Article writing

[bholderman]

As I have mentioned in my few posts around here, I am more of a lurker. I do not have a boat nor the current abilities to even consider one or building/restoration as well.

But, I am a crewmember on the tallships at our maritime museum, so my experince although at a novice level has caused that maritime bug to bite. My background is academic, history and archaeology specifically. So, on that note, I could use some advice carried over from the Butcher Boy thread.

I have 3 "ideas" that I have been tinkering around with in regards to writing articles. The first, a lexicon-based confusion over the use of the term "packet-boat" as used primarily by Elnglish speaking groups and that of the term "paquetbote" by the 17th century Spanish. The term translates as "packet boat" but the descriptions seem to be that of the Snow, a modified brigantine. This difference in size, etc. has implications on the development of exploratory shipbuilding in the New World.

Second, a brief history on the yacht Loma. Built for and owned by EW Scripps, who eventually donated to the Marine biological organization that would become Scripps Institute. ONly after a year, the Loma was grounded off of Pt. Loma and that was the end of that.

The third is the Butcher Boy suggestion.

I guess my question, or perhaps worry, is spending a lot of time and effort into something that becomes a simple history and in the long run, a regurgitation of material that has already been written, its just grouped together in one place. Also, as a novice, making blatant mistakes is an added fear.

So, any thoughts or suggestions on the above?

[ishmael]

Seek out personal anectdotes of people who know. History can be really dry, but not if you record what people who've got first or second hand experience know, in their vernacular. With an eye to the timeframe, it can be really interesting.

The philology of a particular term is always going to be snooze on the general market, if not to the specialist. But stories, original sources, that's the ticket, if well presented.

[George Roberts]

I would suggest you ask about compensation first.

I used to write a bit. If you like it, do it.

[Alan D. Hyde]

including this one, are remarkably generous with eager and enthusiastic beginners, particularly with those who work hard to educate themselves, and to make sure they do things right.

When you've written the best article that you can, then circulate it among a number of different experts (there are some here, and I'm not among them). Many will be happy to make marginal comments, and to point out any gross errors, or to illuminate the basis for any fine distinctions that need to be made either in the substance of the article, or in your nautical word usage.

Good luck!

Alan

[Bruce Hooke]

In addition to the suggestions made so far, I'd start at the back end and think about what publications might be interested in publishing each possible article. For example, the Loma article sounds like it might be a candidate for WoodenBoat. On the other hand, the Packet Boat article sounds a bit too technical to be WoodenBoat material and might belong in a publication more dedicated to academic maratime history, if such a publication exists.

Once you have settled on an article and a target publication or publications then you can tailor your writing to the style of the target publications.

[ishmael]

I wrote to Fred Reed, about a year ago, and asked him this same question. I know, I know, Fred is a controvertial man. But he said some good things.

Foremost, he said that if I wanted to get published one of the best ways was to focus on an area of expertise. Learn all you can about a topic, become an expert. Then write about it.

Get a copy of "Strunk and White." Make your grammar and spelling beyond reproach. Eventually, someone will pick you up. The grammar and spelling are important, particularly for a beginner. If the editor says, "Yeah, this is publishable without much change" it goes a long way. It makes their job easy.

[Thorne]

If you don't intend to publish on paper, then the Internet can be a great tool. Whomp up some articles, post 'em on your website and leave them there with a link to your email address asking for feedback.

Once you filter out the spammers you should get some good feedback on both your writing style and content. Ask for feedback from sites like this, Yahoo groups, etc -- you'll get it.

Don't post stuff on the web that you want to sell later, as that can be regarded as pre-publishing, and publications usually want full US rights to any material that they purchase.

[Paul Pless]

don't forget these two potential outlets:

http://www.messingaboutinboats.com/

and

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/

goodluck, btw I really like the ButcherBoy idea:)

[Wild Wassa]

Pick an angle that will make it interesting to your readers. Engage the reader in the first line with something unexpected or unusual and finish on a powerful note that will have a future or lead to a possible future direction. Articles tend to be things that people want to read quickly so only have two or three points and expand on those. Leave boring cronologies to a minimum.

If you know your target audience ... you are halfway there and every time you are near your subject take a photograph. Simple grab shots can be the most interesting images of a subject. Keep the images simple and uncluttered. Photograph everything that moves. If you are photographing people who are involved with your subject, photograph them from angles that the reader can see what they are actually doing. This is not as easy as it sounds.

Warren.

[Ian McColgin]

Interesting connection "paquetbote" and "packet," (not "packet-boat"). "Packet" comes from the middle English "pakette" and was adopted by the shipping industry in the nineteenth century for cargo and passenger vessels that left on schedule rather than when full. I had no idea it could refer to a hull type.

Do "paquet" and "packet" nee "pakette" share a pre-medeival root?

[CarlZog]

Brad:

Your first idea definitely has a more academic bent, but it is a fascinating consideration. I would explore that one more as a possible academic journal article or a paper for a conference. Needless to say, you'll need to be far more rigorous with this, but who knows what you may uncover! You may consider the Journal for Maritime Research, or the American Neptune (though I'm not sure what the status of that journal is these days), or even some more general American history journals. Sea History, though less academci, would probably also be interested.

Your idea on the Loma is far more ripe for a mainstream audience. You might even want to consider local non-boat audiences for that. A general interest regional magazine might be interested in a profile of the boat and its owner, who helped launch such a prestigious local institution. Focus on anecdotes and color surrounding the boat, and its relationship with the Institute. Photos will be particularly critical to selling this one.

A story on Butcher Boy is WoodenBoat, Classic Boat or Maritime Arts and Traditions material.

Good Luck.

Carl

[Jay Greer]

My wife and I contribute to various marine publications. We team write because she can spell better than I do!

So far as your getting started in writing, you can best do this by putting down a brief out line of your Ideas for the article and sending a quirey to various publications for the specific article. No need to write it all until they are interested. An example of your intended style can be written as a paragraph for the piece sent with the query. Make sure to place your copywrite stamp on any pictures you may send. These are most often best printed on an 8x10" proof sheet as you might not get them back. A CD is even better.

Packets were usualy fast government mail and dispatch ships up to and including the beginning of the steam era. Any ship specificly designated for such work was known as a Packett.
In the chanty "Blow the man down". One verse referrs to a packet:
"I hopped on a Packet that chance for along,
To me way hey blow the man down
and when I woke up I were signed for Hong Kong!
Give me some time to blow the man down".
JG

[Bruce Taylor]

you can best do this by putting down a brief out line of your Ideas for the article and sending a quirey to various publications for the specific article.

Exactly. Offer to write the piece on spec, but query first.

[ishmael]

Yep. And as a beginner be prepared to be rejected, over and over. But if you keep at it, polish your craft as you go along, you will get published.

It doesn't always happen that way. If you're a decent writer sometimes a small rag will pick up on you right off, but don't count on it.

[dredbob]

As I recall, there was a pretty good article on Butcher Boy in WoodenBoat not too terribly long ago.

Bob

Edited to add: After going back to read the Butcher Boy thread, maybe it was the Classic Boat article that I remember seeing, since I couldn't find B.B. in the WB index.