Writing for a living is a challenge in itself, but working according to the schedules and needs of the rest of the family makes some 9-5 writing jobs difficult to work with.
If you’re a bit of a writing maverick and prefer to stay out of the office, look for publications both local and national. Most periodicals that hire freelance writers for regular or ongoing assignments are newspapers.
Community newspapers cannot afford to have a full team of reporters to cover meetings, events and breaking news. This opens up space for stringers.
Larger newspapers, such as the New York Times, that have a national or international audience, use localized news rails to cover news that is of national interest but is happening in an area where they do not have a news bureau.
Look for help notices or announcements in the community or local newspapers that solicit freelance writers or reporters. Alternatively, call the editor or news editor and ask if you can submit samples of your writing. When submitting samples, offer a variety: feature articles, a strong story, and an interview, for example.
When working as a coordinator, 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 should not interfere with your success as a contributor. Once a rhythm has been assigned to you, you will be in a position to request interviews and discover that movers and shakers will want to talk to you.
Other tips for stringers include:
Network, network, network – go to local events and meet the PR specialist for different events. Increase your profile and your experience in your community by attending fundraisers, community events, and journalism association meetings.
Keep your word: understand that when you receive unofficial information you can only use it as a basis for further investigation. You cannot quote someone who has spoken unofficially. Also, don’t promise something that you can’t deliver. If someone asks you to promote your business by writing about it, don’t say that you will, just say that you will talk to your editor about the idea.
Gather the phone numbers. Keep track of local citizens of all walks of life and ages. You never know who will have the answer to the question you are asking, so write down all the phone numbers in one place (cell phones die and take away stored numbers!). Write down who the person is, where they work, and any other special experiences or experiences they have.
Distribute your business card. Even if the community newspaper doesn’t cover the cost, print your own cards and include every possible way to contact you. Make sure ALL of your phone numbers and email addresses are on the card so a potential informant or interviewee can reach you first with the big story.
The advantages of stringing for a newspaper are numerous. You’ll make valuable contacts, get a ton of articles published for your clip archive quickly, and learn how to interview just about anyone AND get the real story. Have fun, learn about stories, and earn money while working for a community, regional, or national newspaper.
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