Here is how the Feature Article program works:

FPSC requests articles on specific topics based on the recommendations of our editorial advisory committee. We call for two articles from 500 to 750 words in length in each E-Blast News (every two months). Submitted articles may be previously written but all submissions must be written by you. To be considered for selection as the feature article, submissions should be made by the requested date to communications@fpsccanada.org with the subject line: (Month) Feature Article by (Your name).

The advisory committee makes the selection of the feature article of the month using the following criteria.

• Relevance of information presented
• Accuracy of information
• Demonstration of the breadth and depth of the knowledge and skills of CFP professionals
• Demonstration of empathy — understanding of client's perspective
• Clarity
• Originality in presentation of information (use of metaphors, creative writing style, etc.)

Feature articles are posted on FPSC's website in a prominent position.

FPSC awards a $500 cash prize to the author of each article selected for the Feature Article of the Month.

All articles submitted to FPSC Learning Centre are considered for publication and if deemed appropriate will be posted in the appropriate section of Learning Centre.

When writing an article, consider these ten tips:

1. The article should be informative. That is providing the right information in the right level of detail and in the right language for your reader. Don't use industry acronyms, jargon or euphomisms only those in the business understand.
2. The information should be as "timely" as possible. Even when the information presented is "tried and true" but not very "new", it should be presented within a context that is current.
3. What are the "hot" topics being covered in the public or trade media. Think about adding your particular take on them, and / or a perspective that hasn't yet been considered. Remember, expressing your opinion is one thing, and it can add value to a dialogue, but it is important not to disparage the opinions of others. Before writing, consider and perhaps write about the merits of other points of views and then present yours. And make certain that what you say is accurate. Fact is fact, opinion is opinion.
4. The article should make the reader think about his / her own situation. Try to reference to basic financial planning issues that are connected to anecdotal accounts from real life.
5. The article should prompt the reader to do something about their own situation (on their own or by seeking the help of a professional). Give your readers a call to action. For example, an article about living wills should convince readers to at least consider the option of having one.
6. Give your readers a free gold nugget — a bit of information or insight with which they can immediately do something.
7. Present information in as succinct a way as possible, and focus on only one to three main points about a specific topic. Few words are better than more, if they are the right words. And a tightly focused article has more impact than one that attempts to cover a broad range of topics or a broad subject area.
8. The article must be coherent. Your thoughts must flow logically. Look at each paragraph and decide if it logically follows the paragraph preceding and introduces the one following.
9. Writing is like flexing a muscle, the more you do it, the stronger it gets. So give yourself time to write and re-write your article until it's as "ripped" as you can get it. And don't give up, if we don't' publish one article we may another. Keep them coming.
10. Get an editor — someone who will look at your "finished" article for the first time, preferably someone who doesn't know the topic. And then re-write if necessary, using your editor's comments as your guide.

Good luck.