How to get members to write for your magazine (and edit them kindly)

A call for submissions in the newsletter gets you two replies and one of them is from someone selling something.

Members will write for you, but you have to ask them properly.

Ask a person, not a crowd

Make a short list of people who know something your members need. Message them directly:

Hi Sam, I saw your talk on the new reporting rules at last month's seminar. Members have a lot of questions about it. Would you be willing to write 600 words on the three things you'd tell someone starting from scratch? Due 14 March. I'm happy to talk it through by phone if that's easier.

That works because it's specific, short, flattering and has an exit that makes it easy.

Make it easy to say yes

• Keep the ask small: 400 to 600 words.
• Give a clear deadline, not "whenever".
• Offer a call instead of a draft. Twenty minutes of conversation can become an article.
• Say what's in it for them: a byline, a profile of their business, visibility with peers.

Give a brief

A one-page brief prevents most problems:

Topic: ______
Who it's for: ______
What readers should be able to do afterwards: ______
Length: ______ words
Deadline: ______
Please include: a short bio (30 words) and a photo
Voice: plain English, as if explaining to a colleague
Style guide: [link]

Handle the first draft

Read it twice. First for substance: is the idea clear, is it useful, is anything missing? Then for words.

If the draft is thin, ask questions: "You mentioned the audit. What did you find?" Their answer often is the paragraph you need.

Edit with them

• Explain what you changed and why.
• Show the edited version before publication. Always.
• Keep their phrases where they work.
• Don't rewrite their opinions.

A writer who feels respected comes back.

Say thank you in public

A line in the editor's letter, a mention on the contents page, a note on social media. Recognition costs nothing and is often the main reason people agree.

Build a bench

Keep a list of everyone who has written or said yes. Note their topic and when you last asked. Every issue, invite one or two new people and one returning writer.

When a piece doesn't arrive

Send a friendly reminder at the halfway mark and another a week before. If it doesn't come, run your reserve piece and ask again next time. Don't chase repeatedly. Planning a reserve.

Be clear about what you do with their work

If you reuse the piece online, in newsletters or at events, say so in the brief. Make sure they know who owns the copyright. If you're unsure, check with your association's policy.