by Pam Johnson

Created on: May 02, 2009   Last Updated: May 22, 2009

So you're interested in getting published in mainstream article writing?

Good idea. Its a nice way to express creativity and get your name out to the world of publishing.

Over the last couple weeks I've been working several article and short story sites. There are a lot of different on-line sites that will help you get your words published. Each site does, however, have a personality, looking for articles that will fit their profile so you should look for sites in an area of writing that interests you.

Some sites publish a specific type of article, like the "How-to" article, wanting articles that will teach readers how to do something in the article's field. Other sites post a title that you are required to write about. Still others offer contests or a listing of "Marketplace" board where publishers set down the specifics of an article. Honestly though, there are sites that will fit the article you want to write. Key is to get on line and hunt them down.

Although it can look very alarming to the beginning article writer, article writing isn't that hard. Just do a bit of research to make sure you have your facts right then put those facts down in your own words.

If you're not a go-getter, or feel intimidated by the very prospect of publishing, connecting with a friend or fellow author who can encourage you is also a good way to get you on your way. My writing network is a one-man force commonly known as my daughter. Her emails and the phone calls every day or two have me scrambling to write and publish something on the various sites. (Last night she instructed me to do three articles for three different sites. I got one done last night, but I'm counting this as the 24 hours to get them done, although I'm certain she's going to see if differently. Make no mistake, my daughter keeps me on track even when I try to balk at doing the next article. She is worth a world of gold bullion for me and that is a fact.

As I mentioned, each site offers its own unique qualifiers, so check around and see if the site offers what your looking for. Better yet, join them and do a few articles to get the feel for hat the site, and the publishers, are looking for.

Payment is also different on each site. Carefully read the pay-out info, keeping in mind that you're looking to get your name known as much as get published. Sometimes its a good thing to take the non-paying job if it gets your by-line into the public view. Because I'm interested in building a writing portfolio that

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