Writing quick, one-off articles is a great way to get your to fill your clip file, but here's a way to mine your articles for spinoffs into multiple projects.
Start When You Brainstorm
There's an easy way to work the multitasking into your normal routine: do it while you are brainstorming.
When you sit down to think about your next article idea, after you've decided your angle try to think of other ways that you could approach the same subject.
- Could you repurpose your article to a different audience?
- Could you cover the flipside of your article for a completely different market?
By looking at your concept from a variety of angles, you may be able to get more than one article from the same idea.
With a quick brainstorming session session on potential markets and different audiences the you can reach with the same topic, you can spin your article in the multiple stories in less time than it takes to come up with a completely new concept to write about.
Example:
Your topic is about ways to embrace the local Farmers Association
Health magazine: the benefits of eating pesticide-free food
Parenting Magazine: how you can work more greens into your kid's menu
Men's Magazine: the benefits of more greens on your immune system
Women's Magazine: How eating more greens can make your complexion glow
Local newspaper: local resources for starting and growing your own backyard garden.
The Bottom Line
Repurposing your articles is a great way to keep your interest. Since you've already done a lot of research, you are able to write more quickly on the same subject.
By looking at your topics with fresh eyes, you are able to get your writing into more markets, to reach different audiences and to explore more subjects with your writing.
Resources
Need a little help when it comes to learning the basics of article writing?
The University of Toronto offers a variety of freelance writing courses, including How to Write a Column and The Freelance Writing Business.
If you are looking for freelance writing tips, check out Toronto copywriter, instructor and author Paul Lima’s blog for a wealth of information on the freelance writing business: PaulLima.com: Business of freelance writing and business and promotional writing
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Comments
These are some very useful tips!
Thanks for the reminder!
Good thoughts for making the most of my writing.
Great tips!
I've been trying to do this a bit more lately. Fabulous advice. Really enjoyed your article!
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