How to Write the How-To Piece

Step One: Choose a topic that’s timely and engaging (or quirky enough to entice readers). Be sure to have a target magazine/audience in mind and choose your topic accordingly. Consider things and subjects you’re passionate about.

Step Two: Choose an approach

You can:

1. Interview an expert
Oprah's Trainer Shows You How
Dr. Oz Makes TV-Watching Healthy

2. Be an expert

Take the step-by-step approach:
How to Make Earrings From Electrical Parts

Play on Seasonal/Timeliness:
How to Update Your Fall Wardrobe for Cheap


Research, conglomerate, and play up your voice:
How to Make Halloween Slime

[Most how-to pieces are bulleted, short, information-loaded. There are exceptions. Here’s an essay approach driven by prominence/celebrity expertise: The Dalai Lama on Compassion

3. Weave a combination of the two
Eat, Pray, Love Beauty Tips


Step Three: Draft your piece.

* Keep it short, but be sure to hit the most relevant/essential points.

* Unless you’re using an essay approach, bullet information when you can.

* Use short sentences. Short paragraphs.

* Be sure your lead’s engaging and conversational.

* Be sure your tone and voice match your target magazine/audience.

* Offer a sidebar that lists additional information/sources. Consider visuals.

Step Four: Revise! Pity the reader!

Step Five: Revise again! More pity!

Step Six: Workshop (then revise again! pity!)

Step Seven: Submit your piece for publication. Be sure to follow the submission guidelines.

Remember, most magazines have months of lead time (unless they’re online, of course). Plan accordingly.

Be sure you’re giving the editor something he/she can use. Ask yourself: is this piece right for this audience? Is it right now?

Technical Notes:
Use AP Style (When in doubt, consult your Stylebook)

Triple-check grammar, spelling, and facts

Choose your experts wisely and be honest about your own degree of expertise in any subject. Even if you’re sure you’re an expert, it’s always good to get other voices in the mix. Don’t slag. Don't be afraid to reach out and do interviews and legwork.