Writing articles for print publications can be profitable but you need to implement the right approach to gain those much-sought after commissions in what has become a highly competitive market. To enhance your chances of success, consider the following guidelines:

Do Your Research

Many writers fail to gain commissions because they haven't studied their target publications. You need to be in-tune with the title's readership and be familiar with their house-style. Good research leads on to commissions so make time to study your markets carefully.

Emulate the Publication's Style

Make sure that you write to suit your target publication in terms of article topic appeal, style, tone, length and type of vocabulary used. The editor is more likely to commission you if your material fits the publication's format.

Find New Angles to Old Stories

Editors have published just about every topic imaginable so your greatest challenge when writing about a subject that has been extensively covered is to come up with a new angle. If you can focus on a different slant, you will more likely capture the editor's attention.

Make Sure Your Article Has Substance

Where appropriate to the publication's requirements, provide fact-rich articles which include statistics, quotes and information that will appeal to your target audience. Follow the editor's guidelines.

Aim for Error-Free Copy

Check your work carefully to avoid typos or poor delivery. In fact, check your copy several times until you are absolutely certain that it is error-free and suitable for publication. Look out for mistakes in the spelling of names or places. Also check for statistical or factual errors.

Think like a Reader

Read your article through the eyes of a typical reader of your target publication. How does your article rate compared to other features? Is your copy informative, appealing, practical and /or entertaining? Have you covered both sides of an argument? Be objective. If you think your article is lacking, go back to it and make the necessary revisions.

Think like an Editor

Can you improve your article by writing more concisely? Read your article as if you are the editor and make any necessary revisions that will enhance your writing style. If you can save the editor from additional work by submitting succinct but sparkling copy, this will work in your favour.

Source Images

Some publications like to commission a complete package of words and pictures. This saves the editor time and the inconvenience of sourcing specific images. If you have access to images which you have permission to use (preferably ones you have taken to avoid copyright issues), then mention this to the editor. Quality needs to be good though. If you have suitable images, this will further increase your chances of gaining a commission and there may even be an extra fee for the pictures!

Be Professional

Keep your cover letters concise and business-like. Follow the contributor guidelines and ensure that your approach is timely and professional. If you impress the editor with your approach, this will bode well for gaining future work.

Look at All Your Options

Many writers aim to sell their articles to high-paying mainstream publications but competition can be incredibly tough. It's worth sourcing a selection of lower-circulation publications or specialist trade titles. Some do pay reasonably well ? in some instances much better than the mainstream publications ? whereas the lower paying ones can be a source of more regular repeat commissions if you have the right material.

Ultimately, the editor is looking for a great feature that will enlighten their readers so focus on producing quality work with a captivating title and introduction. Your copy needs to come alive on the page. With the right application, you can gain regular commissions and make a good income from writing for magazines and newspapers. Good luck!