Fillers are short pieces, so they're a great choice for beginning writers or those who are short on time. They're also helpful for breaking through writer's block, since you know from the start that you only need to write a few words.
What Is A Filler?
A filler is a short item that's used to fill a space in a publication, usually a print publication. Fillers are also seen on Web pages as well.
Fillers can take many forms. Next time you're at the doctor's office or waiting in line at the grocery, take a look at a variety of magazines. Open one at random, and chances are good you'll come across a filler. It may be a short, fun phrase or a brief story or a joke. Generally, fillers are 50 to 100 words -- often even less -- though they may run up to 400 words for anecdotes. Most are nonfiction.
Learning How to Write Fillers
Next time you're at the store, buy a couple of magazines and examine the fillers closely. You may want to explore the library for a wider variety of magazines, or ask your doctor or dentist if you can have a few old issues from their waiting area. These will give you a good idea of the kinds of topics that filler writers cover. You'll soon realize that filler topics are all around you.
Fillers can be brief tips on better ways to:
- clean your house
- cook a quick meal
- take care of pets
- stay in shape
Make a note of the types of fillers you've seen in magazines, as well as the variety of styles each publication uses. These are your templates for your own fillers. Try your hand at a few of your own; doing is truly the only way to learn.
Other Ideas for Fillers
Other topics for fillers might include humorous signs or mistakes you've seen in print. Be observant and alert for the unusual. Read the ads in store windows, the sides of buses, billboards and shop signs.
Watch people and listen to what they're saying. This is a great way to collect jokes and odd turns of phrase.
How to Keep From Losing Your Ideas
Keep a small notebook (or a stack of index cards) and a pen hand, and possibly a digital recorder. You may also want to use your cell phone or digital camera to take photos of signs or other oddities that catch your attention, as some publications also uses images as fillers.
You'll want to write out the exact phrase. Don't count on your memory to fill in the details later.
If you use index cards or a notebook, you'll want to file your ideas frequently. You can use a card file or a word processing program to keep track of them. Find a system that works for you. Subject headings might include: "Quotes," "Cleaning Hints," "Jokes," "Signs," "Anecdotes."
Selling Your Fillers
Most publications don't pay much per item, but since your pieces are all brief, you may be able to turn out quite a lot of work. You may make anywhere from $5 to $50 per sale.
You don't need to send a query, just send one to three pieces to your chosen market. Make sure, of course, to read the publication's guidelines and use the requested format.
Most editors buy all rights when purchasing fillers, so you'll want to check this carefully. Sometimes you can also sell the same filler to non-overlapping markets.
Fillers are a fun, fast way to add to your publishing credits -- and to your bottom line.
