Write Popular Articles, Op-Eds, and Essays
For researchers used to technical communication, writing lay-level articles requires a commitment to learning a different way of writing. This new approach includes becoming a storyteller, not an “authority,” and understanding the editorial process. This process includes how to market articles, how to pitch editors, and how to cope with editing. Op-eds can be highly useful as outlets for researchers, but they have specific length, content, and marketing requirements that must be observed. Feature articles also have particular requirements in terms of understanding the needs of readers, and being organized to grab and hold them. Lay-level articles can best engage readers by using the writing techniques of fiction. Effective lay-level writing also means “murdering your children”—being willing to ruthlessly edit out content that loses the reader. Authors can also make their articles more engaging by providing artwork, animations, video, and audio.