|
Writing
How can I get into freelance writing? I'm going to do a journalism course, but I'd be interested to know how to move into freelance occupation.
[ ]
Want to answer more questions in the Work & School category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Job Searches?
Mel (sorry originally I called her Melissa then changed it to Melanie and now back to Melissa, so I decided just to go with Mel and give credit to both) is pretty much correct in what she had told you. Since I used to do freelance work and took quite a few journalism classes in college, I can sort of add to her excellent advice.
1. The Writers Market is an excellent source of publishers and magazine addresses. Also if you want to try to write for your favorite magazine, you can pick it up and usually on the credits page in front of the magazine or their website there will be an address to send them ideas for stories that you'd like to do. Writer's market has a lot of them, but not all of them.
2. Do not send them a finished article. You'll want to send them a query letter- which is just a letter stating your credentials, your idea for the story (including how many words + usually with the intro paragraph, because the first paragraph is always the most important), and why you would be good to write the story and how it would fit with their publication. Make sure with your envelope you send them a self- adressed stamped envelope. If you don't then they may just not contact you. But sometimes they'll just write on the back that they love the story idea and send you a contract.
3. Since you're new, I wouldn't try to write features yet (2000+ words) which are often reserved for more established writers. You can write short 500 word pieces. You may also try with some of the lesser known magazines (found in the Writer's Market), so that you can build your creds.
4. When you do get a contract, make sure to read it carefully. You want to make sure you get paid on delivery/acceptance NOT paid on publishing. The thing is that they could accept one of your pieces and hold it forever if they wanted to and not have to pay you, because you and that article are under contract to them and they don't have to pay until it makes it into the magazine.
5. ALso there is a code of ethics that goes with this process. You cannot query one idea to many publications. You can send multiple ideas to one place just not one idea to a lot of places. You'll be in a pickle b/c they're not just buying the article from you but the idea too. If two places accept, and you have to reject writing for one of them, which screws you for writing for them again.
6. Also when you take journalism find out from the department about summer internships. I did an excellent internship (although mine was just for fun before I started grad school) at a internationally known magazine based out of Chicago. It was a great experience and you'll really learn the ins and outs of the biz.
Best of luck to you,
Arun
]
Hi!
This is a great question.
Freelance writing is something that is hard to break into. Beginning with a journalism course to ground you in the basics is a great start and I commend you for being so pro-active in the matter!
While I am not what you would call an expert, I am in the process of breaking into published writing myself. Here are my tips:
1) Make a trip to Barnes and Noble or another bookstore that you like to frequent. First, check the magazine section for magazines devoted to writers. These contain valuable "just starting out" writer information in nearly every issue, along with opportunities to write and be published in a market index. Secondly, pick up a few Writer's Market books and perhaps one specifically on free-lance writing. The Writer's Market Edition for 2005 is an excellent resource to help you begin. It tells what companies and magazines are looking for your work, and provides help with polishing and pitching what you write to these people.
2) Decide what your strength areas are. Are you a sports oficianado? A fashion-foward trendsetter? A poet? A movie junkie? Do you have interest or experience in any arts, crafts, or hobbies? Anything and everything can come into play. Travel, health or family issues, and anything else you know that you are specifically qualified by experience to write about should all be included in this list. Once you create it, practice writing some articles and doing some research on these topics. Use what you are learning in your journalism course to "practice" and hone your skills.
3) When you feel ready, prepare an article or piece for a magazine or peridical with a very specific audience. Using the Writer's Market resource, pinpoint one that you could confidently write a piece for. Be sure to target the specific areas their listing in the book says they want to buy. Write a few drafts, prepare a cover letter, and send off your work. Use tips from books and writer's magazines to make sure your pitch and presentation are spot on, and send it off!
4) This tip is simply about persistence. Breaking into the writing world is not a feat easily acheived. You have to be able to stomach rejection letters and keep at the hard process of sending out your work. If you are truly talented, you will eventually get your first work published. From there, it becomes much easier.
Hope this helps!
]
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
i looked up freelance writing, and came up up with a lot of sites but i don't quite know what you are looking for. good luck!
*BeSs*
]
HI,
I'm no expert on this subject but if you go to [Link](Mouse over link to see full location) then you will be able to see the types of freelance jobs available and the qualifications/experience you need for each.
They also have a page that you can contact hem directly on. It may be worth you dropping them a line!!
Good luck!!!
Melanie
]
More Questions: |