Freelance Journalism: Presenting Ideas to Newspaper Editors

Freelance journalism is not just a way to open the door to full-time journalism work; many prefer the freedom that self-employment allows and also the fact that they can start without a college degree. This is the best way I know of to get newspaper assignments.

First find out if the newspaper uses freelancers. Tea Writer’s Market The online version currently lists around 360 newspapers, including specialized ones like the American jewish world and legacy newspapers like the New York Times.

If you are browsing newspapers in your library, you can determine whether they use freelancers by searching for author tags such as “for Ashland Tidings”, “special for”, “special writer”, “correspondent”, and so on. instead of labels like “of the Ashland Tidings”, “staff writer”, and so on.

When preparing to pitch an idea to a newspaper editor, get a good idea of ​​their style by reading it from front to back, paying particular attention to where they use freelancers. Many newspapers are online now, and if you are a good prospect, it may be worth paying for an online subscription.

When creating ideas to present, check back issues if possible to see if your stories have been covered in the last year and a half. If a topic was covered in general, but you have a new angle, consider your angle. Newspaper editors love to hear new ideas, if they are in tune with their newspaper / readers.

If you have clips (published articles), select the best one (no more than five). Find out if the publisher prefers to have them mailed, emailed, or uploaded to their website. If you’re new to freelance journalism and don’t have any clips yet, consider these alternatives …

• Volunteer to write for a community website or post. Write your articles like a journalist would. Avoid PR writing when creating newspaper clips.
• Post to an online site like Helium.
• Create a blog that showcases your journalistic skills.

In your presentation, show the editor that you are serious about journalism and your profession and that you are in tune with your community. Familiarize yourself with the ethics of journalism. If there is any potential conflict of interest between your current job or other freelance work and the job you may do for the newspaper, tell them up front.

Also considering the migration from newspapers to online news, please mention any digital skills you have, such as recording and editing videos, attracting online readers through a community you have created (blog, social media page, etc.), skills of online writing, etc.

When you launch a newspaper, look for an editor somewhere between the editor-in-chief and a junior editor. A feature editor, lifestyle, or urban desktop are usually good choices.

While magazine and book publishers should never be cold-called, a news editor is more likely to see this as a sign that they are not afraid to pick up the phone (a requirement in reporting). One of Poynter’s professional advisers suggests doing so.

Make your call after the deadline, not before. For a daily morning, the deadline would be the night before. For a daily afternoon, the deadline would be that morning. Deadlines for weekly articles are generally the day before the article is published.

One way to write an email presentation is to do a shortened version of a magazine query, noting that you also have more ideas, and then listing them with a couple of sentences detailing each one.

Or instead of leading with a speech for an idea, introduce yourself and each idea separately. Conclude with a request to discuss further. If you have references, please list them. Newspaper editors don’t have time to play with “references on demand.”

Check your email with a fine tooth comb. An editor hopes that you will take your best step forward in this competitive field. All it takes is a typo or factual inaccuracy to click the “delete” button.

When you get an assignment, treat it like the gold that it is. This could open the door for future freelance journalism assignments and could provide an important clip.

Make sure you understand the publisher’s requirements. If you’re not sure, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. They would expect you to do the same with a font.

Finally, deliver exactly what is asked for, and you are well on your way to a career in journalism!