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Don’t beat a dead horse . . . write something original

Don’t beat a dead horse . . . write something original

So you want to write about how renewable energy can save the world? Or why exercise is good for you? Or why job growth is important?

Great! Just one problem . . . thousands of people have already written about these topics. To catch the interest of major publications, you need to say something fresh.

Here’s how to do it.

1) Capitalize on a news-peg.

“Exercise is good for you” is a true statement. It’s also boring.

To spice up the argument, suck in readers with a gripping news event. Then transition to your main point. “Today, every member of Joe’s Fitness received a $1,000 check from the club’s owner, who just won the $200 million Powerball lotto. Apparently, exercise is good for you.”

This works particularly well if your news peg has some local flavor. Did your state just rank last in a national survey of heart health? Is there a major new fitness trend sweeping your area? Interesting news events grab the attention of editors, boosting your chances of securing placement and conveying your ultimate message.

2) Utilize the latest information.

Determined to prove that job growth is key to a healthy economy? You certainly won’t lack for facts. But don’t just recycle the same figures and talking points that you and others have used before.

Taking the time to dig up the latest facts and figures enables you to present editors with evidence they haven’t seen before, greatly increasing your chances of placement.

In short, it’s easy to write about common topics. Just put the switch down, leave the deceased horse alone, and present your argument in a fresh way.

3) Make an uncommon argument.

Another easy way to get noticed is to make an alternative point. For example, most environmentalists are focused on safeguarding the climate. But the renewable-energy-can-save-the-planet argument has become stale and boring. So why not write about other advantages of going green — like stimulating job growth? Can solar power solve unemployment? That’s an interesting question. And editors are always on the lookout for fresh content.

 

Colin Valentine
colin@kbc.us