Get Published!

Getting published in PH Daily Inquirer’s Young Blood column is certainly a huge milestone for me. Many people find being published on the column as a dream come true, and it certainly is! It’s really overwhelming to find your name and the article you’ve poured your heart and mind on, on a national newspaper and be read by many people.

I was beyond blessed to be published three times (‘Writing and Bukowski’ and ‘Pretty’? last year and ‘When Speaking in English’ earlier of this month) and see the feedback and comments on the website of Inquirer. It’s really satisfying to see all the thoughts your article has stirred; whether the comments may or may not favor you, it feels incredible to know that you and your thoughts have been acknowledged.

Since I've posted about my last article, people have been asking me how I have gotten in published or how do I submit articles to Young Blood. Here’s the answer to your questions! I’m sharing some guidelines that helped me when I submitted my articles. I hope it helps and I hope many more people and familiar names will be seen on Young Blood. I know so many good writers who also deserve to earn a spot on the newspaper, I hope you find this and try to submit an article!

NOTE: This isn't exactly the official guidelines but these are the things I kept in mind while writing, you can read more from blog posts like this and this annnnnnnd this 

You can write about ANYTHING

And when I say anything I mean: ANYTHING UNDER THE SUN. You can write about anything that you are most passionate about, whether it's something you like doing or something you firmly believe in. For example, my first published article was about my passion for writing. You could also write about an experience that you had and what you've learned and reflected from it or an article in line with an upcoming event like Mother's Day or Father's Day but make sure if you want to write an article about a specific occasion, submit it 3 weeks or a month before the event. You can also write your opinions regarding what's currently happening in our country (although, stay cautious with what you write and make doubly sure you don't offend anyone). I think it's best not to mention too much of brands or titles of movies or books or TV shows that may come out as a way of promoting or advertising them.

Think of a good title

Young Blood has a collection of very witty and creative titles. Sometimes a title doesn't necessarily have to have highfalutin words; some articles have simple but very direct to the point titles like this one article I've read called"High-functioning anxiety", in this way you can easily grab the attention of the editor. Make sure your title has any relevance to your article! Although using highfalutin words is a good idea, it's best if you use words that are easy to understand because chances are the editor will change it.

Your article should be at least two to three pages long

Before I submit an article I usually write it down on Word first and I always try my best to get it at least two pages long, that way you will be able to fill the whole column. I've read from one blog that it should not exceed 5,000 characters because that is the necessary length to fill up the whole column. When a good article is short it is usually published along with another article.

Avoid anything that might hurt or offend anyone

As I've previously mentioned make double or triple sure that your article doesn't target anyone negatively, it's okay to write your article as if you're ranting about a specific topic but still be watchful of the words you write. Better to avoid making chaos.

Edit your article after writing it

I usually check, edit and re-edit my article five times before submitting it and it's best if you do too. Make sure there aren't any misspelled words or missing words in your article. But if in case you already submitted your article and made one or few mistakes don't you worry because the editors will fix that for you. But check it enough so that your article wouldn't have too many mistakes, I once passed an article and I counted at least 5 or 6 mistakes--- it sure didn't show up in Young Blood!

Follow Inquirer's guidelines for submission

Submit your article to youngblood@inquirer.com.ph and opinion@inquirer.com.ph.Upon submitting, copy and paste your article on the email body, do not attach a word file.For the subject of your e-mail, I usually do this: Young Blood submission / Topic: Pretty is a silly word / Title: Pretty? Make sure your piece was not previously published.You should not be older than 29 years oldProvide information like: name, address (don't worry they won't publish your address) age, where you go to school/work, any information about you.

Lastly:

EXTREME Patience is required

Since many interested people also submit to the column, it might take a while for your article to be noticed and published. Young Blood or Inquirer is a silent ninja; it doesn't give you any email or notification if your article has been published so I suggest you check their website everyday! Young Blood usually publishes every Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays so always keep track.

Keep on checking for 3 to 4 weeks or even a month and if your article doesn't show up DON'T GIVE UP AND KEEP ON WRITING! It's really a good feeling to see your name on the newspaper.

Goodluck to everyone interested! I can't wait to see more familiar names on the column, KUDOS TO YOU!