Wannabe journalist, 43 years old no experience.....

[wolf63]

I approached our local newspaper with an idea of a series of articles.

They have written back to say that they have no money for freelance journalists but if I write it (unpaid) they will give me a 'byline' (whatever that really means).

I have no writing experience, but am keen to rectify that fact.

Is this a good offer?

[eleanswers]

A byline means they will put your name to the article. If this is a career you wish to pursue but have no experience or the journalist qualifications then initially it's worth sending in your writing for free. If published with a byline (your name), the printed article will serve as a begining to your portfolio of published works.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byline

I would suggest you write your articles, then send the first & second in the series to a number of local newspaper groups. Try to get paid first before you submit them for free. Hold on to the copywrite also.

[Ethel]

Well the byline means your name will appear alongside the article, and recognise you as the author.

This could provide valuable experience and enhance your cv.

I would recommend you agree to a very limited number of free articles - perhaps three or four. Then go to other newspapers and see if they would be interested in paying you.

I think you have been given a tremendous opportunity.

Look into the possibilities of training in journalism - perhaps there are courses available in your area. They don't just teach you how to write - they give you good advice about selling your work and furthering your career.

[wolf63]

Thanks to both of you.

I love writing, but could do with some reminders of basic grammar and punctuation.

I will write a couple of articles and see where it goes from there.

There are no courses in Journalism in my area (Perth) but I may see about doing a short course or distance learning. I am wary of approaching a 'cowboy' college though.

[Buenchico]

As a freelance, it's hard to make any real money from the 'hard news' sector of journalism. Feature writing (which appears to be where your interests lie) offers more opportunities. If you're really committed (to the tune of nearly �500), this is probably the most appropriate distance learning course for you:
http://www.nctj.com/distance_learning.php?ctyp ee=2&dist_id=dist_id

However, you can learn a great deal simply by getting some relevant books from your local library. If your writing is good enough, you won't need any qualifications. I started writing for the local newspaper at the age of 14. (You never forget your first byline!). I was getting occasional payments from magazines before I left school. I didn't bother taking a qualification until I was your age. I enjoyed the course but I've not made any more money out of journalism with a distinction certificate than I did without one.

If you enjoy writing, let your local rag see what you've got to offer. Just do it for the fun of it (and the thrill of seeing that first byline). You might make some money later on but don't get too disappointed if you don't.

Chris

(PS: When you send your work to the newspaper, make sure that you remind them to print your byline. Some newspapers aren't entirely ethical. I've seen an entire page of my writing, in the Sheffield Green'Un, printed under the byline of a staff writer, rather than my own.

[starmack]

Unless you are vain (and not at 43) or you have a full-time their offer deserves contempt.

Every blkoody newspaper spins a sob story. But check tjeor onership. Check what cars their directors drive.

Been there. Done that.
A famous friend of mine in journaolism once said that the owners treated the writers as "f****ing cash clerks," ie their skills rake in the profits and the owners spend it.

If you do submit items please ensure that write the words "copyright strictly reserved ++ your name and year" on each article submitted. Copyright is usally a symbol insert on your typewriter with a letter "c" inside a circle. This means there can be no syndicaiton without your permission and you also retain ownership of copyright in the event that, later on, you became a writer whose earlier work could be worth publishing in book form etc. Yes, it does hap[pen and yes, such problems have arisen.

Finally, good luck

[andy-hughes]

I am a freelance music writer, and I could write twenty-four-seven, if i didn't weant to be paid.

I have done my time as a free freelance, and I only write if i get paid. I have some regular Editors and I make a nice tidy part-time living, and get to see and talk to loads of famous musicians.

Writing for free is fine, but it does encourage Editors to use free writers, and avoid paying.

If your writing is god, you deserve to be paid for your time and skill, so by all means get into writing for free to start, but make sure you don;t turn it into a careeer - and they will let you if you'll do it!

[andy-hughes]

If your writing is 'good' even - there is no spellchecker on here!

[vehelpfulguy]

>If your writing is god, you deserve to be paid for your time and skill,

If it was GOD then he would definately be worth paying :-)

[wolf63]

....and whatever I am writing will be done with the aid of spellcheck. Not that it would have picked that one up.

It is okay wanting to be a writer of any sort - but I need to make the first step and actually write something.

Thanks everybody - payment would be nice, but actually having an article under my name would be nice too.

[andy-hughes]

You go for it.

I write for money because I think my experience and reliability demands it, but I can completely understand why you want to see your name in print - I still get just as big a kick out of it now, twenty-six years after I started.

As Dorothy Parker once said when asked if she liked writing - "I don't like writing, I like having written ..." so keep that in mind any time you struggle with your writing.

Best of luck, enjoy the best hobby in the world.

[Marc100200]

If you want fame or something like that then go for it, otherwise I think it is better to earn considering you need to pay for the bills. You can try looking at some freelancing websites for a start.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/worklife/07/09/cb.freelancing/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
https://www.textun.com/about-us/