How to Write a Short Article in Less Than 500 Words
by Judy Cullins

How to Write this Short Article

 1.    Create a Benefit-Driven Title

People will open your email when you allow pizzazz into your title. Dare to be outrageous

2.    Create a Snappy Introduction

Write a snappy one to three-sentence introduction. Include what's in it for your audience. How will your article improve their lives or business?

 3.    Know Your Article's Purpose and Specific Audience

Narrow your slant or focus just for them.

This article's audience includes business people who want to promote their product or service through a short article, as speakers or coaches, or consultants who have a new book to sell and want to attract new clients, and Web site publishers who want more visitors.

 3.    Write an Outline

List four to six major points you want to make before you write.

My outline and headings for this article include the seven ways to write this article:

Remember each sentence must support the thesis statement, that's one major benefit of how you will solve your reader's particular challenge or problem. In this one, I give you 7 solutions for writing a short article.

Break down each paragraph into four standard-length sentences (15-17 words each). For drama, write one or two shorter sentences.One paragraph contains around 100 words. Five paragraphs of five sentences of 20 or less words will equal close to 500 words.

4.    Create Four to Six Paragraphs From Your Outline

From your outline sub points that must also support the thesis, write a concise, compelling paragraph that explains and gives examples.>

If you write over 100 words, tighten your copy. Leave out stories or analogies. Shorten examples. Cut redundant sentences, phrases, and words. Drop most "is" verb forms and "ands." They slow the copy and the reader down, a cardinal sin in writing.

Bored readers will leave. Instead, use vital, action verbs and colorful nouns.

5.    Revise Looking for Ways to Tighten Your Article

Write only a sentence or two to either sum up or point out the benefits of your information. When you write under 500-word-articles of about one page, Online publishers, Web Masters and potential clients will read them, pass them on, and eventually buy from you.

Copyright 2002 Judy Cullins

Judy Cullins: author, publisher, book coach helps professionals manifest their book dreams http://www.bookcoaching.com/ Send an email to Subscribe@bookcoaching.com The Book Coach Says... and receive 2 free eBooks Email: Judy@bookcoaching.com Ph./Fax: 619/466/0622