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Sell Your Articles to Magazines

© Roxianne Moore

I've been looking at recent books for freelance writers. Most assume some level of writing experience, making it difficult for true beginners to learn how to break in. How to Write Articles that Sell (second edition) by L. Perry Wilbur and Jon Samsel is an excellent guide for beginners. Not only do the authors describe many types of article, but they go on to discuss the elements of outlining and writing an article.

Yes, I know most books on writing devote at least a few pages to these basics, but I was impressed with the way this material was handled in How to Write Articles That Sell. The chapters on organization, leads, and paragraphs were especially designed for novices.

Some of the topics covered:

1. The Author's Way:
   • The Best Darn Job in the World, and Travel Too
   • Set Your Own Hours
   • Freedom From Bosses and Middle Managers
   • Writing Can Be An Adventure
2. The Article: Definitions and Types of Markets
   • General Interest
   • Art of Living
   • Family
   • Current Events
   • Health and Fitness
   • Computer and High Tech
   • Self-Help
   • Business
3. Where to Find Ideas for Articles
4. Preparation: Getting Set to Write
5. Get it on Paper: Forty Ways to Get Started
6. How to Organize Your Article: The Five Ws and Other Techniques
7. Titles Catch the Reader's Attention
8. The Lead is Critical
9. The Article is a Series of Paragraphs
10. How to Create a Midsection that Doesn't Sag
    • Anecdotes
    • Numbers Add Weight to Articles
    • Quotations
    • Comparisons or Contrasts
    • Improving Your Body
11. Interviews Add Credibility to Your Words
12. How to Sell Your Articles
13. Writing Articles for the Internet
14. Orphan Articles, Filler Articles, and Miscellaneous Writing Venues
15. Living the Writer's Life

The sample articles at the end provide an excellent resource lacking in most beginner's guides. These are complete articles that will allow readers to see how the books principles are applied.

That's not to say this book is only for beginners. Intermediate writers looking for new ideas will also find a few gems here. But, on the whole, this is written at a more elementary level for those who are seriously considering magazine writing as a career or avocation.

How to Write Articles That Sell by L. Perry Wilbur and Jon Samsel is a new title from Allworth Press.

The copyright of the article Sell Your Articles to Magazines in Resources for Writers is owned by Roxianne Moore. Permission to republish Sell Your Articles to Magazines in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.