BR Writer’s Tips Vol. 3: Make It Snap

The question:

How do I get my writing featured on Bleacher Report?

The third answer…

3. Make It Snap

Again, Internet readers can be a tough bunch to win over. The good news is they’re suckers for anything that shines.

There are two surefire lures for roving eyeballs: catchy headlines and succinct prose. If your writing features both, you should always be in good shape.

The best headlines arouse interest without giving away the farm. On the one hand, you want to make clear what your article is about. On the other, you want to leave enough in doubt to compel people to actually read your work.

If your article makes the argument that Charlie Weis should be fired for his recruiting ineptitude, for example, “Irish Eyes Are Weeping” is probably too abstract. “Charlie Weis Should Be Fired for His Recruiting Ineptitude” is probably too intense. “Notre Dame Blues: Why Charlie Weis Should Be Fired” is just about right.

As far as prose style—remember that you’re writing for an audience. You might get a kick out of a 1,500-word opinion piece, but most readers won’t.

On the Internet, succinct prose is king. Don’t write more than you have to. Also be mindful of paragraph length. Long blocks of text make readers lose interest. Short paragraphs keep them engaged.

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