Freelance Journalism

[PC28]

How do you become a Freelance Journalist?

Do you have to register?

Do you just write something then e-mail to a news paper?

Does anyone know? Can anyone help? (William, i'm looking in your direction

Anyone?

 

[you_idiot]

ask, and ye shall receive

Funny you should ask, PC.

I'm waiting to hear back from the managing sports editor of The Australian about freelancing NSL coverage this season for whenever Sydney-based teams come into Victoria to play against the Melbourne Knights or South Melbourne-- starting with Sunday's Knights v Olympic Sharks match. I'm on pins and needles here.

But there is a point I have here, people.....

First, you need a gimmick (like the one I have mentioned above)-- something you can sell to an editor about yourself and what you can offer to him/her...

Second, a good working portfolio and CV is another thing they look for. I know it sounds like a harsh Catch-22 ("you can't get experience without work, and you can't work without experience"), but they would certainly want to know what your background is, and showing them samples of your recent work is also a way to get your foot into the door.

But having said all that, there is no formulaic means of getting a job as a writer. Sometimes it requires knowing the right people, sometimes it takes raw talent, and sometimes it takes a tough-as-nails work ethic.

The way I got into the soccer-writing business back in California 13 years ago stemmed from my love for the written word combined with my passion for the sport as well as my strong training in mass communications at the University level. That's a combination that, lucky for me, has always appealed to editors. I was stringing for one paper in Florida last year during the MLS season, and the editor was impressed with my preparation and diligence to the beat in addition to all the other criteria I've mention. "You're the most dedicated freelancer we've ever had, and we'd love to use you again," she said (little did we all know that MLS would contract the two Florida clubs in the offseason).

I should also add that I have begun writing for an Australian soccer site as of this week, writing NSL-based features and news copy-- and during the two-way recruitment process, I'm sure that any of a variety of the above about me appealed to the editor of that site. And now that the first articles with my byline are up this week, the editor simply admires my work.

Hope that helps. But as I said, there is no tried-and-true formula...

Cheers,
William

 

[PC28]

Re: ask, and ye shall receive

Originally posted by you_idiot
Funny you should ask, PC.

I'm waiting to hear back from the managing sports editor of The Australian about freelancing NSL coverage this season for whenever Sydney-based teams come into Victoria to play against the Melbourne Knights or South Melbourne-- starting with Sunday's Knights v Olympic Sharks match. I'm on pins and needles here.

But there is a point I have here, people.....

First, you need a gimmick (like the one I have mentioned above)-- something you can sell to an editor about yourself and what you can offer to him/her...

Second, a good working portfolio and CV is another thing they look for. I know it sounds like a harsh Catch-22 ("you can't get experience without work, and you can't work without experience"), but they would certainly want to know what your background is, and showing them samples of your recent work is also a way to get your foot into the door.

But having said all that, there is no formulaic means of getting a job as a writer. Sometimes it requires knowing the right people, sometimes it takes raw talent, and sometimes it takes a tough-as-nails work ethic.

The way I got into the soccer-writing business back in California 13 years ago stemmed from my love for the written word combined with my passion for the sport as well as my strong training in mass communications at the University level. That's a combination that, lucky for me, has always appealed to editors. I was stringing for one paper in Florida last year during the MLS season, and the editor was impressed with my preparation and diligence to the beat in addition to all the other criteria I've mention. "You're the most dedicated freelancer we've ever had, and we'd love to use you again," she said (little did we all know that MLS would contract the two Florida clubs in the offseason).

I should also add that I have begun writing for an Australian soccer site as of this week, writing NSL-based features and news copy-- and during the two-way recruitment process, I'm sure that any of a variety of the above about me appealed to the editor of that site. And now that the first articles with my byline are up this week, the editor simply admires my work.

Hope that helps. But as I said, there is no tried-and-true formula...

Cheers,
William

So........

I hear being a bartender is good fun

Thanks for the that William. A nice insite and a lot of help

Thanks again.

 

[you_idiot]

Re: Re: ask, and ye shall receive

Originally posted by PC28


So........

I hear being a bartender is good fun

That would be my fall-back job of choice!

A much better profession for a single man rather than a married one, however, these days... having had friends back home who are barkeeps...

Originally posted by PC28

Thanks for the that William. A nice insite and a lot of help

Thanks again.

No worries. Anytime, my friend.

I would also appeal to some of the other experienced journalists we have on these boards, such as Phil Doyle, to offer their advisement as well...

Cheers,
William

 

[Dogwatcher]

Also go to your local newspaper or free sheet.
They are always looking for people to cover things in their area, particularly to provide sport reports.
Even if you are involved in a local sporting club, provide brief write ups for nothing - that can help get you in the door as well as provide experience.
It's the sort of thing that I did when I was studying.
It can be thankless at first, but eventually as you become known by the editorial staff you will pick up - if you are any good of course.
Don't do it as an avenue to just get free stuff - people can smell blaggers straight away.
At the npaper I work for we employ people to write football reports on our local clubs each week - that pays around $35 a week to do something you enjoy.
Remember that deadlines are tight, if the editor says he wants a piece in by a certain time - he means it. Nothing more frustrating than waiting for copy that doesn't come in.

 

[PC28]

Good stuff guys, thanks heaps

 

[Shinboners]

PC28

Check your PM box.

 

[PC28]

Originally posted by Shinboners
PC28

Check your PM box.

Thank you very much Shinners