SELLING TO NEWSPAPERS

The Christian Writers' Market Guide also includes Christian newspapers. You will find that some of them are more like Christian magazines--just in a tabloid or newspaper format. Others are actually in a traditional newspaper format. For that reason you will want to be sure to get sample copies of any of them before making submissions. If they are more like magazines, then you may be able to either sell them reprints of articles you have had published in other magazines, or recast some of those articles to fit their needs.
If they are in a newspaper format, then here are some tips that might help you to write or rewrite for their specialized needs:

** Start with letters to the editor. Editors need well-written, creative letters, and if you can supply them they may look to you for other writing needs.

** Study the newspaper to determine if there is a section or page where your material would fit. Then identify the editor that handles that section.

** Unless their listing indicates otherwise, it's best to e-mail your piece as an attachment. Introduce yourself briefly in the body of the e-mail.

** If you haven't heard after a week, call the editor.

** Writing for newspapers calls for both patience and persistence.

** Don't expect to make much money. The going rate is about a dollar per 1,000 in circulation--if they pay at all. May just be a place to get some writing credits.