How Entrepreneurs Can Break Into High Profile Publications. Here are four ways you can match your voice to any target publication, so your style is “just right” for them. First, look at whether the most popular writers at your target outlet typically use the first person (“I’ve worked with several companies that did XYZ”) or the third person (“It’s common for companies to do XYZ”). If you’re having trouble gauging levels of formality, try placing an article from your target publication against a similar post from a rival publication. How many personal anecdotes do you find in each? Read several sample texts from your target publication, noting any buzzwords or phrases that they share. Publications often have a typical way they structure sentences. Use the rhythms and/or flow that target samples share to immediately sound like you’re “their people.” Tap the tone. How can you make your words and terms feel similar in mood to your target sample? Follow the above tips as you research your target publication, and your written voice will start to sound like a fit.
This article was co-authored with Sue Williams.
Entrepreneurs who write for high profile publications can dramatically enhance their reputation and expose their business to new audiences. But figuring out how to break in can be difficult. It’s not just a question of finding the editor’s contact information and hewing to the outlet’s requirements for length and topic.
A subtle but essential nuance that entrepreneurs often miss is how to adapt your writing voice to suit different publications. An editor knows their section and/or publication’s voice in depth, and will quickly reject a poor match. Tailoring your voice to fit a specific market or audience, however, will help you stand out when you need to excel.
As a professional writer, ghost blogger, and editor, one of us (Sue) publishes her work under various names and using various styles — everything from young adult literature to business writing. Meanwhile, Dorie has written for many major business publications. We’ve discovered techniques that any professional can use to break into top-tier outlets. Here are four ways you can match your voice to any target publication, so your style is “just right” for them.
Examine the level of formality.
First, look at whether the most popular writers at your target outlet typically use the first person (“I’ve worked with several companies that did XYZ”) or the third person (“It’s common for companies to do XYZ”). Publications that favor the first person point of view are often casual, chatty, and might include personal anecdotes and clearly stated viewpoints. Meanwhile, writers using the third person often seem to not express their own opinions, subtly presenting their views through quotes and examples from others instead.
If you’re having trouble gauging levels of formality,…
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