Newspaper chain

Writing for a living is a challenge in itself, but working according to the schedules and needs of the rest of the family makes it difficult to work 9 to 5 writing jobs.

If you’re a bit of a maverick for writing and prefer to stay out of the office, look for chains for local and national publications. Most periodicals that hire freelance writers for continuous or regular assignments are newspapers.

Community newspapers cannot afford to have a full team of reporters to cover meetings, events and breaking news. This opens room for stringers.

Larger newspapers, such as the New York Times, which have a national or international audience, use articles for localized news, to cover news that is of national interest but is happening in an area where they do not have a news office.

Look for ads or look for help ads in community or local newspapers that independent writers or reporters ask for. Alternatively, call the editor or news editor and ask if you can submit samples of their writing. When sending samples, offer a variety: feature articles, a piece of news, and an interview, for example.

When working as a crossbar, you will need to have contacts within your community, so being part of different groups or having contacts already in the legislature or the police department will help. However, not having them shouldn’t interfere with your success as a stringer. Once you have been assigned a rhythm, you will be in a position to request interviews, and you will find that promoters and agitators will want to speak to you.

Other tips for stringers include:

Network, network, network – Go to local events and meet the public relations specialist for different events. Raise your profile and experience in your community by attending fundraising events, community events, and journalism association meetings.

Keep your word: Understand when you are provided with off-record information that you can only use as a background for further research. You cannot quote someone who has spoken unofficially. Also, don’t promise something you can’t keep. If someone asks you to promote your business by writing about it, don’t say they will, just tell them that you will speak to your publisher about the idea.

Gather phone numbers. Keep track of local citizens of all walks and ages. You never know who will have the answer to the question you’re asking, so write all your phone numbers in one place (cell phones die and carry your stored numbers with them!). Take note of who the individual is, where they work, or if they have any other background or special experience that you have.

Pass your business card. Even if that community newspaper doesn’t cover the cost, print your own cards and include as many ways as you can be contacted. Make sure ALL of your phone numbers and email addresses are on the card so that a prospective informant or interviewee can contact you first with the big story.

The benefits of stringing a newspaper are numerous. You’ll make valuable contacts, get a load of published articles for your clip archive quickly, and learn how to interview almost anyone AND get the real story. Have fun, learn about reporting and earn money while searching for a community, regional or national newspaper.

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