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Personal Essays that Get Published

Personal essays may not be considered hot items to editors these days, but if an individual is able to write a personal essay that’s original, highly entertaining, thought-provoking and inspiring, he can have his work printed on local broadsheets and major magazines. Editors and publishers are constantly searching for something different and writers must know how to capture their interest.

The following tips will show how one can write personal essays that are worth getting published.

Write a powerful introduction.

The only way to do this is by driving readers directly to the theme of the essay; no need to beat around the bush with lengthy, convoluted words. Readers get more attracted to essays that can immediately capture emotion.A writer who had a near-death experience should start his essay with the day of the accident or with his supposedly dying moment on a hospital bed.

Stick with the facts.

Some writers of personal essays get out of control; instead of sticking with the facts, they philosophize. There is nothing wrong in expressing the spiritual or emotional aspect of a particular experience; however, if a writer does it more than presenting what actually happened, editors will get turned off. A writer’s best recourse is to include his though process during a specific incident.

Don’t make it too long.

Personal essays are only about one specific life-changing event, so they don’t have to be too long. Generally, personal essay are fewer than 2000 words, or even fewer than 1000 words. Editors know that there aren’t many people who are willing to read a five-page work about one’s different experiences, so writers should keep their personal essays short and simple to get maximum effect.

Put pictures.

Pictures remain to be the best way to attract attention. No matter how well-written an essay may be; oftentimes, its supporting pictures are its primary attraction. If an essay is about life in prison, it should have photographs of guards and inmates. If it’s about a trip, then it should have photographs of picturesque scenes. Personal essays with pictures become more interesting and appealing to both editors and readers.

Include advice and call-to-action.

Personal essays with advices and powerful call-to-action have a greater chance of getting published. A writer who is writing about his experience with a forest fire can give tips on how to keep wildlife from accidentally being set ablaze. On the other hand, call-to-action is the writer’s statement at the end of the essay that inspires readers to move or participate.

For instance, if the essay is about corruption, it should inspire readers to join anti-corruption organizations.