Reading & Writing Lounge

One of the easiest types of articles to write is a ‘How-to’ article. You know the kind -  the ones that teach you in small,sure steps (like this one!) how to do anything and everything. The Internet, with its two second attention span is the best market for these articles, but there’s also a thriving print market which you cannot afford to ignore.

Here’s How-to:

• Decide on your subject. What are you going to write about? Stuck for a topic? Think about a recent problem that you solved yourself - did you learn how to change a printer cartridge, bleed a radiator or upload pictures online? Did you get a good deal on a car or computer or buy something on Ebay? How about your attempts at gardening or making money from car boot sales? Whatever you have done, chances are that there is someone out there looking for information on how to do it. If you are learning something new , make a list of steps that are involved as you learn the task. Then write about it.
• Once you have decided your subject, come up with a catchy title. Your headline must have no more than 5-6 words in it. Keep it short and snappy. For example : How to…….Five secrets to ………, 10 ways to ……….., 8 proven ways to …… For a list of more headlines (use them as prompts to get you started!) see Joan Stewart’s article and a post from Copyblogger on Magnetic Headlines.
• Break your steps into a logical, chronological order to make it easy to follow. Be as clear as possible.
• Offer your readers the pros and cons relating to your subject. If you have a recommendation, tip or warning, add it.
• Write your article targeted to a specific market. A How-to article for the internet/article directories will be very different than for a print publication. You could work out an outline and then expand it as required.
• Whichever market you choose, study back issues before pitching. Has the publication printed a How-to on your topic recently? If they have, then they are unlikely to buy a similar piece soon.
• Studying back issues will also give you an idea of word-count and tone (is it matter of fact, friendly, aimed at teenagers, men, women, older people?)
• Once this is done, complete your article and pitch it to the publication. Again, knowing your market is vital. If the guidelines say query, then that’s what you must do. Most article directories accept the completed article, but for any market, check what the rules are before submitting.

Related on this blog:

• Need a prompt to write?
• Query Letters That Sell
• January dates