Online Editorial Calendars Can Get You Published This Spring

At the beginning of every year, in addition to making a series of New Year's resolutions that I know I will not keep, I post updated editorial calendars for over 40 publications to my website. I do this to provide visitors with a resource that is not readily available in other places. I find that by simply reviewing them, I develop article ideas in diverse markets and during different seasons. The process actually helps me create my own content schedule and reminds me to include members of my network for profiles, interviews, or brainstorming sessions.

Most of all, engaging in this exercise helps to me to consistently build momentum. One year, I made the mistake of not reviewing my calendars early enough and missed the opportunity to propose articles to many of the publications in which I would like to see my work featured. After all, more than developing a strong idea, crafting a strong pitch, identifying an appropriate home for your content, it is critical to time your approach so that it is most relevant when received.

The secret is often following the deadlines set forth in an editorial calendar, which briefly highlight the coverage a magazine, newspaper, or website, among others, will give to a particular subject over the course of an entire year. From Credit Union Magazine to Software Development Times, there is a broad range of calendars to suit the interest of any legal professional.

Most calendars are generally available on the website of the particular publication, and often list the submission guidelines for the publication as well (e.g., preferred length, footnote usage, and editorial style). Reviewing them and timing your article properly will help overcome any concern regarding your writing ability. While substance is important, you do not need to be a Pulitzer Prize winner to be published. Relevancy is often more critical than gifted prose.

Understanding an editor's calendar also demonstrates to him or her that you have conducted the necessary background research and are serious about your interest. Reviewing a copy of the magazine or newspaper in advance is very useful, as well.

Spring is a great time to consider how to be published. It stays lighter longer and it lulls you into the false impression that you have more time on your hands. Or, maybe that's just me.

Regardless, it does encourage us to go outside and get some fresh air. Writing is like that fresh air. It breathes inspiration into your work by allowing you to connect with mentors, colleagues, clients and prospects in an organic way. Use the opportunity to write for a particular issue you found in the editorial calendar as an opportunity to call or email someone completely different, who can provide a unique perspective on your proposed topic. Or, use it to reconnect with others.

Identifying a specific date for an article will provide the ability to calendar its development and completion into your busy calendar. Writing for an issue in October would require a pitch a few months before, depending on the publication. Let's say end of June for purposes of giving plenty of lead time. That June pitch gives you April and May to develop an idea and discuss it with anyone who may need to approve it or collaborate on its completion. It will also give you plenty of time to change your mind on the topic.

Aiming for a particular issue will typically prevent you from postponing it — not that anyone ever does that. Most often, activities like writing fall behind billable work, family obligations, and wisdom tooth extraction. There is always another issue of another publication when we have more time. That said, when you are shooting for a certain newspaper on a specific date, you have no choice, and you will make it happen. Period.

Being published is more about motivation than mechanics. Starting with a subject and the date before you even have an idea will help. Use the extra time often wasted on these basic elements to craft a great idea. Collaborate with others on establishing your focus. Have coffee with people who can teach you about the subject. Ask your clients, prospects and colleagues, including those sitting right next door at your firm, what they think would make an interesting article. In addition, try to find in-house, government, and academic contacts that may share their insight and experience.

People do not write just to see their name in a byline or send their article to others. They write to inform, and maybe even inspire. Ironically, it is not others to whom they provide the inspiration, but themselves.

Revive, refresh, and check your calendar. Spring is here!

*****
Ari Kaplan, a member of this newsletter's Board of Editors, teaches a training program at law firms nationwide on the mechanics of being published. For a summary infographic titled “9 Ways to Get More Out of Getting Published,” e-mail [email protected].

At the beginning of every year, in addition to making a series of New Year's resolutions that I know I will not keep, I post updated editorial calendars for over 40 publications to my website. I do this to provide visitors with a resource that is not readily available in other places. I find that by simply reviewing them, I develop article ideas in diverse markets and during different seasons. The process actually helps me create my own content schedule and reminds me to include members of my network for profiles, interviews, or brainstorming sessions.

Most of all, engaging in this exercise helps to me to consistently build momentum. One year, I made the mistake of not reviewing my calendars early enough and missed the opportunity to propose articles to many of the publications in which I would like to see my work featured. After all, more than developing a strong idea, crafting a strong pitch, identifying an appropriate home for your content, it is critical to time your approach so that it is most relevant when received.

The secret is often following the deadlines set forth in an editorial calendar, which briefly highlight the coverage a magazine, newspaper, or website, among others, will give to a particular subject over the course of an entire year. From Credit Union Magazine to Software Development Times, there is a broad range of calendars to suit the interest of any legal professional.

Most calendars are generally available on the website of the particular publication, and often list the submission guidelines for the publication as well (e.g., preferred length, footnote usage, and editorial style). Reviewing them and timing your article properly will help overcome any concern regarding your writing ability. While substance is important, you do not need to be a Pulitzer Prize winner to be published. Relevancy is often more critical than gifted prose.

Understanding an editor's calendar also demonstrates to him or her that you have conducted the necessary background research and are serious about your interest. Reviewing a copy of the magazine or newspaper in advance is very useful, as well.

Spring is a great time to consider how to be published. It stays lighter longer and it lulls you into the false impression that you have more time on your hands. Or, maybe that's just me.

Regardless, it does encourage us to go outside and get some fresh air. Writing is like that fresh air. It breathes inspiration into your work by allowing you to connect with mentors, colleagues, clients and prospects in an organic way. Use the opportunity to write for a particular issue you found in the editorial calendar as an opportunity to call or email someone completely different, who can provide a unique perspective on your proposed topic. Or, use it to reconnect with others.

Identifying a specific date for an article will provide the ability to calendar its development and completion into your busy calendar. Writing for an issue in October would require a pitch a few months before, depending on the publication. Let's say end of June for purposes of giving plenty of lead time. That June pitch gives you April and May to develop an idea and discuss it with anyone who may need to approve it or collaborate on its completion. It will also give you plenty of time to change your mind on the topic.

Aiming for a particular issue will typically prevent you from postponing it — not that anyone ever does that. Most often, activities like writing fall behind billable work, family obligations, and wisdom tooth extraction. There is always another issue of another publication when we have more time. That said, when you are shooting for a certain newspaper on a specific date, you have no choice, and you will make it happen. Period.

Being published is more about motivation than mechanics. Starting with a subject and the date before you even have an idea will help. Use the extra time often wasted on these basic elements to craft a great idea. Collaborate with others on establishing your focus. Have coffee with people who can teach you about the subject. Ask your clients, prospects and colleagues, including those sitting right next door at your firm, what they think would make an interesting article. In addition, try to find in-house, government, and academic contacts that may share their insight and experience.

People do not write just to see their name in a byline or send their article to others. They write to inform, and maybe even inspire. Ironically, it is not others to whom they provide the inspiration, but themselves.

Revive, refresh, and check your calendar. Spring is here!

*****
Ari Kaplan, a member of this newsletter's Board of Editors, teaches a training program at law firms nationwide on the mechanics of being published. For a summary infographic titled “9 Ways to Get More Out of Getting Published,” e-mail [email protected].