How could I become the next Dear Abby?

Question

I'm known for having the answer when people are searching for the next step to solve a problem in their lives. Or, just to move on in a project or dream they have. People find me to be insightful and helpful and know I have their best interest in mind. How can I get paid to do that?

Answer 1

You will also need a degree in Journalism. You do have to know how to write. No paper will hire you with a high school degree to be any kind of writer on their staff. You will have to start out very small, like in a local newspaper too. Dear Abby did not become a sensation overnight. Took her many, many years. She was unique and one of a kind. So you would have to do something totally different with a new slant to even get recognized. No one in decades has been able to compete successfully with that column so far.

Answer 2

Basically the Dear Abby column was devised as a feature story for a local newspaper (what is Kansas City?). They never dreamed it would turn into something so big.

Do your homework and research your local newspaper. Is there a niche market you could "sell" yourself to the paper on a column? You'll need lots of writing samples, be willing to start at low pay and possibly juggle other assignments.

Good luck....