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[GWL]: syndicated columns

Linda wrote:
> Jo Ellen, Here's an update on the pricing issue. I spoke today with the 
> editor of our local daily paper here in Edwardsville, IL about writing 
>a weekly garden column. The result--the editor didn't look at anything,
> but offered me $10/week for the column. 

When I read about the posting suggesting $1 a word would be 
considered a good rate for a syndicated column, I nearly choked.

In your dreams, I thought. I could well be the most ridiculously underpaid 
syndicated columnist on the planet. I fought for $20 bucks a 
column and managed it with two of my papers, but am still at $15 with 
the other two. Becoming a syndicated columnist has to be one of the 
toughest markets to crack. In person visits are a must.

You're battling free 'off the wire' stuff  they are already 
receiving. For example, Lois Hole invites newspapers throughout
Canada (and maybe the U.S.?) to run her columns for free.

Newspapers don't have to run your column. They can fill it just as 
easily with a picture or something from the stock library. And the 
advertising tie-in, though a good thought, is still a hard-sell.

It's a fickle market, but one that does reward you with notoriety as 
you add each blessed little paper to your harem. And after 
a few years you hopefully become something readers would miss.

Highlighting local stuff from time to time helps a lot. I enjoy travelling
and visiting new gardens and try to include a few local interviews
for each paper annually. I gather enough material for several year's
worth on one trip. And take lots of photos. Oftentimes a column can
be quickly written after a few phone calls to people in the area and
illustrated with your file photos.

I also send each of my editors a Christmas card. :-)

Making it easy for them is essential. And never, ever forget the 
deadline. I publish my column with graphic to a site for them to
pick up, plus email the text as a back-up.

Something I've toyed with is the idea of an agent....anyone have any 
luck with one of those for syndicating columns?

Carla Allen
http://www.carlaallen.ca
~An East Coast Gardener~

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