Reading & Writing Lounge

Breaking into the writing industry seems easy - all you need to know is how to put a few paragraphs together. Right?

As thousands of struggling newbies across the planet will tell you, becoming a freelance writer is not easy. It’s one of the most difficult things you could do. Writing your article, essay, story or poem is just one aspect of the job. Getting an editor to read it, publish it and pay you for your words is what makes it challenging.

Editors receive hundreds of proposals for their publications. How do you make it through that pile?

Here are some tips to help you make that first sale:

1. Know your market : It’s been said time and again - study your market. You have to know who your audience is. There’s no two ways around this. While common sense will tell you that ‘Cosmo’ and ‘Time’ publish different kinds of articles, would you pitch the same idea to (as an example) ‘Cosmo’ and ‘She’? If you think all women’s magazines are alike think again. Both magazines are very different in their content, advertising and audience. Knowing who’s going to be reading your words will make the difference between an acceptance and decline.

2. Studying the market means more than knowing who the audience is. A successful writer is like a detective - you have to look for clues in the publication. Names on the masthead indicate staff (which means some sections may not be open to freelancers). If each issue has a similar layout and ‘departments’ it makes it easier to know which one you can pitch to. Read the guidelines carefully, if the magazine has them. They are there for a reason.

3. Tackling the query letter : Many new writers find this the hardest thing to do. I personally love writing query letters. The Internet is full of examples of successful queries that have landed plum assignments. Here’s my take on it : Always begin with the opening paragraph of your proposed feature/story. If that doesn’t grab the editor, it is not likely to appeal to her readers either. Follow that paragraph with a short explanation or outline of what you propose the article should contain then end with your credentials or experience, if any. Most editors are looking for good writing - wow them with your query and you can leave those worries about not having any experience behind.

4. Looking for markets : Realising that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of potential markets for my work was an shocking eye-opener. The Internet brings market listings and guidelines to your finger-tips. You can now study publications online, look for editorial calendars for ideas or save that SAE by sending your work by email. Subscribe to as many writing newsletters as you can - each is a goldmine of information for calls for submissions, contest listings and new markets.

5. Get help : Writing is a solitary occupation. It helps to be in touch with other writers and keep abreast of what’s happening in the industry. Writing forums and websites keep you informed and updated. These are also great ways of finding assignments and learning about the art and craft of writing. If you are a new writer, I would highly recommend the Newbie-Writers website and forum.

Related on this blog:

• Need a prompt to write?
• Keeping track of your writing
• New Year Resolutions for writers