I'm seeking a wider audience for the monthly computer tips and tricks
column ("Alpha Geek")I've been writing for the St. Augustine [FL]
Record since July. I'm already well aware of the large syndication
outfits that I could solicit, and so what I'm looking for here are
some newspaper-specific leads. This question assumes that some of you
GA researchers actually have connections with newspapers, at least to
the extent that you'd have a feel for whether certain editors would be
receptive to an approach. An acceptable answer, then, would have to
include the names of such editors.

The following are links to my archived columns:
 
Jul 12: http://www.staugustine.com/stories/071203/bus_1663494.shtml
 
Aug 9: http://www.staugustine.com/stories/080903/bus_1722720.shtml
 
Sep 5: http://www.staugustine.com/stories/090603/bus_1782035.shtml
 
Oct 4: http://www.staugustine.com/stories/100403/com_1847093.shtml
 
Nov 1: http://www.staugustine.com/stories/110103/bus_1904838.shtml
 
Dec 6: http://www.staugustine.com/stories/120603/bus_1973291.shtml

Jan 3: http://www.staugustine.com/stories/010304/bus_2032274.shtml

Dear Jeff, 

You've got a great handle. I do hope you bought the URL to go with it.  

Getting your column picked up by more publications is really a numbers game. 
It involves pitching as many editors as possible, sometimes many times,
until you are picked up. 

Believe me, persistence pays. Sometimes, they're too busy or distracted to
read your pitch. Other times, it comes at just the right moment, and they're
frantic to have you fill a space that was just vacated. I've gotten two MAJOR
contracts (one teaching at major university, other, a national tax column) by
happening to hit them at just the right moment. 

The SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists, and Writers Network) site 
has a couple of good columns about how to market your articles.

Are You Ready for Self-Syndication?
http://www.spawn.org/internet/syndication.htm

Syndicate Your Articles in Newspapers and Online
http://www.spawn.org/internet/syndicateyourarticles1.htm
http://www.spawn.org/internet/syndicateyourarticles2.htm

To save yourself lots of time, you may want to simply use
Fay Faron's service
http://www.market2editors.com/newspapers_001.htm

If you simply want to get exposure, to increase your readers, 
you may want to talk to Donna at
http://www.family-content.com/

Years ago, when I started writing, I used the Writers Digest
Writer's Market book (under $30)
http://writersdigest.com/store/booksdisplay.asp?id=10851

These days, they have an oline version (under $50)
http://writersdigest.com/store/booksdisplay.asp?id=10852
Probably a better value, if it lets you click on links
and send e-mails with your pitch. 

Just one major tip, when you pitch editors - even if they have
ignored you or turned you down many times before, if they contact
you, be gracious. NEVER make them feel guilty. Make them feel welcome. 


Incidentally, it doesn't hurt to look around online. 

About.com pays their guides - here's a list of topics on which they need coverage:
http://beaguide.about.com/topics.htm

You might want to pitch the folks at Internet.com
http://internet.com/
I know they had some cutbacks a few years ago, but you just never know...

Anyway, Jeff, this should get you started and keep you busy for a while.
Remember, the first couple are hard to get. But once you get them, the
rest are easier. 

Good luck,

Your TaxMama-ga

P.S. You may want to invite your readers to join your own e-mail list
and build a following. You never know when one of them refers paying
work to you. It happens.

---

Request for Answer Clarification by nautico-ga on 23 Jan 2004 08:15 PST

I experimented with a submission to Fay Faron's service, but aborted
it when I saw the somewhat confusing fee schedule. Perhaps you can
clarify something for me: what constitutes "1 submission"? I proceeded
through step #1, which consists of sending an email with
attachment(s), and assumed that "1 submission" would mean one message
regardless of the number of column samples attached. I attached seven
such samples, but now I have the sense that would equate to seven
submissions, and, if that's the case, the resultant fee is too high
for me. What's your interpretation of "1 submission"?

One more question: who is Jeff?

 -- Bob

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Clarification of Answer by taxmama-ga on 23 Jan 2004 08:53 PST

Hi Bob,

(Oops. Sorry about the Jeff...that was the writer's name on another
column I had open.)

As I understand Fay's schedule 1 submission is one mailing. 

You may want to call her directly. Her phone number is at the bottom
of the home page. (I can't post it here, it's against the rules.)
She's a delightful and intersting woman. Making that personal 
contact always makes the person or company more interested in 
seeing your project through to the end. 

But a piece of advice? Don't ever enclose that much information. 
ONE PAGE of samples. Perhaps, excerpt quotes from different columns,
or include one column you think is good, with information in the
cover letter on where they can see more of your work. 

Since I answered you, I've been looking at the Writers Market online edition.
Aside from giving you contacts and pay rates, read this:

"Want more? 2004 Writer?s Market Online also provides you with our popular 
SUBMISSION TRACKER, listings and contact information for over 400 AGENTS, 
access to your very own home page, tips of the day, extensive articles on 
sending submissions, getting published and more." 

It would be a much better idea for you to have a home page, where you can
put your list of articles, than to give editors lists of links to follow.

Best wishes

Your TaxMama-ga

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Request for Answer Clarification by nautico-ga on 23 Jan 2004 11:19 PST

Just wanted to know that I've been in contact with Fay Faron and we're
already on a roll!

---

Clarification of Answer by taxmama-ga on 23 Jan 2004 20:04 PST

Great Bob,

Let me know how many pick you up.

Good luck

Your TaxMama-ga

Many thanks for a comprehensive and helpful answer.