I am a MDS with PG in journalism and mass comm. I have a passion for writing for the masses. What is the way?

Question

I am a Dental Surgeon with MDS qualification. I have also done journalism. I have a passion for writing for the masses. I strongly feel that whatever I have understood about the medical sciences and health as such, I must communicate with the society. My plus point is that I can write science articles for the lay people in a very simple language. I keep on writing artilcles in Hindi and Punjabi newspapers. But I never get any remuneration. I feel I can make a shift over to the profession in a full-fledged way once I am sure that I can make money to support myself and my family. I want to write regular articles in the various newspapers and I want to be a syndicated columnist. I am not finding any way--- believe me , whe n I see the science reporting in the papers, I feel I can do much better. My passion for writing is since my school days--- incidentally, I was the Student Editor of my school magazine. Everybody who reads my writings says that I write well. But I don't know the way !!

Answer 1

You've got publication credits, a few languages, and a solid professional credential behind you. All of that should help a lot.

* Since writers usually like books and are usually looking for another project, there are way too many how-to books on writing, most of which include tips on getting published. So go raid your public library. While you're there, speak with the librarians, they are often brilliant sources of all sorts of information, especially when it concerns the written word.
* Consult sources like The Writer's Handbook or The Writer's Market. They'll be in the reference section of most libraries. Look for writing magazines as well; they'll help you get a handle on what the current industry trends are.

Once you've read up and understand how the markets work:
* Send copies of some of your articles (or translations) to all the mainstream papers and include a cover letter with info on your credentials and what you'd like to do. Save the syndicated column idea for later, start by pitching a few small projects. Be specific -- if they're interested in your writing but can't use your ideas, they'll ask you to do something that fits their current needs. If you're vague or say you'll write anything, they'll toss your letter in the bin with the rest of the wannabes.
* Query specialist magazines like Hindi and Punjabi publications. Are there any dental trade association mags?
* Continue to write for unpaid papers, but broaden your scope -- especially try to get English-language by-lines if you don't have any.
* Consider other possible niche markets and pitch articles to them that would interest their audiences. Like tips on taking care of children's teeth to a parenting mag.
* See if there are any health initiatives that can use your help, projects run through your council's community education, adult learning, etc.

If you're looking to make a full-time career out of writing, re-consider. It's really hard to make a living at it. Go for it, but don't quit the day-job yet.

Answer 2

Seems you almost have to be already famous before papers and such here in USA will pick up your column, but sincerely hope you succeed because would love to see you in print someday. I love to write also, but am now 60 y/o and have never fulfilled my aspirations, because didn't try hard enough to make it happen! Fear of failure? I don't know, but do it while you're young as still have the passion.