From: FundsforWriters

In case you had not noticed, America is getting older. And while that might cause alarm for some people, for freelance writers, it is time to dance a jig. Why? Because with the so-called “graying of America," the opportunity to write for health markets has “exploded and reached an all-time high." And it will continue to grow and grow and grow.

Here are five tips to keep in mind when writing for the health markets:



Find the latest health and fitness news.Think like an editor, who is always trying to think like a reader. What is happening in the world of health and fitness, and why is it newsworthy? Find a timely topic in the health world, and you are one step closer to landing an assignment. There are thousands of websites that are devoted to health and fitness information. A good place to start is the Federal Government's own site, the National Institutes of Health. Visit them at http://www.nih.gov and you'll find every health topic and late breaking bulletin there is.

Target your audience.Know the audience of the magazine, newsletter or website, and your job as a health writer will be a lot easier. For example, does this publication like to include a lot of statistics and facts, or is it looking for more of the “human side" of the story? Read back issues, study the writer's guidelines, and you'll do fine.

Know where to find statistics and facts. As a freelance health writer, you need to know how to research the basic health facts and statistics. Compile a list of reference books, directories (including online sources) and other health materials. A good place to start is a local university or college library. Or better yet, check with your local hospital; many times, they will have a health library that is open to the public. You won't find a better source of reference materials anywhere.

Read more at FundsforWriters.