Writing That Gets Noticed

April 10, 2023
Journalist Erasmus debuts with a competent primer on how to write eye-catching essays and articles. Primarily addressing amateur writers, Erasmus breaks down the writing and publication process, describing how to generate story ideas, pitch them, find sources, sharpen one’s writing, and work with editors. She recommends strategies for finding inspiration, including journaling, writing “six-word memoirs” (the author provides hers: “Midlife mom finds self writing/teaching”), and scanning the news for trends. Suggestions for writing personal essays include hooking readers by opening with “dialogue, scene setting, or action” and making liberal use of sensory details. She contends that pitches should be two or three paragraphs that answer the “who, what, where, when, and why” of the story, and she encourages readers to refine and repurpose rejected pitches for other outlets. The advice is sensible if standard, but this distinguishes itself in the attention given to dealing with the psychological effects of trying to get published, particularly the tips on dealing with rejection (a breathing exercise promises to lower stress, and Erasmus offers encouraging words on persistence: “It’s about consistently showing up after everyone else has given up”). The guidance isn’t new, but it still makes for a serviceable introduction to getting published.