How to write an article for a professional journal

1. Writer’s block?

If you’re at your computer (or you’re staring at a sheet of blank paper) and can’t seem to put thoughts into words, try this: Talk to a colleague or call a friend and simply explain what you’re writing about. You’ll be surprised at how easily the words will spill off your lips when you’re not obsessed with proper style. Then get back to the writing.

2. Great sense of satisfaction

“I must admit that I find professional writing difficult. I believe there are aspects of my workplace that others may find interesting or of value, but it is a matter of finding time to get data down and actually start writing that is hard for me. I find that the pressure of doing your daily job and trying to write at the same time don’t always go together well. However, I must also say that the occasions on which I have had original work published gave me a great sense of satisfaction, and that in itself made the effort worthwhile.”

Barry Bamford in The Classroom Teacher’s Book of

Management Essentials, Jarvis Finger and Barry

Bamford, ACEL/Fernfawn, 2006

3. Try a toe in the water.

Learn your market – that is, read as many copies of the journal you want to write for as possible. You’ll have to prove to the editor that you can write for his or her target audience and the best way to learn how to do this is through research. Take note of the publication’s different departments, columns, and fillers. …