HOW TO FIND EXPERT SOURCES FOR ARTICLES

HOW TO FIND EXPERT SOURCES FOR ARTICLES Quotes from experts on a topic lend authority to your articles, and can make the difference between a sale to a magazine and another rejection slip for your collection. What kind of experts should you look for? Doctors are the number one expert for any sort of medical topic. If you’re covering legal matters, talk to a lawyer. A professor or scientist who’s published research on a subject is an expert, as is anyone who teaches the subject, works in a field related to the subject, or who has written a nonfiction book on the topic. Interviewing these people and including their thoughts and comments in your article gives readers – and editors – the information they’re looking for. So how do you find these experts? One or all of the following should yield you multiple authorities you can interview on almost any topic: People you know. Your personal doctor, the lawyer who’s your neighbor and the fitness instructor who goes to your church are all potential experts you could interview. These people are often the easiest for you to contact, but their knowledge may not always be the best, and after very many articles your small circle of acquaintances won’t yield enough experts to sustain your writing career. Any large University. Universities have media liaisons whose primary job is to connect the professors, research fellows, doctors at the university hospital, and others with journalists who are eager to hear what these professionals have to say. Call the University’s main number, ask for the media relations department and explain what you’re writing about.Chances are the liaison will find you an expert to interview. Profnet (profnet.com) This is my personal favorite. Register for free as a journalist with Profnet, then post your query. You can select the type of people you want to interview (professors, doctors, book authors) etc. andProfnet will send the query out to thousands of colleges and universities, large corporations, public relations firms and individuals who will contact you Help a Reporter Out. (helpareporter.com) Like Profnet, this is a service where you can post a query and receive responses from people all over the United States who are willing, even eager, to help you. If you think these experts won’t want to talk to little old you, think again. People like to talk about themselves and their interests. If you can possibly get their name in a magazine one day, so much the better. Tips to keep in mind: Have a list of questions prepared for your interview. Some sources want to see these beforehand. Always ask â€Å"Who else should I talk to about this subject? I’ve gotten some terrific leads to other experts this way. Say thank you. Send a follow-up email or written note. And be sure to send a copy of the article when it’s published.