If a new writer wants to see their name in print, and/or earn money, then start by writing letters.
The majority of magazines have a readers’ letter page. Most don’t pay contributors while others do. Each will have a theme or type of letter. It could be comments on previous articles or random subjects. Market study is essential. Count the number of letters per issue. How long are they? What style do they use? Do they pay?
Letter writing needs skill and it is a good way to learn your craft as a writer. Keep it brief -under 100 words has a greater chance of acceptance. The skill lies in making every word count. There is no room for dead words like however or cliché phrases. Try to avoid all forms of to be by using active verbs and limit the adverbs and adjectives. These are the basic rules you will need to make you into a good writer whether you are concentrating on fiction or non-fiction.
In my early days as a writer I had a number of letters published. I chose only those magazines that paid money. My earnings from these covered the cost of postage for submitting articles, especially when I was having far more rejections.
Beware though, it can go wrong. Some magazines offer prizes, especially for the star letter. I won a few of these. It proved that my writing expertise had improved but I didn’t earn money. Of my prizes, I received a book that didn’t appeal, an empty tea caddy when I don’t drink tea and a man’s watch that I didn’t need because my father was a watchmaker.
Having your letters published boosts the sense of pride. Pound per word it is almost the highest rate of pay you can earn. Letter writing is a good stepping ladder towards writing for success.