How To Get Published In National Media

Getting your work published in a major national publication can provide incredible exposure and credibility for writers. However, breaking into mainstream media as a new or unknown writer poses challenges. Patience and persistence are vital. This comprehensive guide examines proven strategies to get your articles published in top outlets.  

Pitching Your Story

The first step is developing story ideas national publications will find compelling. As you brainstorm, do keyword searches using tools like BuzzSumo or SEMrush to uncover trending topics and viral content within your niche. Outlets want timely, fascinating angles on newsworthy issues their readership cares about.

Pitch stories offer a novel perspective or exclusive insider information major outlets cannot find elsewhere. Avoid tired themes and done-to-death issues editors receive constantly. Instead, provide a fresh take. Thoroughly research the publication before pitching it to understand its target demographic and editorial mission. Customize ideas to align with the style and substance of their content.

Contacting the Newsroom

When ready to pitch, you must identify the appropriate editor or reporter to contact. Mastheads listing editorial contacts are typically accessible on a publication's website. Address your pitch to the editor overseeing the section your story idea fits into. Alternatively, address it to a writer covering the relevant beat. Getting the name wrong or pitching the wrong department reduces credibility. Email is the preferred contact method for most editors today. Short, tailored pitch emails tend to garner greater open and response rates. Include the story angle in the subject line. Intrigue them enough to read further.

Briefly describe your idea in the email body using persuasive language. Attach any relevant clips, links, credentials, or sources. Mention if the story has timeliness tied to an impending event or trend. Editors receive hundreds of pitches daily. Those that instantly convey the value of your idea using clarity and brevity increase the likelihood of a positive reply.

Writing a Compelling Pitch

First impressions matter enormously, so carefully craft your pitch. The writing quality itself serves as a testament to your abilities. Strive for clean, engaging prose free of errors. Hook the editor with a powerful opening sentence that captures the essence of your angle. Contextualize the idea but avoid getting bogged down in background details. You must convince them to keep reading. After the hook, articulate what makes your concept distinct and worth coverage. Persuasively communicate its newsworthiness and significance to readers.

Weave in facts, statistics, expert opinions, or other forms of substantiation, illustrating the depth of knowledge regarding the topic. This builds credibility. It also indicates you can deliver a well-researched article. Close by articulating clearly what the resulting piece would provide. Convey your passion and enthusiasm. Let the editor visualize you submitting a phenomenal article that resonates with their audience.

Resist pushiness or aggressive salesmanship. Adopt a warm yet professional tone. Editors want to work with writers who are mature in handling feedback or rejection diplomatically. Above all, keep it succinct. Restrict the pitch to 3-5 coherent, hard-hitting paragraphs. Exit while interest is peaked. Lengthy pitches become tedious, reducing open rates and positive responses.

Working with Different Media Outlets

Tactics and angles for securing bylines vary based on the unique identity of the publication. Research thoroughly before approaching them. The National Enquirer focuses on entertainment news and celebrity gossip. Pitch inside scoops on famous figures, particularly content capable of going viral online. Teaser headlines and cliffhangers work well here.

Alternatively, the Washington Post values deeply reported stories with political, policy, or social significance. Weighty subject matter and meticulous structure matter most. Reference data-driven insights. Demonstrate an immersive understanding of the issues. Other outlets like industry trades seek niche perspectives from experienced beat writers. Establish your credentials and ability to provide insider analysis on complex topics when pitching. Know the masthead and study previous articles the publication featured. This clarifies what resonates with editors and readers. Then, craft targeted pitches accordingly.

Tips for Getting Your Story Published

Publication in major outlets requires immense dedication. Implement these tactics to amplify your odds of success:

Act Fast and Be Current

Rapid response heightens opportunity. Pitch ideas tied to breaking news or newly emerging trends editors are frantically seeking content about. Timeliness often outweighs other factors.

Craft a Catchy Headline

Editors constantly evaluate headlines to predict reader response. Include potential titles incorporating buzzwords, wordplay, irony, or other elements generating clicks.

Provide a Unique Perspective

Generic pitches about fatigued topics go straight to the reject pile. Offer fresh data, access to exclusive sources, or an intriguing counterpoint no other outlet provides.

Proofread and edited rigorously.

Typos and unclear passages indicate greater errors or lack of polish in your eventual submission. Competent writing quality signals competence as a journalist.

Network and Build Relationships

Connect personally with editors at target publications. Relationships lead to solicitations for pitches and input on developing story ideas.

Submission Information and Guidelines

Once your pitch succeeds, do not miss your shot. Adhere closely to all provided instructions to get published. Ask the planned publication date and when the editor requires article delivery. Missing deadlines destroys opportunities faster than anything.

Request their writer guidelines to understand specifications related to word counts, formatting, house style rules, footnoting, graphics, and other particulars. Rigidly conform to all requirements. Clarify the intended section for your article along with ideal promotional elements like social shares, links, images, related sidebars, author bio, etc. Give them everything needed to maximize views.

Specific National Newspapers and Contact Information

Below are details on pitching some leading national newspapers:

New York Times

Word count: 650-1500 words. Submissions: pitches@nytimes.com

Washington Post

Word count: 600-1200 words. Submissions: pitches@washpost.com

Wall Street Journal

Word count: 850-1300 words
Submissions: submit@wsj.com

USA Today

Word count: 500-800 words. Submissions: yourstory@usatoday.com. When ready to pitch these outlets, use the contact information provided above. Be sure to learn their precise article length requirements. Also, review writer guidelines on respective websites.

Requirements and Word Count

Publications specify article lengths fitting their format. Adhere to these limits. Editors will immediately reject submissions deviating far from expected word counts. Magazines generally range between 1000-1500+ words for feature stories. Short front-of-book pieces may clock in around 400-700 words. Newspapers want significantly shorter content. Six hundred words are common for section articles in national papers. Some pieces run just 300-500 words due to limited space. Online outlets vary widely. Posts between 1000-2000 words perform well on many sites. But others thrive through bite-sized articles of 500 words or less. If no exact word count is provided, ask the editor how long your submission should be. Then, trim or expand it accordingly prior to delivering the finished piece.

Valuation Form and Additional Submission Steps

Many outlets utilizing freelancers require the completion of a writer valuation form either before or after accepting your article. The form collects your payment details and may request tax identification numbers, bank account info, address, etc. Submit all requested information accurately and quickly. Follow initial submission instructions precisely. Typically, this involves emailing the completed article as an attached Word document. Some may request it is pasted in the body of the email instead. Attach any supplementary items the editor requested, such as images, graphics, bio, or links. Confirm if they prefer to receive these as embedded elements or separate attachments. Reflecting professionalism in submitting demonstrates your reliability.                       

Conclusion

Securing a byline in top national publications remains intensely competitive, though not unattainable. Consistently producing distinctive, urgent story ideas greatly improves your chances. Savvy networking, polished writing, and adaptability in working with different editorial teams also help enormously. Leverage the strategies explored here to amplify awareness of your personal brand or business through high-profile media outlets. The reach and influence of major national newspapers and magazines are unmatched.

FAQs

Q: As an enquirer, what must I do to get my article published in the Washington Post in 2023?

A: To get your article published in the Washington Post in 2023, start by submitting a letter to the editor. You want to get a story that is worthy of local news and national coverage. Your submission must include your full name, home address, telephone number, and a statement that any other media have published your article. This information will not be published but is necessary for verification purposes. Also, keep your article to 600 words or less as a general guideline. However, letters must be 200 words or less.

Q: How can I increase my chance of being published in a free press like the Washington Post?

A: To increase your chance of being published, make sure your content is newsworthy, addressing both local and international news. Letters to the editor, for instance, need to be concise (200 words or less), original, and exclusive to the Washington Post. Social media posts or content already published by any other media will lower your chance of being published.

Q: Can a dispatch be submitted as a letter to the editor?

A: Definitely. A dispatch or any form of newsworthy content can be submitted as a letter to the editor. Please include accurate contact information (address and phone number) and ensure your story hasn't been published elsewhere (print and online). Remember to keep it concise (200 words or less).

Q: Can an article submitted with a pseudonym be printed on the Washington Post's editorial page in 2023?

A: No, a pseudonym is not accepted for article submissions. The Washington Post requires accurate contact info (address and phone number) and a real full name, which is not published, for verification purposes.

Q: How is the subject line important in publishing my letter to the editor?

A: Crafting a compelling subject line is a great way of catching the editor's attention. Because the Post receives hundreds of submissions every day, a clear and engaging subject line could make your letter stand out.

Q: Can I submit my article both online and in print?

A: Yes, you can submit your article both online and in print. Just ensure any other media haven't published it and is exclusive to the Washington Post. Include your contact information (address and phone number) for verification.

Q: How do I submit a story for the first time to a national media house like Washington Post?

A: If you want to get a story published for the first time in the Washington Post, the best approach is to submit a letter to the editor using the "Contact Us" form found on their website. Please include your article as well as your contact information. Remember, your article should be newsworthy and original.

Q: Does the Washington Post publish anything from social media posts?

A: No, the Washington Post does not accept submissions that are social media posts or content that any other media has published. Your submission must be original and exclusive to the Washington Post to have a chance of being published.

Q: Does the Washington Post have a limit to how many letters to the editor one can submit?

A: While there isn't a stated limit on how many letters to the editor you can submit, the focus should be on quality over quantity. Each submission should be newsworthy, original, well-written, and concise, with less than 200 words.

Q: Are international enquirers welcome to submit their articles to the Washington Post?

A: International enquirers are welcome to submit their stories to the Washington Post. However, the submission needs to adhere to the same guidelines as local submissions, including being original, newsworthy, and including accurate contact info for verification.