As we continue to explore different types of “short” writing, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed. Keep in mind that it would be unusual for a part-time freelancer to try and do all these different types of writing. Most writers find that picking one or two “specialties” and focusing on them keeps things simple and more productive. By looking at many different types of writing, my hope is that you may find some new opportunities.

In this lesson we're going to take a look at anecdotes, editorials, and essays. These sound a little academic, but they actually are quite salable and can be short and easy to write. They are similar in many ways, although distinctly different.

Anecdotes

If you like the idea of short stories, but not for children, anecdotes may be just what you're looking for. Reader's Digest is the grand daddy of anecdotes, but there are lots of other markets too. Check out Catholic Digest, Heartland USA, and even Gun World -- they all print anecdotes. For some great examples, check out www.readersdigest.com For anecdotes, there's not much research required, which always speed things up! Anecdotes are defined as:

“A short story, simply told, with a beginning, middle and end. It is a little story--usually 200 to 500 words long -- based on an actual happening, a short account or retelling of a single incident. To be successful, it must evoke a feeling on the part of the reader: laughter, surprise, sympathy, or some other emotional response.”

Connie Emerson in The 30-Minute Writer shares this anecdote by Cynthia L. Osburn found in Reader's Digest:

My grandmother, a feisty 91 and living alone in a small Missouri town, had a total hip replacement and was housebound.

Our family, not being nearby, was concerned for her welfare and called Meals on Wheels. My aunt let the service know of Grandmother's aversion to being thought helpless, so would they bring up the idea tactfully?

The next day a volunteer phoned Grandmother and cheerfully explained that Meals on Wheels is a service that relies on volunteers to help the elderly and the ill. Would she be interested in it?

There was a reflective pause, “Well, sure,” my grandmother said. “If you can't find anyone else to get food to the old people, I guess I can.”

A lot of publications don't mention they buy anecdotes, so the easiest way to find them is to browse the magazines in grocery stores, laundromats, doctors' offices, libraries, etc. You'll be surprised how many publications use anecdotes on a regular basis. If you like the style of writing these small stories, you'll find the process fits very easily into the 30-minute writing program.

By the way, Reader's Digest gets around 25,000 submissions each month and they only publish about 25, so the odds aren't great, but you won't know if you don't try -- one thing I can guarantee you is that if you don't send something in there is NO chance of being published :)

Editorials or Essays?

Editorials used to belong to editors (hence the name), however, many publications are now using what they call “op-eds” or opinions written in editorial format written by readers and freelancers. Essays probably bring back a vision of your high school English teacher, and they haven't changed much, except that somehow it's fun to have an opinion now. To stir your editorial juices, here's the entry for “Newsweek” from Writer's Market.

“Accepts unsolicited mss for “My Turn,” a column of personal opinion. The 850-900 word essays for the column must be original, not published elsewhere and contain verifiable facts. Payment is $1,000 on publication.”

There are many other publications using editorials and essays and you'll find them listed in Writer's Market along with finding them as you peruse magazines. Some good examples of essays are often found on the last page of the magazine. In The 30-Minute Writer, Connie Emerson clearly defines the difference between writing an editorial and an essay.

“The basic differences between the op-ed and personal essay are that 1.) the subject of the former must in some way be controversial, and 2.) it must contain the clearly stated opinion of the writer, with the primary purpose being to influence the reader....Although the personal essay is often written completely in first person, the op-ed usually employs first person only in the opening paragraph or two -- if at all. (In essays the subject matter) is looked at from a personal perspective, often with anecdotes involving the writer, (while) the op-ed deals with the material in a more 'opinionated' way.”

“Although their structure may be very much the same, the tone of the personal essay is almost always more relaxed, more conversational. And instead of the op-ed 'this is how I believe it is and I'm going to do my best to convince you' tone, the personal essay derives its appeal from giving the reader a peek at some facet of the writer's life.”

As you can imagine, the topic list for editorials and essays is long and unlimited. You'll need to do some research to match the editors tastes with yours and find the right markets for your submissions. This is a type of writing where you want to be thorough in your research, as you will most likely have to submit the finished piece rather than a query, so your time will be spent before you have a “go-ahead” from an editor. However, often these pieces flow from the heart and 1,000 words can come very easily.

ASSIGNMENTS

--Make lists of jobs you've had; interesting/good/out-of-the ordinary neighbors, friends, and associates; places you've lived in and visited. Use each item on the list to prompt your memory, recalling associated incidents.

--Put together a file of potential markets with examples of anecdotes their editors have bought in the past.

--Pair up your ideas with these markets, then choose one that seems most likely to succeed and start on it first.

--When you are ready to write the anecdote, try to think of the punch line first. If you get that, writing the rest of the little story is a lot easier.

2) Spend 30-minutes reviewing “Writer's Market” for possible editorial and essay markets. Check their submission requirements, how they pay, and what they pay. Are you interested?

3) Make a list of things that bug you. Do you find yourself giving long dissertations on these topics to your house mates or the dog? If so, take 30 minutes to put your thoughts down on paper. Consider them on paper -- you may want to go further -- you may want to stop :)

4) Review magazines, newspapers, and other publications to see what they are using in editorials and essays. Connie Emerson suggests making outlines of the previously published essays. Break them down in outline form with a word count. Her example follows:

A. Anecdotal lead followed by summary sentence (250 words)

B. Second anecdote illustrating premise (200 words)

C. Two paragraphs of narrative regarding author's reaction to above (350 words)

D. Closing anecdote with concluding summary statement (200 words)

They'll all be different, but it will give you an idea of what the editors are buying. Copy the format with some ideas of your own.