freelance writing

[mycatis]

Does anyone know if it is ok to just write to magazines (not big ones to start with, airline mags. or something) and ask them if they would like you to write for them?
Also if you did this, would you include some examples of your work? Thanks

[andy hughes]

It's fine, but i warn you now, it's a very competative market, and very hard to break into.

The problem is, you need to have some experience to show published samples of your work, and to get some experience you need .... published samples! So that 'Catch 22' is hard to break to start with.

What you need to be able to offer - and this applies to any magazine - is something they want, that they can't get anywhere else. So, if you have, say, an interview with Robbie Williams, they'd bite your hand off! the other side of that coin is, if you want to offer your grannie's recipe for fruit scones, they won;t even bother to reply.

Sorry to sound so negative, but as a freelance of 26 years experience, with over thirty magazines using my material over that time, i still have to work with that system, so it is hard - but good luck, give it a go.

You need persistance that makes Sysyphus look like an amaeteur, and a skin as thick as ten rhinos, and be used to the word "No" .... but it can be done .... honest!

[mycatis]

LOL cheers for that Andy I'll be outside banging my head on the wall if anyone wants me! (just getting some practise in)
I was hoping you would answer to be honest, (too shy to post it on CB) so it's ok to just get in touch with them then? How would I know what sort of length the article should be? Just look at examples that are already in their mags?

[gemmabe]

Try www.onlineproofreaders.com for a starting point, you bid on jobs and then get paid for them if you are chosen. I have written a few articles for them, and you will then be published on their website etc. and visitors can contact you to write for them :)

[mycatis]

Gemmabe -I don't understand what you/they mean by bidding for a job?

[Clanad]

Realizing up front that the system, as andy relates, may work somewhat differently in the U.K. than here in the U.S., I have found some success by searching out some rather arcane publications to start with.  Depending on your area(s) of expertise, small publications with limited readership are often "hungry" for articles to publish. They usually pay by the word and it isn't much. As an example, I've had an interest in western U.S. history and have had published articles of narrow scope by appropriate publications, including a couple of State Historical Society magazines.  These are of value to be able to show examples of your work.  I've even had articles published in gardening quarterlies that provided evidence of writing skills that were, eventually, applied to other, more widely circulated publications.  Best of Luck!

[andy hughes]

Thanks to Clanad for additional info on this from the US perspective. A good idea is to take a trip to your reference library and check out the Willings Press Guide - there are two volumes, UK and International. If you wade through them, you'll find listed the sort of publication - if it accepts freelance work, and payment rates. As Clanad says, specilaist writing is a good nice market to get into - of course my interest is music, which is just about the most over-subscribed market going! That said, I have a wide range, and I can write for any number of genres, which increases my chances.

As you suggested - be guided by length, and 'in house' style. Double-space your copy and check rigourously for grammar and spelling - if ytou don;t spot it, their subs will, and you won't get invited back. My very first punt at a music paper was Sounds back in the early 80's, and i got told straight that they wold not employ someone who couldn't spell! I was mortified, but I've never forgotten it!

if you want to be commissioned and paid as a profesional, you have to write, and look like one. Don't be afraid to blow your own trumpet, brag by all means, but make sure you can back it up! I told a new mag I knew Boy George, and could get the interview they couldn't secure ... they called my b  luff, which was fine, I do know him, and i got the interview, so be aware of that pitfall.

Best of luck - let me know what happens ...

A.

[mycatis]

Thanks everyone, for some reason I am suddenly at a point where I feel confident enough to try. Thanks for all your help x x

[loopey]

give it a go my mother writes poetry and short stories and she sends her work off to magazines (make sure you keep a copy ) and shes had quite a bit published, good luck!

[WendyS]

Mycatis,   if you haven't already joined one, how about enrolling for a Creative Writing evening class?  A good tutor will often provide lots of helpful information about how to get yourself published.   Writing is a lonely occupation and sharing your interest with other like-minded individuals may also give you extra insights and motivation.   It can also be good fun sharing ideas.   If you can scrounge any old magazines from your local library which they're about to throw out, you will get a good idea of the type of articles they are publishing which may give you a lead as to the material they are seeking. Good luck. And don't give up.