetings and gives some great tips to help make your emails sound professional and friendly.

While there are several greetings that they have deemed as acceptable, depending on who you are writing to and how well you know them, there was one greeting that they deemed the winner: a simple “Hi (name)…”

According to the article, this is the best greeting because it is a safe and familiar way to address someone, whether or not you know them. Plus, you can easily add formality to the greeting by using a “Mr.” or “Mrs.” title, followed by the person’s last name.

While “Hi” was the overall winner in terms of which greeting to use, there were several greetings that the article advises against using. Some of them, such as “Hey…” and “(first name)!!” are just too informal. And others, such as “Dear…,” can be too formal and impersonal.

The article also warns against using too many exclamation marks, not verifying that you have the correct spelling of a person’s name, and using nicknames.

Ultimately, when sending emails, your greeting should be something that addresses the specific person that you are sending the email to in a way that comes off as friendly and respectful, while not overly casual or laid back.

And, perhaps most importantly, never send an email without a greeting.

150 Surprising Facts About Famous Writers

Posted on by The Writers For Hire, Inc.

It’s no secret that many writers have led very interesting lives. After all, the fascinating themes for their books have to come from somewhere!

But, did you know that Irish novelist, James Joyce, was fluent in five different languages? Or that Mary Shelley was only 18-years-old when she started writing Frankenstein?

How about the fact that before Louisa May Alcott wrote Little Women, she worked as a Civil War nurse in Washington?

And can you imagine that Edgar Allan Poe actually considered using an owl or a parrot, before he settled on quoting “the raven nevermore?”

In this great blog from booksonthewall.com, the author has compiled 150 amazing facts about the lives of well-known authors.

From frequently used phrases that originated from Shakespeare (“dead as a doornail,” “night owl,” and “in a pickle,” to name a few), to Mark Twain’s prestigious lecture on watermelon, these facts will surprise even the most knowledgeable literary minds.

Is Screenless Internet the Future of Writing?

Posted on by The Writers For Hire, Inc.

It’s hard to remember a time when computers were tied to dial-up land-lines, and cell phones were devices used solely for the purpose of making calls. In fact, it seems that nowadays, everywhere you look, people are shackled to their internet-enabled cell phones, tablets, or laptops.

With ever-evolving technology, the dream of working remotely has become more and more accessible to everyday people. Even some doctors are foregoing their normal office visits with patients, and, instead, adopting a telemedicine method of diagnosing and treating minor illnesses and injuries.

As technology continues to advance, though, we have to wonder what the future will look like for the writing profession.

The answer to that question may be found in this great article from the New York Times. In the article, columnist Farhad Manjoo, details how he stumbled upon a new way of writing through speech. Manjoo explains how he initially started recording random thoughts and ideas when he was out and about, using a cloud-connected recording app on his phone.  Soon, those short, random thoughts turned into full sentences, paragraphs, and column outlines.

Manjoo realized that through a few cheap apps and transcription programs, he was able to free himself from sitting down and physically writing out his columns. Instead, he spends two or three mornings a week walking around town, chatting with himself and writing his columns through speech.

While this practice may seem strange to some, it definitely poses questions about how necessary a physical device or screen is to the livelihood of a writer, and whether the future may, indeed, become virtually screenless.

9 Great Nonfiction Books for Your Book Club

Posted on by The Writers For Hire, Inc.

With the popularity of book clubs once again on the rise, more and more people are searching for the perfect, discussion-worthy books.

While it’s easy to defer to the classics of authors such as Shakespeare, Jane Austin, and Charles Dickens, nonfiction books are a great way to shake things up and provide some real-life, thought-provoking material. 

These 9 tantalizing nonfiction reads are sure to be perfect solution for inspiring lively discussions in your book club:

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance

This deeply moving memoir gives the account of a former marine and Yale graduate’s life growing up in a poor Rust Belt town in Ohio. Using his own family as a case study in “hillbilly” culture, Vance explores the often overlooked struggles of the working class.
While the book has received varied reviews, there is no doubt that it will inspire some great debates in your next book club meeting.

I Am Malala: The Story of a Girl who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai

When the Taliban took control of the Swat Valley in Pakistan, fifteen-year- old Malala Yousafzai refused to be silenced and fought for her right to an education—a fight for which she almost paid the ultimate price.
I Am Malala is the incredible tale of how a young girl became the global symbol of peaceful protest, and ignited change in women’s rights worldwide.

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes & Other Lessons from the Crematory by Caitlin Doughty

In this unusual coming-of-age story, a young mortician goes behind the scenes and reveals fascinating (and gruesome) details of her profession. While this may seem like a very morbid topic, Doughty has managed to infuse her book with humor, as well as some very interesting information about bizarre and wonderful funeral traditions from around the world.

Things I Should Have Told my Daughter: Lies, Lessons, & Love Affairs by Pearl Cleage

In this inspiring memoir, Pearl Cleage reminisces on her life as a young wife and mother, living in Atlanta in the 1970’s and 80’s. Through the details of how she tried to find her own voice as a writer while grappling with the ideas of feminism and self-fulfillment, Cleage managed to create a beautifully moving story that will no doubt stir readers to life a better life and make a difference in the world.

I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives by Martin Ganda and Caitlin Alifirenka

This beautiful and heartwarming book tells the story of how a teenage girl from a middle-class family in Pennsylvania and a teenage boy from the slums of Zimbabwe became pen pals, and ultimately changed the course of each other’s lives.

Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari

For this hilarious insight into modern-day romance, Ansari teamed up with a sociologist from NYU, as well as several of the world’s leading social scientists, and conducted hundreds of interviews around the world. The result is a thoughtful and in-depth exploration of the pleasures (and perils) of modern romance.

Chasing Daylight: How My Forthcoming Death Transformed My Life by Eugene O’Kelly

In this moving memoir written in the last few months of his life, former KPMG CEO, Eugene O’Kelly, gives an honest and inspirational account of his struggle to come to terms with his terminal diagnosis, and the choice he made to spend the remainder of his days embracing every moment.

The Stranger In The Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit by Michael Finkel

This remarkable book tells the story of how one man chose to escape the chaos of modern life and live alone in the woods for twenty-seven years. This gripping tale of survival will take you on a thought-provoking journey, and will leave you questioning the impacts of solitude, community, and the importance of following your own path.

The Underground Girls of Kabul: In Search of a Hidden Resistance in Afghanistan by Jenny Nordberg

Written by investigative journalist, Jenny Nordberg, this emotional narrative brings a new perspective of the lives of the girls and women living in war-torn Afghanistan. This book gives a powerful and moving account of those living in the deeply segregated society, where women have almost no rights and are given very little freedom

The Writer’s Art of Eavesdropping

Posted on by The Writers For Hire, Inc.

I’m nosey. I’ll be the first to admit it. But, when you spend multiple hours each day in a public coffee shop, it’s hard not to be.

As a writer whose home office is frequently overrun with noisy kids, I do a lot of my work from my favorite Starbucks. It’s really the perfect setting. I get free refills on my coffee (which every writer knows is a necessity), and have plenty of choices for both indoor and outdoor seating.

One of my favorite benefits, though, is the incredible conversations I get to overhear.

Now, before you judge me, let me explain… I never sit down, open my laptop, and then actively TRY to eavesdrop on conversations going on around me.

Actually, I generally try not to focus on what is going on around me, and instead put all of my attention into whatever project I am working on.

Frequently, though, those conversations are hard to ignore.

It always blows my mind that so many people are willing to discuss the intimate details of their lives in a public space. What surprises me more, though, is just how loud they discuss those things.

From play-by-play accounts of scandalous affairs to full blown screaming matches, I have heard it all. So much, in fact, that I have considered writing a book about my experiences at the coffee shop.

Through a little google research, I found that I am not the only nosey person looking to unveil the crazy things I hear in public.

This fascinating article from entrepreneur.com features a story about the creator of increasingly popular Instagram accounts, @overheardLA and @OverheardNewYork, and how he gained 2.6 MILLION Instagram followers through his stories of public eavesdropping.

The Instagram account, which features funny quotes that users heard in public, makes me realize that I am definitely not alone in my eavesdropping habits. It also makes me think that writing a book really is a great idea!

Formatting your book for publication: So many choices

Posted on by The Writers For Hire, Inc.

The Digital Revolution has had a disruptive effect on many businesses, and publishing has certainly not been immune. With the advent of desktop publishing software and online self-publishing options, there is now plenty of room for aspiring authors to put their own books together and make a splash on the market without ever signing a contract with a major publishing house.

Overall, this disruption has been a change for the better, as it has democratized the process of getting books into print. But it has placed certain burdens on writers. It has, for example, made authors who choose to publish independently responsible for formatting their own work.

This isn’t an easy task. For centuries, it remained the exclusive province of publishing houses, which delegated the task to skilled employees — namely, layout editors, and typesetters — who typically worked separately from authors.

Now, though, writers have the tools they need to take care of the formatting on their own. But should they?

This isn’t always an easy question to answer, especially if you’re new to self-publishing. So we’ve marked out a path for you and will walk you through every level of the process.

STEP 1: Draw up a must-have list

The first decision to make relates to what you want your book to look like.

Are you thinking about something simple — say, text only, or perhaps mostly text interspersed with a few photos or graphics? Or are you aiming for something with more visual impact — say, a recipe book that includes depictions of beautifully arranged meals, a family history with photographs and genealogical tables, or a coffee-table book full of eye-catching illustrations and prints? Or perhaps something in between?

Whatever the case, start by deciding how to present your book. If you don’t, you may have a hard time choosing among all the different formatting options out there. But if you do, you’ll be able to generate a list of non-negotiable features. That is, you’ll have a better idea of what your chosen software or app must be able to do.

STEP 2: Identify your options

Once you know what you want your book to look like, it’s time to identify solutions that will allow you to hit your target.

If you want something simple — that is, if your book is a text-only endeavor that won’t make use of any fancy fonts — there are plenty of straightforward options. On the desktop publishing side, you can use any type of commercially available software, such as Microsoft Publisher, Adobe InDesign, or an open-source tool such as Scribus or Calibre. (You can even use a word-processing program such as Microsoft Word, though it’s likely to prove less versatile.)

With respect to online self-publishing tools, you can find many that are free or low-cost. Some of the best-known solutions are Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Lulu, and Blurb. (The first is an affiliate of Amazon, and the other two are independent operators.)

But what if you have your heart set on something more elaborate, something that uses both words and pictures to tell a story? You’ll need a solution that can handle the job for you, and not all of the options listed above are the best fit. But there are some strong candidates.

Most desktop publishing software packages — including both commercial and open-source solutions — will be able to manage a mix of text, photos, charts, and graphics. Some also have the advantage of being tied into other programs that support complex visual elements. InDesign, for example, is available as part of an Adobe suite that includes Illustrator and Photoshop.

As for online self-publishing solutions, there are some that are better than others. Blurb is one of them. This tool was originally designed to format photo books, and its origins are evident in the print options, which allow authors to choose glossy or matte paper of various weights.

STEP 3: Narrow it down

By now, you’ve decided what type of book you want, and you’ve identified the tools you can use to get it. The next step is to narrow your list of choices down.

If, for example, you’ve decided to use an online self-publishing solution for a text-only book, it’s time to decide which one works best for you. To do so, make sure you know which criteria are most important to you. Do you care about price, about distribution options, about ease of use, or about something else?

If the price is a key consideration, you can trim your list by excluding options that cost money. KDP and Lulu are both free to use, though they do require that authors set up accounts and follow their procedures. Blurb, by contrast, is free to join, but users cannot begin formatting until they install the site’s Bookwright software on their laptops or desktop computers. They must also pay a one-time conversion fee of $9.99 if they want to upload an Adobe PDF or InDesign file generated elsewhere.

With respect to distribution, you may opt for KDP because you like the idea of being able to move directly from that program’s formatting functions to selling and distributing your book via Amazon. Or perhaps you prefer Lulu, which also allows authors to distribute their books via Amazon — and via Barnes & Noble and Ingram, as well as its own network. Or you may choose Blurb because it offers access to Apple iBooks, along with other networks.

If you’re concerned about ease of use, meanwhile, Blurb may not be your top candidate because of its steeper learning curve. As for other issues … well, we encourage you to do your own research and make the choice that’s right for you.

STEP 3.5: Caveat actor

Speaking of which, you should also consider the question of whether you truly have the time and the skillset you need to format your book on your own, regardless of whether you’re looking at desktop publishing software or an online publishing tool. If you don’t, maybe you’d be better off outsourcing some or all of this process.

This was a consideration that author Renee Chernin kept in mind when self-publishing her first cookbook, Cooking for the King. Chernin told The Writers for Hire she opted not to take on the task of formatting because she wanted to make sure the finished product met her own expectations. “Since the visual experience is so important for the reader of cookbooks, I hired a graphic designer to do the formatting and layout,” she said.

Delegating this part of the work made the experience of bringing the book to print much smoother, she added. “[The graphic designer] was a pleasure to work with and kept me on a deadline,” she remarked. “I would do it again the same way.”

STEP 4: Get to work

If you’ve come this far, then you’ve determined that it’s worth your time to do your own layout.

If so, now it’s time to get to work and put in the hours needed to convert your text into a file that has the look you want. Make sure that you’re saving your files in the proper format, and make a point of backing up your files periodically. You don’t want to lose everything you’ve done so far!

Once you’ve accomplished this task, you should have a formatted manuscript that’s ready to publish. So how about you give yourself a pat on the back?

The Truth About Emotional Spoilers For Books and Movies

Posted on by The Writers For Hire, Inc.

When Avengers: Endgame premiered in theatres throughout the country, there was a huge uproar about people spoiling a major plot twist. Those who were not able to see the movie on the night it premiered felt like they were cheated when the death of a certain well-loved hero was revealed by their friends on social media.

Spoilers like this are a common thing when it comes to popular books, movies, and T.V. shows. And many avid fans go to great lengths to avoid seeing or hearing anything that may give away and “spoil” crucial dramatic themes in their favorite books or shows.

After all, if those dramatic themes are discovered ahead of time, it may ruin —or, at the very least, lessen— the experience of reading or watching them for the first time.

Or, will it?

Surprisingly, studies have found that people who have been exposed to a “spoiler” can actually end up enjoying the book or movie more than those who go into it without prior knowledge of what is going to happen.

It turns out that emotional spoilers allow people to better process what they are about to read or watch and, in turn, help them to be prepared for those sensitive moments.

While this may seem strange to those who insist that spoilers make things less enjoyable, there are actually quite a few people who want to know what is going to happen ahead of time. So many, in fact, that there is an entire website dedicated to giving emotional spoilers for books, movies, and T.V. shows.

And it does not stop there! Doesthedogdie.com also provides crowdsourced spoilers for video games, blogs, and podcasts, among other things. So, next time you are going to start reading an emotionally charged novel, check out this website ahead of time, and let us know if the spoilers make the book more enjoyable!

How to Test an SOP Before Rolling It Out

Posted on by The Writers For Hire, Inc.

If you’ve recently completed a Standard Operating Procedures document (SOP), you may be tempted to roll it out without testing it. After all, you put a lot of hard work into it, right? And there’s no way you made a mistake by failing to recognize a skipped step or issuing unclear instructions.

But the truth is, it happens all the time. You see, when we get too close to something, we oftentimes see what we want to see instead of what’s actually there.

Before you release your new SOP, take a look at why and how you should test it. It just may be the difference between having a project that is a complete success and one that was just almost right.

Why Test an SOP?

No matter how much work goes into the creation of an SOP, it’s a sure bet that it contains errors. And if you created a large document, it probably has a few. But even if you somehow managed to pull off the miraculous and produced an SOP with no errors, you can still benefit from SOP testing.

Here are some great reasons why you should always test an SOP.

Catch Those Errors

Chances are, the SOP contains errors, and testing it is a great way to catch them. And that’s important. Just think, if the SOP contains an error in the customer service processes, and it’s not recognized before rollout, how many customers will be affected by it?

Ensure the Instructions are Clear

People can’t follow a new process unless the instructions are crystal clear.

For example, imagine that the instructions tell the user to enter a customer name and then their address. New employees may not realize that you have to hit “proceed to next screen” before entering the address if the button is located too far down the page. In that instance, you should spell it out, even if the current employees already understand it.

Eliminate Waste and Duplication

Even if the SOP is error-free, you can still benefit from testing it. That’s because the end user who already has experience with the processes may provide some insight you hadn’t thought of. And that could save the company money by reducing things like waste and duplication.

For example, imagine that the SOP called for a customer service representative to print out a copy of the order. But when the SOP was tested, the representative pointed out that the order is printed in the step immediately following theirs.

How to Test an SOP

Before we get into the process of testing an SOP, let’s get something out of the way: no software can do this job for you.

I know, it’s not fair, is it?

But testing an SOP is a hands-on, unique operation that you will need to oversee.

However, once your SOP is up and running, you can use software like Tallyfy and Process Street to monitor things like issue tracking and task consolidation to improve your SOP even more.

But for now, you need humans to tell you if you got it right.

Now that you understand the importance of testing an SOP let’s talk about the process of doing it. Here is a four-step plan you can follow to test your SOP.

Step One: Identify the Testing Parties

Your first step is to identify the testing parties — but that may not be as simple as it sounds. Here are some guidelines for who you should use to test the SOP.

Don’t Allow the SOP Developers to Test It

Do you remember at the beginning of this article when I talked about how being too close to the SOP makes you see things that aren’t there? That’s why you should never allow the developers to test the SOP.

For instance, imagine that the SOP states that the user should assign a customer to a category and then move on to the next step. The developer knows that the user must hit the “save” button, or the information will be lost. But will a new employee know that?

In this instance, the developer was just too close to the process to test the SOP. But, these two people are perfect for the job:

  • Departmental Testers: Identify testers in each department who are affected by the SOP. For example, if the SOP contains new guidelines for the customer service department, you should get people from that department to test the processes that affect them. The people who work the processes every day know them, and they will easily be able to spot an error or an incomplete action.
  • Unfamiliar Testers: In addition to departmental testers, you should assign testers who don’t understand the departmental processes. These people will rely only on the information listed in the SOP, and you will quickly be able to identify any flaws or weaknesses in the instructions. New employees or people from a different department are ideal candidates for this role.

Step Two: Test Each Process

Now that you know who will be testing the SOP, it’s time to run the tests. To get the best results, when possible, you should do it a couple of ways.

Test it Live

The best way to ensure the SOP instructions are clear is to test it in a live environment. For example, if there are new SOP guidelines for sales representatives, have them test their processes while they’re with the customer and submitting an order or inquiry.

Test it As a Whole

After you’ve run through the SOP department-by-department, it’s time to test the entire SOP as a whole. Assign one group of testers to use the old SOP and perform the processes that way. Then have another group use the new SOP. Keep careful records and after the testing is complete, compare the results. If the new guidelines don’t improve the functionality of the department or make the process easier, you’re not finished. If they do, you’re ready for the next step.

Step Three: Ask for Feedback

At this point, you probably feel ready to roll out the SOP, but doing so will cause you to miss out on a valuable opportunity.

Just because the testers completed the processes without any problems, that doesn’t mean the procedures were perfect. Now is the time to ask the testers for their feedback. Doing so may give you insight into how you can improve the SOP even more.

If you use Sharepoint, make use of DocSurvey to send surveys to each tester and ask them if there is anything you can do to improve the instructions or processes.

Step Four: Make Adjustments and Test Again

Now that you’ve received feedback from the testers, you will need to analyze it to determine whether it can truly improve the processes. And here’s where it gets tricky: you probably don’t want to make any more adjustments to the SOP. You just want to release it so you can move on to the next project.

But you also want it to be as good as it can be — the first time.

So analyze the data, but be sure to give more weight to the recommendations than you do to your desire to move on.

Testing the SOP wasn’t so bad, was it? This extra step could save you a lot of pain in the future, and that’s why it’s so important.

Now, celebrate your accomplishment by releasing and implementing the SOP!

                                             

Copywriter Q&A: Carissa Lamkahouan on the Art of the Pitch

Posted on by The Writers For Hire, Inc.

Carissa Lamkahouan has two decades of professional writing experience and has been published in a wide range of newspapers, magazines, and online publications. At The Writers For Hire (TWFH), Carissa is our in-house authority for all things journalism. In this installment of our Copywriter Q&A series, we talked about the process of pitching an article.

Carissa’s advice: Start with the pitch letter. If you can perfect the art of the pitch letter, everything else will fall into place.

TWFH: Let’s start with the basics: What is a pitch letter and why do you need one?

CL: A pitch letter is a letter to a publication’s editor that explains your idea. It should tell the editor why your story idea is important in general, and why their readers in particular will want to read it. I also believe it’s important that you pitch yourself, too. You’re asking them to let you do this story, so explain why you’re the best person for the job.

TWFH: What are the key elements of a good pitch letter?

CL: It’s a lot like a cover letter. Your first paragraph should say, “Here’s what I want to write about, and here’s why it’s important.” The second paragraph needs a hook: Explain why readers will want to read your story. And in the third paragraph, sell yourself a little bit. Tell them how long you’ve been writing; link to a few articles or invite them to look you up.

TWFH: How much detail about the story do you want to include in your pitch letter?

CL: In first paragraph, I get decently specific. Publications get a million pitch letters. You don’t want an editor saying, “What are you talking about?” Spell it out very clearly: “This subject is interesting because XX. Your readers would be interested because XX.” In the past, I’ve also included a line to the effect of, “If this topic doesn’t appeal to you, there are other angles we can pursue, please feel free to contact me.”

TWFH: Does it help to let them know that you’re flexible, topic-wise?

CL: Yes. There was one case where I was hired to write an article on behalf of a client. He wanted to get his company’s name out there. We were pitching to a niche business publication, and the hook we originally came up with was a funny story about his celebrity client. It was a really fun idea, but when I sent my pitch letter I mentioned that we were open to other ideas. And they called me back and said, “This is funny, but it’s not for us.” So we went with a more serious, business-focused angle. 

TWFH: How do you come up with the right hook that will appeal to a particular publication?

CL:Sometimes it’s pretty obvious. Luckily, everything’s online so you can take a look at the type of articles they publish. You’ll see a pattern.

TWFH: So, your hook and pitch letter should change depending on the content of the publication? Can you pitch one topic multiple ways?

CL: Yes. For example, I was going to write an article for a company that focused on creating products for dogs. I wrote pitch letters to several dog-related magazines, but the letters weren’t all the same. For more business- and inventor-focused magazines, I pitched a more general article about how the company founder was an inventor, and how he came up with ideas for new dog products. But I also pitched to pet-related magazines. The company also had a dog daycare business, and for the animal-specific magazines, we made that the focus. Things like, “What is dog daycare? And why do we need it?” I also pitched to a wellness magazine.

TWFH: How did you find a “wellness” hook?

CL: Dog daycare helps with dog depression. It was a completely different angle but still related to the inventor. I focused on the wellness aspect of his dog daycare business. Daycare makes dogs happier. They get depressed if they’re home alone. I interviewed veterinarians for that article, and I relied heavily on interviews with a dog psychiatrist.

TWFH: Can you walk me through the process from start to finish? Do you start by having an idea, pitching it to publications, and then waiting to write it until you know who’s interested? Do you write the article first and then pitch it? Or does the process vary?

CL: It is a fluid process, but it usually starts with an idea from experience I have or something I hear. Or maybe I have a client who wants me to help them get their name out there for whatever reason. I like to have at least two to three potential stories I can write based on just that one idea.

TWFH: Does the process change at all when you’re ghostwriting or if you’re writing and pitching an article on behalf of a client? 

CL: With the dog daycare client I had one publication that liked the topic I suggested, which was the evolution of dog daycare. But they said, “We don’t want it to be all about your client.”

TWFH: And your client was OK with that? Were you able to find a way to mention his company without making that the focal point?

CL: I told him, “The lead is not going to be about your company — but when we mention X topic, we’ll mention you.” A lot of times, clients will be OK with that. You can also ask your client to supply photos, so when these magazines ask for pictures, which they will, you send your client’s pictures.

TWFH: So, the more flexible the client, the better the chances of getting their story picked up?

CL: They might get more coverage if they’re willing to take the focus off of themselves. It helps to explain tell clients, “Sometimes the article might be about your company, and then it might not.” My client was able to get more coverage with articles that mentioned his company or included a photo he sent, rather than articles that were all about his company or inventions.

TWFH: How do you choose which publications to pitch to?

CL: First, look at the subject matter and start with obvious publications. Then start working your angles. Look up publications related to any of those angles you’d be surprised what comes up.

TWFH: What about really super-niche publications that have outdated websites and/or don’t have a “submissions” section or clear info about pitching? Do you just write them off and move on? Do you try to track down contact info?

CL: If they’re niche, I try pretty hard to find an inroad. Most articles in a publication will have an email address for the writer. Try contacting them. I’ve done that. I’ll say, “Hi, I know you’re not an editor with X publication, but can you hook me up?”

TWFH: Does that work?

CL: Most writers will be willing to help. You can also try looking them up on social media, like Facebook or LinkedIn.

TWFH: How many pitch letters should you send at one time?

CL: That depends on how fast you’re trying to turn the article around. If you’re not in a hurry, you can start with five, then send another five in a month. If your topic is something time-sensitive — something that coincides with an anniversary date for an event, for example — you might want to send 20 pitch letters. And this is important: If you’re pitching to magazines in particular, you have to pitch six months in advance. They want stories three to four months in advance. So if you have a date-oriented piece, you’d better pitch early.

TWFH: What happens if multiple publications say they’re interested in your piece?

CL: Do all of them. But there’s the deal: Try to have a different hook or different interviewees on the same topic. You don’t want to write the same article multiple times. If it’s the type of article that doesn’t have a lot of hooks or there are not a lot of ways to write differently about your topic, you can still make it as unique as possible for each publication. It helps to have some ideas up your sleeve ahead of time. For example, find some local sources. If papers in both South Carolina and LA picked you up, find local people to interview. Reach out to local colleges or local experts. Editors know you’re pitching to multiple publications. But don’t ever turn down a publication. It’ll work itself out.

TWFH: What happens if you get zero responses from the publications you’ve contacted?

CL: Follow up. Have a follow-up email already written. There’s nothing wrong with that. They’re either going to ignore you or tell you no. If your topic is timely and you’re getting closer to the anniversary event, say, “I wanted to check in, this is coming up. That’s why it’s a good time to run it.” Mention your hook again. Ask if they’d like a different angle.

TWFH: Is there a rule to how often to check in or follow up? A lot of writers start to feel like they’re being annoying or too pushy after a while —especially if they’re not getting a response.

CL: Don’t be scared to do it. You’re doing those editors a favor. They don’t want to run around and find story ideas. A lot of them don’t have staff writers. They have pages to fill, and a lot of times writers don’t make their deadlines. And when that happens, they lose their stories and they’re scrambling for a replacement. Again, what can they do? Ignore you or say no.

TWFH: So you really might be helping them out if, say, they end up short on content.

CL: Editors are relying on your submissions. Offer other angles. Be fluid, be flexible, don’t be shy. You should never be shy about pitching. Editors know they’re going to get these pitch letters. They’re expecting to get them. Look at it this way: If you don’t tell them about these fun, cool, interesting stories, they’re not going to know.

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