Put yourself in place of editor. For editor, zine itself is creation, work of art: What she or he chooses to include in zine displays this artistry. Especially when guidelines are vague or unspecific (“high-quality fiction and non-fiction” for example) it is important to read some of work zine has already published. When literary journals were exclusively in print, rule of thumb was three issues. Now with most online publications, you have advantage of being able to read their entire archives.

Editors keep reminding writers to weed out bad grammar and incorrect spelling in their manuscripts, and they mean it. So watch your grammar! Correct your spelling and punctuation! Mistakes in these areas continue to be big turnoffs. It’s tempting to get lazy when all you have to do is paste your work in body of an email. Just remember who’s on receiving end.

HOW TO WRITE A GOOD ARTICLE

by Craig Lock

This article was written for off-line "real") world some years back; however, principles apply also to cybersppace.

Firstly, carefully research and study your subject matter.

Think it all through very carefully, WHAT you are going to say and HOW you are going to say it.

I believe essence of writing a good interesting article is simplicity, but with a touch (or could it be "tinge" of unusual).

Always aim for clarity and simplicity in your writing.

How long should your article be?

In writing for newspapers or popular magazines length is probably around 500-750 words (or one to 2 pages).

I would far rather read a 1000 word article giving information that would help me, than a breezy 3000 word article of waffle that doesn't say much at all.

Always try to put yourself in position of reader.

After completion, re-read your article a number of times.

Polish it up by changing words and expressions.

Ensure that your article reads quickly and easily.

Otherwise if an article is too long reader can easily lose concentration and give up.

Examine your sentences and paragraphs carefully to ensure that words flow smoothly.

A paragraph should deal with one idea, developed in one or more sentences that logically advances points you are trying to make, add meaning or develop thestory you are telling (the plot).

Always try to make your meaning clear.

Ensure that your sentences are well structured and that your grammar iscorrect.

The first words of your article are of vital importance to grab yourreader's attention.

You are doing a "selling" job to entice them to read more - so make reader want to read more.

Develop your theme logically. Carefully plan what you are going to say.

Make a list of your main points.

Then progress from one to another (logically), so that they lead to a conclusion.

For example

"...and that is why I think resource management act is good for local environment."

or

"and that is why I believe all accountants and actuaries should be set in concrete and used as traffic bollards"

Oops sorry accountants and actuaries!

Do you know what an actuary is?

An accountant who didn't have personality! An Example Of An Article

Eg: You are writing about growing popularity of home computers.

Identify 4 or 5 main points:

say,

* cost

* who is buying them

* how they are being used

and

* implications for future.

In a short article each of these points will be a paragraph.

In a longer article, points will be developed.

Arrange your points logically.

You can include sub-points under each main point.

In example on computers you may include:

* word processing

* computer games

* accounts

and

* school work.

There are three main parts of any article.

Your article should have an introduction.