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How to write an article
First off, I can tell you what not a press release is. An artist\'s résumé is not a press release. An artist\'s statement is not a press release. A copy of an article written about another exhibit by an artist who will show at a different gallery with a different group of works is not a press release. Any combination of these three items does still not make a press release. By now, you must be thinking on how to write an article.
I have received press releases which after reading them only leave more questions unanswered than information offered. Some press releases forget to tell you the ending dates of the exhibit, while others forget to include the location of the exhibit, and my favorites are the ones that spell the name of the artist several different ways in the same sentence. The all time worst ones are those that come in plain envelopes with no return address and no name or number of the person who sent it.
It\'s kind of hard to call someone and ask them what the hours of the gallery are, the street address, and a contact number when they don\'t give you a number to call to ask questions. You can do an investigation and find out how to get that information, but does any editor pressed for time bother? I know you wanna learn how to write an article
Steps for how to write an article
Determine your topic. Exactly what are you going to write about? Brainstorm for ideas if you have to. When writing for anyone, you may even wish to refer to requested topics for ideas.
Figure out who your audience is. Are you writing for a beginner, an intermediate, or an advanced audience? For example, if you are writing an article about "Creating PowerPoint Slides," are your readers new to PowerPoint or business people looking for advanced tips?
Do your research for how to write an article. How well do you know the topic? Is it something you can write easily about with little or no preparation or do you need more information from experts in the field?
Decide on the length of the article. Teachers, magazines, and newspapers will often give you a limit. How to write an article on the other hand, are often "as long as they need to be and no longer."
Compile a list of possible sources for you to consult. This can include documents, internet research and people to talk to.
Write either an outline or a summary of your article. This will help bring the concept of the article into sharper focus.
Few tips on how to write an article
If you have no experience as a professional writer, do not start off pitching columns (opinion pieces). Columns are generally reserved for people who have either been working at a publication for a very long time, or for people who have a particular expertise in a field. If you\'re new to writing, start small. Think obituaries, human-interest stories and simple news articles. It\'s generally easier to start with newspapers than with magazines. If you want to learn how to write an article, try writing for life, fashion, arts, cars or travel sections before pitching stories to news. These sections tend to be understaffed and therefore have a greater budget for freelance writers.
If you\'re interested in pursuing a career as a writer, be realistic. People who make their living as writers generally start to build their portfolio of published work as early as high school. It generally takes even the most dedicated writer several years before he can make a living off of the trade. In other words, don\'t quit your day job. Ease into writing gradually, perhaps doing freelance pieces while maintaining a more stable job part-time.
Take some courses in both non-fiction and fiction writing. Not only will they help with your work, but also you can make contacts in the business by getting to know your professors and fellow writers. This will help you how to write an article and also this to be taken seriously when you start pitching articles for publication. Being a good freelance writer means knowing how to write and how to network.
Make sure your article answers five questions: why, where, when, what and how.
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