By what method do newspaper editors reject work from new writers?

Question

I had encoragement from editors at our local newspaper, so I sent them samples of my writing.

Please only respond to this question if you are 100% certain of your answer.

Answer 1

The newspapers prefer a certain kind of material. If your material doesn't match with the spirit of their publication, they have to reject it even if it's good.

For example, a women's magazine won't publish science-fiction, no matter how good it is.

Answer 2

I hate to say this, but it might all be down to budget. From my own experience local newspapers are always on a tight budget and often look to get articles for free in return for a credit or byline. If something is truly worth writing about they would normally get a staff reporter to write it.

It might also be down to things like available space and relevence to the local area. Make sure your article is relevent and timely.

Apart from that, good luck !

Answer 3

If the subject matter of your writing wasn't timely chances are an editor would reject it. For example, if you write about baseball in January, that's not timely. If you write about football in January, that's timely. There are other reasons to many to list. Get a book on journalism and read about timeliness, and other essentials for getting a story published.