Does writing a newspaper article count as being published?
Whether writing a newspaper article counts as being published depends on the context. In most academic contexts where a track record is being evaluated, the only publications that count are full-text peer reviewed journal articles and full-text peer reviewed conference papers. In other cases, such as when applying for a grant or job, it might be appropriate to communicate some external engagement (e.g., publishing a newspaper article) to show how you are contributing to the research and teaching in your field.
Step 1. Identify the right editor for your story
Depending on the magazine, there will be a masthead that lists the editors in charge of each section. The section editor is the person who will be best able to tell you what kind of story would be most relevant to their publication and its audience.
Make sure to contact the correct section editor and ask for an article pitch meeting in person or over the phone. If you send an email, be sure to include a professional cover letter that explains your background and why you are qualified to write the piece.
Step 2. Pitch timely stories
Editors need fresh content all the time. They are constantly looking for new writers to help fill in hyper local sections or alternative weekly newspapers that cater to specific areas.
In many ways, the more knowledgeable you are about a particular topic or niche, the easier it is to get articles published. If you are a doctor or lawyer, for example, and you’re very familiar with the latest developments in that area, then that can be a major advantage.
Step 3. Simultaneous publication
In many cases, it’s possible to sell an article to multiple publications in a single day. This works well if the papers do not have overlapping readerships or competition. In Washington State, for instance, The Olympian and The Tacoma News Tribune are competitors — but they don’t overlap their readerships. This makes it possible for you to sell the same article to both of them and to The Seattle Post or The Los Angeles Times.
