- Planning. Think if a topic for an article
. Validate the topic with your peers, your immediate chain of command,
and the editor. Does everyone agree it is important? Has the magazine
done anything similar? Are you going to cover everything that is
important without going into overkill or leaving stuff out.
- Research. You must gather data, anecdotes,
explanations, descriptions.
- Write a rough draft. If you want to revise
it yourself, put it aside for a few days, then reread it from the
point of view of someone who is bored and in a hurry. Dont assume
you reader is going to know as much as you. Also get your draft
chopped to pieces by your peers or other objective readers. Expect
major carnage on this draft.
- Fix the problems. You may have to do more
research or go back to your sources for follow-up.
- Write a second draft.
Congratulations! Have a beverage of your choice. Send the bill to the
front office. |
