Using Photos to Sell Your Articles

Writers don't like to believe that a picture says a thousand words because we want to believe we can paint the perfect picture with just the right combination of syllables. Of course, you rarely see articles in magazines or newspaper without accompanying photography, and there's a reason for this. Just because you're a good writer doesn't mean that you can't use photos to sell your articles.

The reality is that magazines and newspapers can take their own photos to go with your article, but you have a better chance of selling it if you submit the photos with your manuscript. For one thing, it cuts down on what the publication has to do in order to run your article, which might mean more money for you, and for another, your article becomes instantly more interesting because you've submitted a picture of the thing about which you are writing.

Using photos to sell your articles can mean sales to better publications as well as more money for each of your manuscripts. Of course, you have to enclose good photos if you want them to make a difference.

1- Include a Minimum of Three Photographs

Just because your photos are good doesn't mean that the publication to which you hope to sell your article will want to use all of them. One article can be enlivened by just one picture, but you should include a minimum of three for them to make a difference. This gives the publication the ability to choose from several different options and it also increases the chances that your photos will help to sell your article.

2. Make Sure Photos are Relevant

Editors as well as readers are becoming increasingly picky about the types of photographs they will accept with accompanying articles. Your photos should be specific and relevant to the subject of your article, which means paying close attention to what you are snapping a picture of. For example, if your article is about ridding your lawn of weeds, you wouldn't want to simply include a photo of your backyard. Instead, include a close-up photo of grass and weeds together; this will make your photos more attractive.

3- Never Submit Your Only Copy

Editors' desks are often black holes, so don't send your only copy of photos with your article. Instead, make sure that you have back-up copies -- preferably several -- just in case your editor misplaces the envelope entirely and calls you up with the bad news. This is why I recommend taking photos with your digital camera so you'll always have an electronic backup.

4- Specify if More Photos are Available

You might have twenty photos that could potentially go with your article, but you don't want to submit all twenty to an editor. Instead, include a cover letter that specifies how many photos you have available and let the editor know that you can send more if he or she is not satisfied with the ones you've enclosed.