Most EMS1 columnists, as well as authors outside of EMS, will tell you the key to becoming published is to write and write often. Then write some more.
Kick-off your writing career by:
1. Starting a blog or video blog
Use a free blogging tool like Blogger or WordPress. For your blog:
- Write a regular post of 150 to 500 words a few days a week.
- Write about things that interest you. It does not have to be EMS. Maybe you are interested in hunting, fishing, racing, or scrapbooking. Write about what you know and what you care about.
- Share ideas, resources and experiences in your blog posts.
- Visit the blogs of other writers who share your interests.
- Comment on the blog posts of other EMS authors.
If video is your medium. Start a YouTube or Instagram channel. Regularly record short videos on EMS-related topics. Share tips and best practices. Direct viewers to your favorite tools and resources.
2. Regularly microblogging
Create your own Twitter account and become a microblogger. Tweets are limited to 240 characters which forces concise writing, question asking, and resource sharing.
3. Contribute articles to local, regional, state, or state organization newsletters
Contact the editor for article ideas. Or submit timely articles. For example, May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Submit a short article on recognizing stroke symptoms to the newsletter of your local senior activity center — a timely and helpful contribution.
4. Meet editors at conferences
Ask for their article ideas. Suggest new or different angles on commonly featured topics like medical, cardiac, trauma or environmental emergencies.
5. Contribute to EMS1
Submit an article idea to EMS1. We welcome fellow paramedics, EMS researchers, EMS physicians, and EMS chiefs who can clearly and concisely communicate concepts and ideas through the written word. We also promote healthy and respectful discussion about topics within the industry.
Generally, EMS1 reviews a potential submission idea and provides feedback about its suitability to meet an editorial need to the author. If we feel it’s strong we request the full article for further review and editing. Finished articles are posted and promoted on our social channels and newsletters.
This article, originally published 8/4/2009, has been updated
