Positioning Yourself to Be a Columnist

If you're trying to become a successful columnist, understanding how to get yourself in line for such a stature is critical. You probably heard about local writers in your community who write poorly and can explain things very well. How did they get to where they got? Probably, the normal pathways got them their weekly or monthly perch at the publication or site. Having good connections is clearly one such avenue for their success, along with having a previously established reputation or credentials to get them the inside track. So, how you can do the same?

First, a willingness to go into entry-level positions in journalism easily puts you on the conveyor belt towards later getting a writing spot. Another effective trick that shortens the learning curve for developing your skills, involves reading columns as a personal habit. Pick a few favorite writers who may already be following, and go online to a library to find anthologies of their work. Learning how these authors put together columns, despite constant reading will instinctively train you how the write them yourself. This will make your submissions more credible to editors, who can see your writing is structurally sound.

Second, if you're trying to get into syndicated column writing, please note that a lot of syndicated columnists on newspaper staffs. Get acquainted with the backgrounds or biographies of your favorite authors, which will tell you how they got their positions or moved up the ladder at their organizations. You don't have to reinvent the wheel solving a problem that has been solved repeatedly in the real lives of other writers. One other key gleaned from following the path of successful writers is learning about differences in the editorial staff that they've worked with, and who the cooler or friendlier editors are. This may cut down your networking time in trying to establish which parties you should contact.

Lastly, all these tricks and internal pathways will not guarantee you columnist status, however, if you don't also possess the skills to write a presentable column. You should endeavor to ensure your writing is free of the common spelling, usage or non-journalistic errors of other authors who are being rejected. Your goal should be to master writing simply, but in such a way that it adheres to the unique language, form and structure of journalistic writing. Combine good writing skills with researching the industry and connecting with its key players, and you will be in position to be a columnist.

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