How To Get Published In USA Today
How To Get Published In USA Today
Getting published in USA Today stands as a beacon goal for many budding writers. This mammoth feat, far from impossible, requires a keen understanding of the platform's unique preferences and requirements. The first step toward this dream? Crafting compelling letters to the editor. These open letters serve as a litmus test, gauging whether your voice resonates with the publication's ethos.
Letters to the Editor
Remember, brevity reigns supreme in this domain. Letters should encapsulate your argument in 200 words or fewer. This constraint fosters clarity and convinces with a succinct punch. Send your masterpiece to letters@usatoday.com. A golden tip? Each letter should be pasted directly into an email body rather than attached as a document.
The Opinion Section
If your heart yearns to express opinion pieces of greater length, aim for the opinion section. Columns here typically run 550 to 750 words, offering more space for detailed arguments and essays. Pieces submitted exclusively to USA Today improve your chances of reaching the editorial team.
Format
Keep your format simple. Include a short, two-sentence biography and contact information. Disclose any potential conflict of interest. Original reporting and first-person experience are highly valued. These elements should be pasted directly into the email and sent to theforum@usatoday.com.
Op-Eds
The op-ed section presents another avenue for your voice. Novel arguments, revelatory insights, and expert knowledge take center stage here. Just like in the opinion section, persuasive pieces that are submitted exclusively to USA Today hold the best chance of being published. Note that due to the particular volume of submissions, responses typically take up to three business days.
Online and In Print
Publications in USA Today are not limited to its print publication. There's a substantial volume of submissions accepted for online publication. If your piece is published on blogs or online, disclose that information. USA Today Network includes articles from wide-ranging locations: Des Moines, Indianapolis, Louisville, Milwaukee, Bergen County, Burlington, El Paso, Reno, Wilmington, and even Palm Beach.
Key Points to Remember
● Always submit pieces exclusively to USA Today for increased chances of acceptance.
● Submissions must be pasted directly into an email. Attachments are not opened.
● Full names and contact information should always be included.
● Content that may be pegged to news events holds a higher chance of acceptance.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can navigate your way to the top of the news pile. The journey to getting published in USA Today might seem daunting, but remember, every published author started somewhere. With passion and persistence, your voice could also be included in the esteemed pages of USA Today.
Pitfalls to Avoid
Navigating the realms of USA Today requires not just knowing what to do but also understanding the pitfalls to avoid. Here are a few common missteps:
● Generic Content: USA Today values original, fresh perspectives that engage its readers. Avoid restating well-trodden arguments or opinions. Challenge the status quo and provide unique insights.
● Lack of Credibility: Your claims must be backed up by credible, verified sources. Unsupported statements or conjectures can weaken your credibility and damage your chances of being published.
● Ignoring Current Events: USA Today is a daily newspaper; thus, content that's pegged to recent news or trending topics is far more likely to be accepted. Ignoring the zeitgeist is a pitfall to be avoided.
● Inadequate Editing: Make sure your submission is proofread and edited for clarity and conciseness. Grammatical errors, typos, and sloppy writing can be an instant rejection.
● Non-adherence to Guidelines: The guidelines provided by USA Today are not mere suggestions. Ignoring them can lead to your submission being dismissed without consideration.
Remember, persistence is key. Rejections are not a reflection of your writing ability but simply an opportunity for improvement. Keep refining your craft, and success will follow.
Rejection: A Stepping Stone, Not a Roadblock
Rejections can be disheartening, but remember, every "no" you get is a step closer to that pivotal "yes." In the world of publishing, rejection is not a sign of failure but rather a rite of passage that every writer must endure. It's crucial to view each rejection as a learning opportunity. Analyze the feedback given, if any, and refine your work accordingly. Make necessary adjustments, from tightening up your arguments to fine-tuning your language. Then, resubmit and keep pushing forward. After all, persistence beats resistance.
Building Your Portfolio
While you aim for USA Today, consider contributing to other platforms too. Writing guest posts, opinion pieces, or letters to editors of other reputable publications can help build your portfolio and establish your credibility. This experience not only hones your writing skills but also helps you understand the nuances of different publications. A diverse writing portfolio can bolster your chances of getting published in USA Today, as it signals versatility and adaptability.
Maintaining Your Presence
Once your first piece is published in USA Today, it's important to maintain this momentum. Consistently producing quality content helps establish your voice among the readership and solidifies your relationship with the editorial team. Stay informed about current events and consistently generate novel perspectives on these topics. Consider keeping a running list of timely and relevant topic ideas so you're always prepared to write. Engage readers by responding to your articles' comments or participating in social media discussions related to your work. Establishing a strong presence and brand increases your chances of becoming a regular contributor to USA Today. Remember, the goal is to get published once and become a respected voice that readers look forward to hearing from.
Developing a Distinct Voice
To captivate the readership of USA Today's readership, cultivating a distinct voice in your writing is important. This voice should reflect your unique perspectives, beliefs, and experiences, setting you apart from other contributors. It should resonate with the readers, prompting them to think, question, and engage with your content. Avoid mimicking other writers or simply echoing popular opinions. Instead, dare to present unconventional viewpoints, challenge the norm, and infuse your personality into your prose. Your distinct voice could be your key to consistent publication in USA Today. Remember, in a sea of voices, the unique echoes often catch the ear.
Nurturing Relationships
Building and nurturing relationships with the editorial team and other contributors can be beneficial in your journey toward becoming a regular contributor to USA Today. Engage in meaningful discussions, share your insights, and be open to feedback. Attend any networking events or meetings, if possible. These interactions deepen your understanding of the publication's ethos and help you tailor your work to their expectations. Remember, writing is often considered a solitary endeavor, but it's a team effort in journalism and publication. Your ability to collaborate well with others could greatly influence your journey to becoming a recognized voice in USA Today.
Embracing the Power of Networking
In addition to nurturing relationships within USA Today, expanding your networking efforts beyond the publication is beneficial. Attend industry conferences, seminars, and workshops. Connect with other writers, editors, and influencers in your field. Participate in discussions, forums, and social media groups dedicated to journalism or your topic of interest. Engaging with a broader community provides you with different perspectives and insights and broadens your visibility and presence. Networking could also lead to collaborations, endorsements, or opportunities that you might not have encountered otherwise. Remember, in the world of publishing, your network can significantly influence your net worth. It's not just about who you know but who knows you. So, make connections, be visible, and let the power of networking propel your writing career forward.
Conclusion
Cracking the code to get published in USA Today may seem daunting, but patience, persistence, and a keen understanding of the guidelines can pave the way. Remember to focus on originality, relevance, and adherence to provided guidelines. Keep refining your craft, keep submitting, and soon, you may find your words gracing the esteemed pages of USA Today. And when that day arrives, all the preliminary struggles will seem trivial in comparison to the joy of seeing your name in print.
FAQs:
Q: How do I submit an article to USA Today?
A: You can submit an article to USA Today via email at letters@usatoday.com. Please include the following in your email: Your full name, your address and phone number, short biography, and the topic you wish to address. Submissions should be 500-750 words in length. Please note that USA Today reserves the right to edit for clarity and length.
Q: What do I need to know before submitting to the USA Today opinion section?
A: Before submitting to the USA Today opinion section, remember that your submission should be your own work and have a clear viewpoint or argument. Submissions should also include links to new information or websites where the reader can get additional details. Your submission shouldn't include headlines or footnotes. The optimal length for columns is around 550 words.
Q: Can I submit articles to USA Today from Des Moines, Indianapolis, Louisville, Milwaukee, or Palm Beach?
A: Yes, USA Today accepts submissions from anywhere in the U.S., including Des Moines, Indianapolis, Louisville, Milwaukee, and Palm Beach. The authors must include their phone number and complete mailing address in their submissions.
Q: How to get a sense of what USA Today publishes?
A: To get a sense of what USA Today publishes, you can review columns published by USA Today in both print and online. You can also subscribe to their daily opinion newsletter. This will provide you with a greater understanding of the topics and styles they favor.
Q: How do I submit a letter to the editor at USA Today?
A: Letters submitted to USA Today should be sent to email letters@usatoday.com. These are typically short, around 200-250 words, and address issues at the top of the news agenda or respond to information previously published in USA Today. Try to keep your points clear and concise, maintaining a professional tone.
Q: Can I write an article for USA Today as part of a class project?
A: While there's no dedicated program for academic submissions, you are welcome to submit your opinion piece to the USA Today opinion section. Submission doesn't guarantee publication. But, if it's accepted and published, it can be a great addition to your class projects.
Q: Can I submit open letters to USA Today?
A: Yes, USA Today does accept and publish open letters. However, they must adhere to the same guidelines as other submissions. They must include the author's biographical information and be between 500 and 750 words in length.
Q: How can I get my opinion piece published in USA Today's entrepreneurship section?
A: If you're looking to publish an opinion piece related to entrepreneurship, you can submit it to USA Today's opinion section. Understand that the piece should be unique, providing new insight or a different perspective on entrepreneurship. Remember to include your biographical information at the end of the piece and keep it within the 550-word limit.
Q: Can I republish my article from the Wall Street Journal in USA Today?
A: USA Today typically does not accept material that has been published elsewhere, including the Wall Street Journal. The outlet aims to bring its readers unique, fresh content that hasn't been seen in other outlets. As per their policy, they only accept original, unsolicited articles.
Q: How do I use social media to submit to USA Today?
A: You can share your thoughts with USA Today by using hashtag #tellusatoday on Twitter. While not a formal submission, it is a way to engage in dialogues trending in USA Today's readership.
