Writing For Business Publications

Author: Tina L. Scott

Many writers break into freelancing by writing regularly for business publications. In fact, writing for business publications is often a natural progression if a writer is transitioning from life as a corporate employee or small business owner to that of a freelancer.

Writing for business publications requires several basic skills:

Good writing skills.
Writers must have the ability to write well, with clarity, and have a good grasp of English, grammar, and punctuation.
An understanding of the particular business the publication focuses on.
Many businesses utilize industry jargon that would not be easily understood by an outsider. If you are familiar with the type of business and the language used in the industry, that gives you a leg up on a writer who would need to learn it all. This is where it makes a lot of sense for an aspiring writer to contact business publications relative to the industry he or she was employed in previously and approach them about writing for them.
The ability to meet a deadline.
Business publications are produced intermittently on a schedule-usually monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly. Any writer who wants to write for one regularly must be able to deliver well-written work in advance of the deadline so the editor can count on him/her.
Effective interviewing skills.
While it's not necessary to know everything about the industry you're writing for, good interviewing skills are critical. In most cases articles for trade or business publications are assigned. The editor, who is intimately familiar with the industry, will present an idea for an article and then assign it to a writer to research and write. This research often involves interviewing several key players in the industry, summarizing the information compiled, and enhancing the story itself with relevant quotes to solidify the viewpoint presented.

One big advantage to writing for trade or business publications is the fact that most stories are written on assignment. This means that you don't have to spend your valuable writing time pitching story ideas that may be rejected. It also means that if you do a good job on the story assigned, you will be paid.

Writing for business publications can be a nice, steady source of income, and if you do a good job the first few times, chances are good that you will become a regular for the publication.

To write for business publications, send your resume-highlighting both your writing experience and any business or work experience you have relative to the industry being covered in the publication—to the editor along with a cover letter inquiring if they assign articles to freelancers.

If needed, request a copy of the publication's guidelines for writers and the editorial calendar for the current year. Ask if the publication is looking for any new freelancers and volunteer your availability. Let your cover letter reflect your knowledge of the industry and your ability to write well about the topics covered.

If possible, include samples or clips of your writing that are similar to the kinds of stories the publication usually publishes.

Don't be too surprised if the editor doesn't get back to you right away. My resume once sat on an editor's desk for over a year before I got a call out of the blue asking me if I wanted an assignment. Of course, I said yes, and I've been freelancing regularly for them ever since.

Sound like something you can do? Looking to make that transition from corporate employee to freelance writer?

Research the various publications currently produced that cover your experience area, prepare your writer-focused resume, draft or include a sample or two of your writing similar to that which the publication produces, and send out your business writing proposal package today. Customize the package for each publication you're pitching, and send packages to all of them.

After a week or two, call and speak with the editor to confirm that he or she received your package. Maintain periodic professional contact with the editor to reaffirm your availability for writing assignments. Then enjoy the benefits of business writing!

Writing For Business Publications

Author: Tina L. Scott

Good writing skills.

An understanding of the particular business the publication focuses on.

The ability to meet a deadline.

Effective interviewing skills.