A syndicated columnist is a writer who writes regular short articles, usually on a specific theme or subject, and sells them to a distribution service. The distribution is usually spread across a number of publications. Newspaper syndicated services typically distribute content across a large geographic area. Many Internet sites, including newspapers, magazines, and blog sites, receive feeds of the column from online syndication services.
Although it is commonly assumed that a syndicated columnist began her column-writing career at a small local newspaper, this is not a requirement for syndication. Before being published anywhere else, some columnists submit their work to individual newspapers and syndication services. It is often the key to a columnist’s success if a newspaper or service decides to publish the column and it is well received.
Through the Internet, bloggers can sometimes become syndicated columnists. A writer may write a blog for a Web site that is later published an online newspaper or magazine. Because columnists are traditionally limited to 600 words, a relatively low word count for a blogger, a blogger may have to edit their work in this case. Print syndicates will charge a fee to distribute a writer’s column. Other websites provide free subscriptions to online publications that are updated on a regular basis.
Both syndicated and independent columnists were traditionally humorists for many years. Today’s newspapers, both hard and soft copies, frequently publish daily columns with strong political opinions on current events or popular global topics. Traditionally, these opinion pieces were one-time columns expressing the editor’s viewpoints.
Other well-known syndicated newspaper columns have offered dating advice as well as tips on etiquette and social behavior. A few writers have made a name for themselves penning celebrity and socialite gossip columns. Some syndicated columnists have found success writing about money, economics, and sports. Magazine columnists usually write about topics that are related to the publication’s theme.
Many syndicated columnists credit their success to their in-depth knowledge of a particular subject. Others attribute their success to their obsession with a particular point of view, which their writing reflects in a way that the general public finds amusing or interesting. A strong point of view expressed with zeal appears to be the key to becoming a successful syndicated columnist.
A syndicated columnist does not require a formal education or a high school diploma. A strong command of the English language, as well as excellent, engaging writing skills, are frequently required. Consistency in thought and opinion usually attracts a large following and contributes to a person’s success in this field.