ight? Maybe I should investigate this article.'

Questions make good titles, as do statements or topics that may be considered newsworthy or controversial. However, never make the mistake of choosing a title that has nothing to do with your article's content.

Now you have an idea and a title. What comes next?

The Plan

Nowadays, anyone with a computer can pound out an article in a few minutes and submit it to article directories on the internet. What about you? Has the writing bug infected you with a yearning desire to broadcast your thoughts in cyberspace?

One of the most important things to consider before writing an article is:

Writing Skill

You may not possess the skills required for successful writing. Spell checkers can pinpoint obvious spelling errors - but grammar and understandability are not as easily validated. If necessary, take a writing course (or hire a ghost writer).

The next item of importance:

The Idea

Always carry a notepad, PDA, or device with voice-recording capabilities. Whenever an article idea occurs to you make note of it - immediately. Don't say something cryptic like 'search engines' and expect to remember the details later.

The next item to consider is:

The Title

Which of the following titles is more compelling?

1) How to Write a Title for an Article

2) Do You Know How to Write a Good Article Title?

The first title is rather matter-of-fact and boring. The reader is likely to think:

'Of course I know how to write a title for an article!'

However, the second title will stimulate the reader's interest:

'Hmm? I wonder - am I doing it right? Maybe I should investigate this article.'

Questions make good titles, as do statements or topics that may be considered newsworthy or controversial. However, never make the mistake of choosing a title that has nothing to do with your article's content.

Now you have an idea and a title. What comes next?

The Plan<

ill

You may not possess the skills required for successful writing. Spell checkers can pinpoint obvious spelling errors - but grammar and understandability are not as easily validated. If necessary, take a writing course (or hire a ghost writer).

The next item of importance:

The Idea

Always carry a notepad, PDA, or device with voice-recording capabilities. Whenever an article idea occurs to you make note of it - immediately. Don't say something cryptic like 'search engines' and expect to remember the details later.

The next item to consider is:

The Title

Which of the following titles is more compelling?

1) How to Write a Title for an Article

2) Do You Know How to Write a Good Article Title?

The first title is rather matter-of-fact and boring. The reader is likely to think:

'Of course I know how to write a title for an article!'

However, the second title will stimulate the reader's interest:

'Hmm? I wonder - am I doing it right? Maybe I should investigate this article.'

Questions make good titles, as do statements or topics that may be considered newsworthy or controversial. However, never make the mistake of choosing a title that has nothing to do with your article's content.

Now you have an idea and a title. What comes next?

The Plan

PDA, or device with voice-recording capabilities. Whenever an article idea occurs to you make note of it - immediately. Don't say something cryptic like 'search engines' and expect to remember the details later.

The next item to consider is:

The Title

Which of the following titles is more compelling?

1) How to Write a Title for an Article

2) Do You Know How to Write a Good Article Title?

The first title is rather matter-of-fact and boring. The reader is likely to think:

'Of course I know how to write a title for an article!'

However, the second title will stimulate the reader's interest:

'Hmm? I wonder - am I doing it right? Maybe I should investigate this article.'

Questions make good titles, as do statements or topics that may be considered newsworthy or controversial. However, never make the mistake of choosing a title that has nothing to do with your article's content.

Now you have an idea and a title. What comes next?

The Plan

rite a Title for an Article

2) Do You Know How to Write a Good Article Title?

The first title is rather matter-of-fact and boring. The reader is likely to think:

'Of course I know how to write a title for an article!'

However, the second title will stimulate the reader's interest:

'Hmm? I wonder - am I doing it right? Maybe I should investigate this article.'

Questions make good titles, as do statements or topics that may be considered newsworthy or controversial. However, never make the mistake of choosing a title that has nothing to do with your article's content.

Now you have an idea and a title. What comes next?

The Plan

ight? Maybe I should investigate this article.'

Questions make good titles, as do statements or topics that may be considered newsworthy or controversial. However, never make the mistake of choosing a title that has nothing to do with your article's content.

Now you have an idea and a title. What comes next?

The Plan

In the days of pen-and-ink and typewriters, a plan (or outline) was of paramount importance. A writer would make a point-form list of an article's content. There are a couple of reasons for this approach.

1) An outline forces an author to develop a beginning, a narrative, and a conclusion that flows in a logical manner.

2) With the old-fashioned hard-copy method, edits were more difficult to accomplish.

Nowadays, it is easier than ever to think as you write - churning out the words in your favorite word processor - and making copy revisions after you are finished. However, you should still begin with some kind of a plan - in your head, if not on paper.

Next on your list:

The Introduction

Your introductory paragraph should provoke interest and provide some representation of article content. It should be an extension of your title, flowing naturally into the text.

The following entry on your list:

Content

This is often overlooked. An author may fill a page with words without actually saying anything useful. The end user must profit somehow by reading your article. Carefully research all information. If you are using the internet to ferret out facts and figures, choose authority sites - and never, never, NEVER plagiarize.

Next on the agenda:

The Closing

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