Would You Rather Write Online or for a Newspaper or Magazine?

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Would You Rather Write Online or for a Newspaper or Magazine?

Posted on July 31st, 2009 in Writing Business by Ben Pearce

Both writing online and for newspapers or magazines have their benefit, what do you prefer? Read on for more information.

The vision of being able to see your own work published in front of your eyes in a newspaper or magazine is always a goal for the freelance journalist. When the internet became popular, it brought in a whole new era of publishing. Many freelancers dedicate their time to both, what is the better alternative?

Writing articles online contains many positives. Generally, content is published quicker online. When submitting new work to a paid to write website, it is normally published within two days if the grammar, punctuation and writing structure is correct. You can then proceed to promote your content by submitting to social bookmarking and networking websites for no cost or minimal cost. If promoted correctly, your work can be viewed by a wider audience throughout the world. The articles published are generally paid per amount of views or ad revenue alongside your content. Occasionally, payments are made upfront for writing, depending what website your work is submitted to.

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Submitting articles to a newspaper or magazine can be a different story. Before writing a feature article, it is a common idea to write a query letter or e-mail displaying your ideas to the editor. Replies may take days or even weeks, which can slow the process of writing and your income. Once you receive a reply from the editor, the communication tends to speed up. You will either move on to your next project or proceed to write the article suggested. The audience from the viewing of your work will always depend on the circulation area of the newspaper or magazine. Articles are normally paid upfront or paid per word or package with photos attached.

The differences between the two is the publishing speed. Work is published a lot quicker online, meaning you can plan your next project instead of endless communication with editors. Being able to get work published a lot quicker means you can write more articles and gain more income.

Journalists mostly prefer upfront payment, a more reliable source of income. Payments from newspapers and magazines can be more greater than online writing depending on who you submit your work to. Writing online though, can be beneficial by watching your earnings grow over a longer period of time.

Making the decision of dedicating your time to one or another can be tough. Overall, it is a great feeling to view your published work on any scale. The big question is if you are prepared to be patient or get your work published quicker. Some even prefer both, its up to you at the end of the day.

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23 Responses to “Would You Rather Write Online or for a Newspaper or Magazine?”

Have Pen Will Travel
July 31st, 2009 at 8:17 am

Well actually, most writers who query magazines don’t sit around and wait for their query to be answered before they move on to another project. All the mag writers I know are in a constant cycle of sending and working up queries. They’ll send one out and immediately start working up another one.

Novelists are the same way. I generally “sit” on a book for a minimum of 3 months before I go back through it and get it ready to send out. But I’m not sitting around watching TV for 3 months–I might take a weekend off but then I’m right back to working on the next book.
Mrs. Heart
July 31st, 2009 at 8:52 am

Great thoughts for us writers to take seriously. Like it!
RJ Chamberlain
July 31st, 2009 at 6:23 pm

Ben,

Nice work mate. You writing for any magazines at present?

RJ
Ben Pearce
July 31st, 2009 at 6:36 pm

Haven’t wrote anything for newspapers or magazines in over a year now.
Bhumika Ghimire
August 5th, 2009 at 11:25 am

i tried to break into print but didn’t work out. i like the freedom and transparency online writing offers
Alexa Gates
August 10th, 2009 at 11:32 am

Thanks for sharing Ben I havent tried to write for a newspaper… but the wait definitely isn’t ideal…but writing for Triond is also insecure in your income… so it’s a toss up either way…
Hazel Crowther
August 17th, 2009 at 5:44 am

Thank you for this good information, I may use it one day.
Theresa Johnson
September 8th, 2009 at 6:19 am

right now i would rather publish online his way i can sharpen my skills before trying for a magazine or newspaper
Duff D Moss
September 8th, 2009 at 7:11 am

Don’t think I will ever see myself in a newspaper or magazine. Magazine seems less transient than a newspaper or even online. Has some solidity to it I feel.
BullwinkleMuse
September 8th, 2009 at 7:33 am

Given the choice, I like the old school sense of accomplishment from being published in real, physical print, though it seems to be a dying medium.
Rod Ferrandino
September 8th, 2009 at 8:06 am

Good food for thought; I’m older than old-school (more like ancient-school), and still prefer hard-copy, but I am gratified whenever, and wherever, my work is published, except for maybe that stuff on the restroom wall at old p.s. 122.
David Crerand
September 8th, 2009 at 8:32 am

I tried print years ago with some success but it is a very tedious process.
Marie Milton
September 8th, 2009 at 8:59 am

Great Article Ben. In my own personal opinion, I prefer the written word aka Newspapers and magazines. But as you say it’s easier to publish online. And also being online help to converse with others intersted in the same ideas.

Excellently written. Nice one!!!!
Tlchimes
September 8th, 2009 at 10:28 am

I would like my stories to be in print one day but I love the online writting because I get to hear what people think of my work and I can grow and polish.
Atikin
September 8th, 2009 at 10:36 am

Ideally I’d like to write for a magazine because it is the sort of things I read and I feel that magazine editors will be a lot more harsh than those commenters on the internet. A really good article though I must add with a good question and some nice ideas backing it up.
beldobie
September 8th, 2009 at 10:37 am

I’ve written for a newspaper before and it was very interesting. But I think I prefer writing online. Great article.
BradONeill
September 8th, 2009 at 2:24 pm

I am currently trying to transition from internet to print (Novel, short stories) but I think the internet is a great way to learn. The instant feedback and the opportunity to interact with the readers makes it an ideal learning environment.
STEVE666
September 8th, 2009 at 3:10 pm

Good informative piece.
littlekid137
September 8th, 2009 at 8:38 pm

I would be cool if I could write for a mag or newspaper. Although I dont see the newspaper lasting much longer because we have something call the Internet now that is kinda cool.
Shelly Barclay
September 8th, 2009 at 9:01 pm

They do both have their advantages. Good job.
Ronne
September 9th, 2009 at 1:13 am

i write for my college mag, and they do pay me well!
nice peice, ben!
oldster
September 9th, 2009 at 3:44 am

Informative article Ben.
Even though I disagree with the principles people seem to read them, in either medium.
Um one point. You have “more greater” in there?
Otherwise a good read.
maranatha
September 23rd, 2009 at 12:41 am

Writing for Triond led me to a permanent part-time newspaper gig, so I have both now. If only the big bucks would start rolling in! (sigh)