So You Want to be a Published Wordsmith, Eh? How to Email the Editor of the Sydney Morning Herald
Ah, the Sydney Morning Herald (affectionately known as the SMH by those in the know). You've been struck by a bolt of brilliance, a political firestorm you just have to ignite, or a travelogue so hilarious it'll have readers spitting out their Vegemite toast. You reach for your keyboard, ready to unleash your masterpiece upon the world. But wait! There's a gatekeeper – the editor, shrouded in mystery (and probably a very comfy chair). Don't fret, intrepid wordsmith, for this guide will be your digital quill as you navigate the email labyrinth.
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| How Do I Email The Editor Of The Sydney Morning Herald |
Step 1: Craft Your Missive Like a Bard
- Content is King (or Queen): This isn't the time for grocery lists or haiku about your goldfish. Think about what new angle you bring to the table. Are you the secret love child of Clive James and Germaine Greer? Then spill the tea!
- Grammar Gremlins? Not on Our Watch!: Proofread like a pro. Typos and wonky sentence structure are the editor's kryptonite (not coffee, surprisingly).
Step 2: Subject Line: The Attention-Grabbing Siren Song
- Clickbait is for Click Hens: Avoid ALL CAPS, excessive exclamation points, and emojis (unless absolutely necessary for comedic effect).
- Be Clear and Concise: Think of it as a movie trailer – intriguing enough to pique interest, but not giving away the whole plot.
Step 3: To Whom It May Concern? Not Today!
- Do Your Research: Find the editor's name (it might be listed on the SMH website [Contact information - The Sydney Morning Herald]).
- Personalization is Power: A simple "Dear Mr./Ms. [Editor's name]" goes a long way.
Step 4: The Body – Where the Magic Happens
- Hook 'Em From the Start: Open with a bang! A witty anecdote, a thought-provoking question, anything to grab the editor by the eyeballs.
- Keep it Punchy: Editors are busy people. Brevity is your friend.
- State Your Case: Clearly explain your point and why it deserves a place in the SMH's hallowed pages.
- Don't Be a Drama Llama: Keep the tone respectful and professional (with a dash of your unique humor, of course).
Step 5: Patience, Grasshopper
- The Waiting Game: Don't expect an immediate reply. Editing an entire paper takes time (and probably a lot of coffee).
- Following Up? Make it Polite: If you haven't heard back after a reasonable amount of time (a week or two), a polite follow-up email is okay.
Remember: Even if you don't get published this time, don't despair! Keep honing your craft, and one day, you might just see your name in print (or glowing on a screen, whichever you prefer).
FAQ: Emailing the Sydney Morning Herald Editor Like a Boss
How to Find the Editor's Name?
Tip: Don’t just glance — focus.
Do some detective work on the SMH website [Contact information - The Sydney Morning Herald].
How Long Should My Email Be?
Tip: Summarize each section in your own words.
Think short and sweet – aim for 2-3 paragraphs.
What if I Don't Get Published?
Tip: Make mental notes as you go.
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Don't give up! Persistence (and maybe a bit of rewriting) can be your allies.
Is it Okay to Attach My Entire Manuscript?
QuickTip: Reading regularly builds stronger recall.
Probably not. Unless it's a haiku, stick to a concise summary in the email body.
What if My Email is Hilarious?
Go for it! Humor can be a great way to grab attention, but make sure it's relevant to your topic.
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