writing for the public
Objectives
Now that you’ve re-thought your expertise, let’s get you writing for your public(s)!
TO Do
Listen to the “Writing for the Public” podcast (either here on the website or through the Storyboard app) or read the transcript
Check out the slideshow, which prompts you to think about claiming, translating, and broadening your expertise for public audiences
Draft and workshop your pitch (with your podmates, if possible!) and send to Dr. Kelly Baker by 25 September
Kelly will offer feedback on your pitches via email by 12 October
Review the additional resources as your schedule and bandwidth allow
important dates
(21 September)
If you can: Share pitch w/ pod & workshop
(25 September)
pitches to Kelly
(12 October)
Feedback from Kelly
Podcast
Ask an expert: Dr. Kelly Baker
Not a podcast person? Read the transcript!
Slideshow
password: S@credWr1tes! (same as for this section of the website)
Activity: Pitch to keep their pants on
Pick a publication you'd like to write for and write a pitch for them!
Write
Check out Kelly’s guide to pitching before you start. Liz has also included tips for writing for non-academic audiences and a few sample pitches to get you started.
Be sure your pitch includes:
What your article is about
How it fits the publication and would be of interest to their readers
Why you?
Why now?
And don’t forget — public scholarship is about building relationships.
You can claim your expertise and still talk to editors like they’re intelligent human beings (because they are).
As in real life, this pitching activity has a tight turn-around time. If you can, upload your pitch by 21 September and workshop with your pod.
Email your pitch to Dr. Kelly Baker, subject line: SW pitch + [Working Title Here] for feedback by 25 September
Kelly will provide feedback on your pitch by 12 October
As always, feel free to reach out if you have questions! Can’t wait to read your pitches.
Additional Resources
If/as you have time, check out these resources before moving on to the next unit. Let us know what you think on twitter (#SmartInPublic)!
Baker, “Writing for a Public Audience,” Cold Takes (31 July 2019)
Baker, “How to Craft a Pitch,” Chronicle of Higher Education (7 June 2017)
Bucar, “Writing for Non-Scholarly Audiences” (September 2020)
Bucar, Junior, and Randone, successful sample pitches (compiled September 2020)
Herrera, “How to Successfully Pitch the New York Times,” Neiman Lab (22 October 2018)
ed. Kramer and Call, Telling True Stories: A Non-fiction Writer’s Guide (New York: Penguin, 2007)
Stein and Daniels, Going Public: A Guide for Social Scientists (Chicago: University of Chicago, 1999)