How in the world do I get a job as an advice columnist? Where do I even start?

Question

This is such a random question....but I have always loved giving advice and I think I could be good at it. Whenever I read an advice column like Dear Abby I wish I was the one writing it. How do I find a job writing an advice column for a newspaper or magazine?? I don't even know where to look first.

Answer 1

Not to burst your bubble, but I think any publication will require proven qualifications before they'll let an advice columnist loose on their public in their publication. Any writer can be a liability to the publication if the writer is not responsible, and the publication isn't going to take any chances with something as sensitive as an advice column - what if one of its readers does something drastic and names the column as the inspiration behind the action?

If you really want to get into that line of work, you might start out with a blog. You might also consider taking any certification courses that might serve as professional qualification to write for a publication.

Answer 2

By demonstrating that you can consistently increase sales of the publication; and by bringing a significant following of fans which forms your reputation in order to unseat the columnist they already have on staff.

Go for it !!! And read Cervantes.