Eight Ways to Recycle Published Articles

by Kelle Campbell

Published articles are great for establishing credibility. If you were covered in the article, you're noteworthy. If you wrote it, you're an expert. And you can get even more exposure if you recycle that article.

When someone else writes about you, you'll have to ask for authorization to use the article, which may include paying for reprint rights. In fact, some organizations have a sideline of selling professionally prepared color or black-and-white reprints to you.

When you write the article, make sure the media outlet only gets first rights, so you can reuse the piece without asking permission. Just make sure that you don't use it in the relevant medium (e.g., print or online) before the editor does.

Depending on your plans for the article, you may have to cut and paste the pages so that you get rid of ads, photos or other authors' pieces. You also can take the article to a copy/printing service and have them do it for you.

Ways to Reuse Your Article

1. Resell It
Send out the manuscript with a cover letter letting the editor know when and where it previously appeared. Some editors will want to see a copy of the published article.

2. Incorporate It into Another Work
Using previously written material in a new work saves you time and effort. A published piece can serve as a newsletter article or as part of a white paper.

3. Build Your Writing Credentials
When proposing a new article to an editor, send along previously published ones, often called "clips," to prove your writing skills, your expertise in the subject matter or both. Of course, always read the submission guidelines to see receiving clips.

4. Include It in Press kits or Information Packages
Placing relevant articles in your kits establishes you as an authority in your field. Also, journalists get a heads-up on what types of stories have already been written about you.

5. Use It in Direct Mail/Direct Response Campaigns
Instead of wading through slick marketing copy, prospects receive what they'll consider solid evidence of your credibility. You can also offer the article as an incentive in your call to action.

6. Give It to Sales Associates
They can distribute it at seminars, trade shows or other special events. The article can also support them as they respond to customers' inquires or objections.

7. Place It in Public Areas
If the publication is prestigious enough, hang it in your office or lobby. Or leave copies in the reception area for visitors to see.

8. Link to it from your Web Site
This tactic doesn't require that you have reprint rights. Just tell the editor know that you want to provide a link to your work.

With a little creativity, you can get extra mileage out of your efforts. That first publication is just the beginning.

Kelle Campbell specializes in freelance public relations writing for PR companies, businesses and nonprofit organizations. She has contributed several articles on PR, writing, small business and technology topics to print and online publications. For more information, visit http://www.kcwriter.com.

This article may be freely reprinted as long as the bio is included.

Go to the Reading Room for more articles

Learn about Kelle Campbell