Getting Started as a Writer for Newspapers and Magazines
It can be that age-old conundrum: Need experience to get the gig, but need the chance to get the experience.
Editors who work with freelance writers expect proven professionals. They want to see writing samples. They trust that if an editor somewhere has put a writer's work in print, then odds are they will be willing to do the same. It’s their shortcut, a secret handshake, of sorts.
Editors are frenzied. Too many stories, too many different directions, too many responsibilities. And it’s nearly a thankless job for them.
Then tomorrow, it’s another ballgame with similar demands and time-crunches – and new needs for a freelancer.
Keep in mind editors usually have a staff that they no doubt prefer to work with, simply because they know each writer on that staff. They know those staffers have the goods to do the job, and know how to meet the needs of that particular publication.
But they need a freelancer's effort because the staff just can’t be everywhere at once.
So, how does a writer get started as a freelance journalist? First, she needs to know what she wants to write about – travel, sports, fashion, politics, etc.
Then find the most appropriate editor(s) and say, “Hello.”
Building Relationships With Newspaper Editors
The more polished the writer already is, the better his chances of picking up work sooner than later.
But what follows is the best start a freelancer can make, regardless of his position in a writing career – not yet begun or already publishing: Contact an editor at a publication or, better yet, a specific section if if dealing with a newspaper; they won’t come banging down a freelancer's door, so each writer has to do the knocking.
Email an editor in the most professional manner possible. Typos and poor grammar are huge strikes when trying to land work as a writer.
If the writer has published work to send in the email, then she should send it. If the samples need to be mailed, the writer should ask about doing do that.
If she doesn’t have clips of work to offer, then the goal is to get some. Start by asking the editor for a visit to the newspaper for an informational interview about how to prepare for getting published.
The prospective freelancer needs to present herself to that editor with confidence and professionalism. Make a great impression. Show sincerity in wanting to become a journalist.
Then take notes of the advice. It’s the starting block to making a living as a writer. It is an inroad to a relationship with an editor.
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