Helium seeks to promote its writers in myriad ways, from helping them build portfolios to attracting publishers to the site. But the publishers aren't general talent scouts; they come with a precise, topic-driven mission. This article focuses on how writers can expand their market for their articles. It requires an attitude adjustment first, away from the writer's individual inspiration to a greater awareness of the publisher's needs. To expand publishing options, a writer needs to see the process from a different point of view. As awareness grows, a writer can market himself with great diversity and success! Opportunities at Helium, such as Marketplace, can enhance a writer's career.
Most writers approach writing, whether by avocation or career, with an introspective focus. They have something to say; they've written something of note. They hope to be discovered for what is unique and wonderful about their work. Horn blow! Wake up! The rare individual can afford to press on so introspectively and rest their hopes on a publisher appreciating who they are. Instead, writers need to see themselves as skilled craftsmen with tools that can be adapted to a given task.
Publishers have specific agendas: Their interest lies in their profitable objectives. And those correspond rarely (if ever) to the topics that interest an individual writer. To adapt to these shifting expectations, writers should develop some key preliminary skills:
1. Become a strong researcher. Write articles about a diverse number of topics on Helium, and fill these - chock full - with carefully researched information. A thorough researcher wins an editor's eye every time!
2. Hone your writing craft, developing a method of structuring arguments in writing that flows smoothly. Be top dog at punctuation, grammar, spelling and the other details of writing. A word use mistake, poorly structured article or other writing "no-no" will turn a publisher off immediately. An editor's eye is well-trained!
Now that you've honed your craft and sharpened your tools, you are ready to focus in on a particular publication. Publishers care deeply about what they do, more than they love to find a random writer. Read their publications, show interest in their aims, and tailor your query letter to their specific needs. This gets you noticed. Further, if you can show a collection of articles about topics relevant to their publication, and perhaps suggest ideas for future contributions, this marks you as a writer who is deeply invested and not just passing by. Make sure that each editor you contact feels like he or she is the only one you are focusing on. Never send general cover letters with your work. Your lukewarm approach will be met, most likely, by a cool response.
Here's how to use Helium to advance your publishing goals:
1. Develop your Helium portfolio by creating a thoughtful About Me page. Use your real name, rather than some cutsie pen name. This is where you can present yourself to potential publishers as a professional.
2. Write well-researched and crafted articles on a wide variety of topics. Rise high in the ranks. Publishers will know that your articles have been reviewed well by other writers.
3. Explore Helium's Marketplace program, and pursue other publishers for publication. Marketplace is a platform for Helium's publishing partners. Outside publishers submit titles they desire for their publications. Helium writers submit articles to these title groups. Then publishers select which articles they like best, compensating the Helium writer at the stated rate. Helium takes a small percentage of that for a service fee. The writer takes 85%, gets a byline in another publication, while continuing to earn on the Helium article. To find out more about Marketplace, go to: http://marketplace.helium.com/About/Marketplace/Publ isherTitles.aspx
4. Use your research skills to investigate specific publications, those featured in Marketplace as well as those you find on your own. Learn about their writing standards. Develop Helium articles on topics that would be of interest to the publisher you are targeting. Then, when you contact them, you'll have some expertise, experience and an extensive list of articles to show. High ranking articles add weight. Taking these extra steps will impress and convince publishers that you share their passion and excellence for their area of specialty.
5. Your cover letter should highlight your interest in that particular publication and list articles you've had published at Helium about relevant issues. It should also include suggestions for future articles. Your investment of interest will pay off.
6. Editors are very aware that some writers are only as good as their last editor. When pointing out your Helium articles, underscore the fact that these articles have not been edited by someone else; they are your originals.
If expanding your publishing opportunities forms a high goal for you, complement what Helium offers with your own outside efforts. Hone your writing craft at every turn, and target your skills toward objectives set by publishers. Don't miss the chances presented through Marketplace!
For additional advice on expanding your publishing options, see:
http://www.helium.com/tpc/7551/easiest-writer-pu blished
http://www.helium.com/tpc/8824/prepare-promot e-sample-clips
http://www.helium.com/tpc/12443/freela nce-writing-advice-encouragement
http://www.helium.co m/tpc/5/write-query-letter
http://www.helium.com/tpc/ 14198/promoting-marketing-writing
http://www.writersw rite.com/journal/jun03/bell.htm
http://www.associated content.com/article/140517/tips_on_getting_published .html
http://www.nasw.org/users/skloot/A%20Conversati on%20With%20Rebecca%20Skloot.pdf
How to Publish Your Articles: A Complete Guide to Making the Right Publication Say Yes, by Shirley Kawa-Jump.