How to Write a Column

[muhammadmohsinali]

Columns are articles or features written for newspapers, magazines, newsletters and other publications. They may be published regularly or one time. While still considered a form of journalism, the language in columns is typically less formal and targeted to a specific audience. Utilize these tips for how to write a column.
1-Identify the purpose of your column.
• Inform readers. Columns can be written to share information, knowledge and experience. Examples of informative columns include how-to and advice columns.
• Persuade people. Activists, politicians and officials write columns to support a political cause, business action, or other activity or organization.
• Entertain your audience. Some columns have no other purpose than to be funny or reflect on the humorous aspects of life.
2-Establish the general content of your column.
• Write your column with a base evolving from your personal knowledge, experience or education.
• Draft columns from observations.
• Use research to create your columns. Utilize other expert opinions.
3-Pick your audience, and speak in its language.
• Choose an audience based on demographics, such as age, race, socio-economic status or level of education.
• Select members of a specific industry or profession for your audience. Many columns are directed to attorneys, doctors, technology experts, writers, sales personnel and others.
• Opt to direct your column to people in a specific geographic region.
4-Determine the structure of your column.
• Teach your audience to complete projects or tasks in a how-to column. Give detailed directions to people so they can do or create something.
• Provide insight to a topic or person with columns that provide question-and-answer interviews.
• Share stories, insights or opinions through a personal column that reads much like an article or letter.
5-Create a consistent style for your column.
• Keep a steady tone. Refrain from being funny if your tone is normally serious. Avoid seriousness if your style is typically humorous or sarcastic.
• Speak to your readers in a consistent manner. Use similar language, phrasing and vocabulary in each column.
• Write in the same tense each time you write your column. For example, always write in present tense or first person.
6-Remain focused when writing your column.
• While your topics may vary, your overall theme should remain the same.
7-Proofread and edit your column.
• Critique it carefully. Make changes that will enhance it, improve your writing and provide more clarity for the reader.
8-Meet all deadlines.
• It is essential to meet deadlines and prepare your columns in time for publication. Your column will likely be rejected if it is not submitted in a timely fashion.