.jpeg?picon=893)
Until you break into those national markets, smart writers localize and cash in.
Think regional publications, local websites, area newspapers.
I was lucky. When I began freelancing full-time, I broke into a national sports and fitness magazine. Within two months of my initial conversation with the editor-in-chief, I received contracts for three feature pieces.
And, I received payment up front.
At the same time, I knew if I wanted my writing career to grow, I would have to work hard and find other publications to supplement my income.
Besides, it never hurts to have a steady income stream.
How did localizing help?
I landed a steady gig at a regional newspaper, a state-wide magazine publishes a couple of my articles each year, and I launched a newspaper column geared to small weekly newspapers.
Don’t overlook the neighborhood newspaper or budding website promoting a local business. You can snag local writing gigs by keeping these points in mind.
- Develop your expertise. I’m a history nut and I enjoy current events. I’ve parlayed my interests into multiple magazine and newspaper articles, photo layouts, blogging gigs, and website writing.
- Establish relationships. So, you don’t know the editor of the local press? Go introduce yourself! Network! I didn’t know the editor or staff of a regional magazine, but once I pitched a story and spoke with him on the phone, I made a point to learn the hierarchy of their editorial staff. Now I know not to send a query to the assistant editor. I would not have know that if I hadn’t taken a vested interest.
- Fine-tune your pitch. Don’t count out any ideas. A friend who is an avid reader landed a book column in a local newspaper! One trick that helped land a steady assignment was analyzing what was covered in-house and what work was farmed out to freelancers. Once you see what needs a publication has, you can adapt your platform to fit their needs.
I still haven’t ended up in The New York Times or the Washington Post, but I will eventually. Each article I investigate for a local market builds my resume and adds exemplary clips to my portfolio.
What local markets have you pitched?
0 Comments on Localize Writing and Cash In as of 5/3/2012 6:18:00 AM
Add a Comment