How to Write a Great "List" Article?
Writer's Resources...
Top 5 Ways to Create a Great List
As mentioned in previous posts, I've made it a goal to get published in a national publication before my 30th birthday, or at least by the end of this year. I brainstormed ideas all weekend, and even flipped through the pages of a couple of magazines. Through my research, I discovered that print magazines love list articles. Even if a topic has been written on exhaustively, creating a list article and putting a unique angle on the subject seems to work. Readers enjoy lists. It's like a how-to article with personality: "7 Ways to Enjoy a Cheap Vacation, " or "Top 5 Ways to Say I Love You." Of course, there's an art to writing a great list. The article should be informative, yet entertain.
- Pick a Good Topic: Before pitching a magazine with your idea for a list article, read the publication. If your idea isn't a match, you've wasted time and the editor will reject your pitch. Also, browse the archives to ensure a similar article hasn't been published within the past six months.
- Research New Information: If you're writing a list article on a popular topic such as "ways to improve credit," don't offer common-sense advice (ex. pay bills on time or reduce debts). Rather, look for less obvious tips. For example, some persons have been able to boost a low credit score with funds from a home equity loan. Plus, an auto loan can give people a fresh start after bankruptcy.
- Intro, Body, & Conclusion: It's easy to forget the introduction and conclusion with list articles - I'm guilty of this! Before jumping into your list of the top 7 ways to do such-and-such, write a two or three sentence intro. Wet the reader's appetite. Make them want to read the article. Once you've completed the list, conclude the article with a one/two sentence blurb.
- Give an Explanation: Don't just list a few tips and call it a day. A good list article will expand on each tip. If you're writing an article on how to improve credit, and a list item is "pay off debts with a home equity loan," the explanation might highlight ways to apply for such a loan, the benefits, and loan requirements.
- Keep List Explanations Short: Ideally, list paragraphs should feature two to four sentences. If your explanations are too long, the reader might lose interest.
