Journalism Writing Tips?

Hey YWSers. I, like many of my fellow writers, wants to be a journalist. I want to have my stories read weekly from young people to old people. But one thing. I don't know what to do. I mean I can write! That isn't enough though to get into major newspapers and magazines. So I ask you guys for help. Please give me tips on how to write a good journalistic story or whatever else. Also if you have a article you want to see written post it and I'll see what I can do. I thank you in advance.


~Freeze~

This article goes into detail about different types of non-fiction writing. Hopefully it'll be helpful!

Send me a PM when you post an article and I'll give you a thorough review with tips & hints.

In general:

1. Make sure your facts are correct.
2. Write in a unique, but authentic, voice.
3. Don't allow that voice to overtake the content.
4. Research different perspectives on the topic; it will lend you insight on the subject and may even lend itself to opportunities to exercise one's voice.
5. Use accessible language. While you can get away with an extensive vocabulary if that is part of your voice, you need to realize that the less common the language you write with, the fewer people you will reach.
6. Allow room for others, namely readers, to hold opposing opinions. Nothing will turn readers away faster than having their beliefs bashed.

I have had job experience in the journalism world. If you are still interested in learning about the profession, either post here or PM me. I'm going to be a little busy for a while, but I'm more than happy to provide experience and insight to you.

The biggest tip I have for you besides the other ones is make yourself likable. Write clearly almost conversationally. Take the advice you give, people will be able to see if you don't believe yourself. People will like you if you edit out the Swahili phrases in your work that only ten people understand. Write what your readers can understand. Know who your reader's are and what they are like. Do not start writing before you know all the facts, if you sound ignorant or too smart people won't like you. So, just be normal. Well, be normal unless you are a brain surgeon then lower yourself to normal intelligence. People don't like looking up words in the dictionary.

I hope I helped even if I rambled,

A. S.