Margie Dana

Want to Write?

If you’re in a print buying role – no matter what industry, title, or years of experience – I invite you to submit contributions for this newsletter. I feel it’s critical for other buyers as well as service providers to hear your opinions and insights about working in this field today.

So, with that said, do you feel strongly about a particular issue related to print buying/print or working with the paper industry, that you’d like to share? Tell our readers what YOU think. I can’t promise I’ll accept every submission, but consider this a call for content from print buying pros. I’m looking for NEW print buyers as well as seasoned ones. Everyone’s voice counts.

To submit your content, write to me at . You may send your proposed idea ahead of time for my initial response.

5 Writing Tips from Margie

I’ve been a writer for over 15 years and have come up with lots of ways to help hone my craft. Since I’ve invited you to send in your content, I thought a few tips make sense.

Use your own voice. Your readers will respond to natural, not stilted, prose. Content definitely has personality. What’s yours?
If you’re stuck, make a change. All writers get stuck now and then. When you do, change your workspace or other parts of your routine. Take a walk. Move to a new spot in your office or home. Sometimes a short break will do the trick.
Let it all out, then edit like mad. Sitting and searching for perfect words or phrases can waste time and frustrate you. Just write what’s on your mind, then go back and edit it to within an inch of its life.
Read it aloud. Once you’re done writing, read it out loud. Does it sound natural? Do the words and sentences flow, delivering exactly and power and impact you expect? I pay a lot of attention to the cadence of my words.
Sometimes, thoughts need to percolate. You might have lots of ideas for topics or you feel strongly about a specific one. I find that this happens when I have an emotional investment in something I’m about to write. What do I do? I give myself time to let the topic ‘cook’ slowly in my head – honest. Live with your idea for a few days before you begin to write. It will mature. Your work will be better for it.

Wanted: Extreme Print Buyers

My last Print Tip about the role of a Print Manager for a major metropolitan newspaper is a great example of what I’m looking for – people in the print buying profession who have unusual jobs.

It would be terrific to interview many more such professionals who can help up-and-coming (and even current) print production professionals recognize potential career opportunities.

Have you an off-the-beaten-path job in print buying and/or print production?

If so, I want to interview you! By sharing information about you responsibilities, how you found your way to your job, and what skills you bring to your employer, you will inspire other print buyers. Please contact me at .