Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Magazine Articles: Ten Golden Rules
Most of the magazines, in particular of women magazines, are filled with articles. If your goal is to write such an article, here are ten rules that will help put your business at the top of the pole!
For most people, magazines are a treat, a small indulgence that they buy for themselves as a small luxury. For some it is a lunch or evening happy to read. These players expect to be entertained, informed and amused so features must be strong and to the point while being readable and interesting. The following ten points will help you, as a writer, craft features to suit almost every niche in every magazine feature article.
1. Do your research. Magazine editors and experts are creatures will find a composite, internet-trawled piece a mile off. I'm not saying do not use the web for research - only absolutely sure that your writing is really your article and in your 'voice'.
2. Study the trends of the magazine you are writing for. A good place to look is in column ads - which have taken aim at? What kind of products have been characterized? This can give an excellent idea is typical reader of the magazine and the writing style may be necessary.
3. Use the first paragraph to tell the reader why they should just read your feature article. Explain the core of your article here and get all the benefits in the article as soon as possible.
4. Do not leave questions hanging in the air. This article is your - you're the expert of the moment and the user would expect that everything you say to be accurate and informative. Do not be vague on all points - do more research and find the answer!
5. If you are reviewing a product, try and test yourself. Rather than providing specific measures and sterile, include your opinion - but make it clear that's your opinion. If you had a trial product, giving a verdict. The people expect.
6. Keep your writing style as simple as possible. This may not be easy, if your article is all about particle physics or celestial mechanics, but avoid using flowery language and words too long. Your readers do not want to refer to a dictionary to understand what you are reading!
7. Give some thought to what the people feel that buying the magazine will appear in your article when you pick up from newsstands. Many readers say that a magazine is definitely a form of diversion and they are looking for some comfort. It 's up to you to help fulfill that need.
8. Try to be as close as possible to your readers. If they can identify with her as a person, it is unlikely to have any interest in what you write, no matter what might be topical or potentially interesting. Also - do not brag. Even if you're lucky enough to have a second home and an ocean going yacht - do not boast. Readers need to feel empathy with the writer, can not be alienated from their snobbery or smugness.
9. If you are lucky enough to write a feature article about a character that you interviewed, try to throw in a surprise or two questions. Not as embarrassing, of course - '? If someone stole her purse / wallet, what do you miss most about 'more along the lines of these questions give an overview of the person interviewed, and add a lot of interest. Avoid shallow, meaningless questions like 'Do you prefer tea or coffee?' - They say nothing on this player.
10. If you are prompted to write to a known issue, try to surprise the reader with some 'little-known subject. Readers love surprises! Here the Internet can be an advantage, with sites such as Wikepedia provide some really obscure facts about the most common subjects. However, it is always a good idea to validate the facts by checking with at least one other source - you do not want to be known as the writer who got their information wrong on their choice!
The points above are not exhaustive by any means, but if we stick to them when you write your article feature that does not stray from the brand and the editor will appreciate it too! ......
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