Freelance writing is one of the best ways to keep working while you look for full time employment. And it helps a lot to introduce yourself to editors.
The “pitch” (a short proposal to an assignment editor) explains why your story idea is important, who you will interview, and what photo / video / interactive content you will develop for the story. Think of stories that have strong visual elements — a hydro dam, an abandoned arsenic mine, a haunted coal company store…
- Don’t write, “Hi, my name is Mary and Im a journalism student and I’d like to write a story for you.”
Start your pitch with a strong lead to get the editor’s attention.
And then: Follow up with more information: ‘
- What others have written, and how long ago
- How you will get the story — Who you’ll interview, what locations you will video or photograph, and what sources of information are out there.
- How soon you can have the story to the editor
And then: Follow up with a brief paragraph of information about yourself and links to your work online.
ONE ARTS MAGAZINE gives the editor’s email and says; For pitches, please include a detailed description of your story idea and why it’s right for our magazine’s audience. If you are pitching the idea as a freelance writer, include 2–3 links to your previously published work. If we choose to move forward with your pitch, a member of our editorial team will be in touch.
RU Online :
- Writers Market, Robert L. Brewer, lists magazines and news services
- Essential Guide to Freelance Writing, Zachary Petit
Open access:
- Freelance Writing dot com
- Craigslist writing jobs Washington DC and other jobs too
- Greater Washington DC Catalog for Philanthropy — Lists hundreds of non-profits. Possible sources for freelance work.
- Freelance writing gigs — Lots of freelance opportunities
- Journalism Jobs dot com —
Meta sources
- Guide to freelance writing resources – University of Nebraska