Q&A for How to Write a Column

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Question

What's the main difference between an article and a column?

Community Answer

Writing an article is objective, as its main purpose is to inform the audience. On the other hand, a column is subjective since it aims to give an opinion on a subject matter.

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Question

I would really love to write in one of those Q&A columns. How do I know I've got what it takes?

Community Answer

The only way to find out is to write a column and submit to a newspaper! Don't be discouraged if your column doesn't get published the first time. It often takes many submissions to many different newspapers. Try first submitting your column to a local newspaper.

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Question

How can you write about personal experiences with neighbours and friends without getting in trouble? Do you have to ask their agreement for publishing? Etc.

Community Answer

Since columns are places for opinions you can write your opinion on an event that has happened, so long as it is based on provable facts. If you acknowledge the other side of your opinion, this will help make you seem fair and balanced. Your readers won't want to read about a neighborhood squabble, so make sure the story relates to some larger, nationwide issue. You will need to properly cite any people you quote, so likely you will have to interview these neighbors.

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Question

How do I contact a publication to publish my column?

Community Answer

You can look on the websites of publications who you want to publish your column. Websites usually have a "Write for Us" or a "Freelance" section on their websites with an email address to get in contact with them.

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Question

What's the difference between column and editorial writing?

Community Answer

A column has a more personal approach. Usually, editorials are written in third person and tackle serious topics. However, columns are different. You can write in first or second person, and with more informal language (without disregarding the rules of grammar).

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