Finding Freelance Journalism Work

By Paul W Wilson

Writers today have so many choices— should I work full time, should I be in print or broadcast media, how about freelance work? The path you choose to tread is “your own.” Never select a career based on the needs of family/friends/or popular opinion. The choice must stem from within—what is it you seek from your work—money, a sense of fulfilment, and above all the freedom to choose?

If you thirst for freedom, to follow a path that is yours then, freelance journalism can offer a platter of choices---a chance to create a niche.

As a freelancer, you can choose to work in specific genres and write on specialized that inspire you. You can strive to become “the voice of the people.”

Wondering how to find assignments? There are so many avenues just waiting to be explored.--

• Begin by freelancing for your school/college/university newspaper.

• Gain work experience by working with the staff reporters at your local newspaper, television channel, or radio station. This would depend on whether you choose the print journalism or broadcasting.

• Create a network of other professionals in your field – join online sites, be a part of discussion forums, e-mail news groups, and freelance groups. Networking will put you in touch with opportunities that would otherwise pass you by.

• Register your profile with samples of your work on freelance writers/journalist listings on the Internet. Ensure that your profile is informative as well as provocative. Be sure to list clearly, the field/fields you are interested in—specify the media as well as themes such as science, technology, art, or politics and so on.

• Check job boards regularly.

• Join associations for journalists -- not just in your area but internationally. Many of these have: a web site on which assignments are posted or a system by which relevant assignments are e-mailed to you for a small fee.

• Subscribe to magazines that feature assignments/ job opportunities.

• Consider becoming a freelance writer for online news agencies.

• Hire an agency to locate work on your behalf.

• Use the Internet to search for broadcasters, newspapers, magazines, and e-zines that offer assignments. Be sure to check if the assignments offered are remunerative or non-paying assignments.

• Look at media organizations. Attend workshops and seminars. These often present good opportunities to meet with people who can suggest companies/contacts.

Create a profile that makes your abilities and experience “stand out” or shine---state clearly what your ambitions are, why you have chosen to concentrate on a specific field, and why you think you’re suitable. Detail what you can offer that others can’t.

Be sure to detail skills, education, interests, and experience. Provide samples that showcase your prowess as a journalist. Display your knowledge of the company’s needs, your research abilities, and your willingness to go the extra mile. Back yourself up with reviews of your work as well as recommendations from other employers.

Perseverance and patience are the two cornerstones of building a great career in journalism –so be determined, plan ahead, and send out your profile to all concerned. If you send out a hundred, just a few may respond. But don’t feel dejected. Opportunities are bound to come along.

Paul Wilson is the content manager for
http://www.1888PressRelease.com, the premier website to Submit Free Press Release for any announcements including launching of new product or services, new website, announcing new hires, sponsoring a special event or seminar and more. He also manages content for http://www.1888Discuss.com.

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What's Your Favorite Solution to Writer's Block?

By Lisa A Mason

No matter what type of writer you are, writer's block can happen to you. When it does, it can be one of the most frustrating things ever, especially if you have a big deadline in front of you.

I was recently asked by a Twitter friend what my favorite solution to writer's block was. I really had to think about this for a minute because in my 10+ years of professional writing, I've come across many methods of treating writer's block.

I think my favorite solution would be to prevent it in the first place. Look at it like medical conditions that are preventable; when you take the steps to stop it from happening, it's much easier than having to deal with it once you have it.

Some ways to prevent writer's block are to allow yourself breaks in your writing. If you're working on a large project, you might also want to have a small project or two on the side you can do as a break. It's also important to take breaks each day so you don't allow yourself to get burned out on whatever it is you are working on.

If you do have writer's block, there are many different things you can do. I often jump rope when I get stuck. I walk away from the computer, take my rope outside and jump for awhile. It clears my head and the physical activity seems to get me rejuvenated for writing again. Maybe jumping isn't your thing but any physical activity can work wonders.

Some other tips include:

·         Read something inspiring 

·         Talk with a friend or family member 

·         Talk about your writing and what you're feeling stuck on 

Each writer will have their own favorite solution to writer's block. Trying things that have worked for other people can help you find the perfect solution for yourself. Happy writing!

Lisa Mason is a freelance writer with a specialty in Internet content and SEO articles and the author of How to Earn a Living Writing for the Internet. She has written thousands of articles, hundreds of ebooks and thousands of website pages and related content.

Lisa Mason, Professional wordsmith for hire: gamer, wife, mother, entrepreneur, published poet, co-owner of game guides company (http://www.liti4.com), public speaker and Internet business consultant. You can learn more or follow Lisa's blog from her website: http://www.freelancewriter4hire.com

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Plotting in Storytelling

By Alex Jenson

The screenwriter William Goldman said "Nobody knows anything."

It's a bold and beautiful statement in regard to the writing process. There are no rules. And if there are no rules, why on earth would anyone want to write about the writing process? If there are no rules, what is the point in scripting an article such as this one?

I hope to provide an answer shortly.

What is a plot?

A story is what happened.

A plot tells you how it happened, point by point, twist by turn.

Simple.

If we have a story then why do we need a plot?

Because the plot is basically part of the structure of the piece you are writing. Imagine you are building a house. The plot is like the points of strength and reinforcement in the construction.

You can't just throw up a load of bricks and timber and expect to have a finished house that will last. You have to organize the structure in a careful, logical way, piece by piece, to ensure there is unity and good weight distribution. This same principle applies to the plot of your story - You need load points and cornerstones in your structure to hold the whole thing together.

In answer to the question I first posed in the article - Yes, there are no rules, but that does not mean you cannot CREATE YOUR OWN.

There are classic examples in literature where the structure and plot is fairly loose - 'On the Road' by Kerouac has, in my opinion, no real plot points or classical structure and it illustrates the fact that you can write without any firm regard to either.

My above points regarding plot and structure illustrate that there are vague principles of storytelling (not rules), but of course you are not bound to abide by them. However in order to bypass them you first have to know about them.

1.Understanding
Once you understand what plot and structure is - some writers might disagree with this - I believe they are they same thing. When you understand what plot/structure is all about, the more confidence you will have in your writing.

2.Intuition
It will become second nature to you, and after many years of practicing your writing, you will be able to write a story INTUITIVELY, without worrying about whether your story has all the right mixture of elements. You will know, and knowing gives you the power to focus on more important aspects of your work, like the quality of the writing and dialogue.

3. Plot and premise
If you have a strong premise, your plot can still be weak. My favorite film is Blade Runner - it has a great premise and a very loose plot. When your story ideas are strong and engaging, the plot can become a secondary factor. I believe this applies more to literature than screenplay writing - it is far harder to get away with on the big screen, where immediacy is everything and the audience is accustomed to the usual twists and turns of the Hollywood narrative.

4. Execution
The plot is the execution of your original idea, but if that original idea is strong and engaging, then your plot can almost be an afterthought. Think of the worst book you ever read. What was bad about it? It was probably badly written, lifeless and unbelievable. What if it was brilliantly written, three dimensional and still unbelievable? Would its unbelievably matter as much? I doubt it.

People want to experience the joys a vivid imagination. They will suspend their disbelief for you, if you give them something fresh and inventive.

Summary

1. Plot and structure are the same thing.
2. Once you know about plot, you are free to do what you want with it.
3. Premise is far more important than plot.
4. Inventive, engaging writing is the priority. Plot is secondary.
5. Practice writing and read about writing. Eventually you will be able to write a story INTUITIVELY.

http://www.theserotoningrandprix.blogspot.com

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How to Format a Fiction Manuscript

Guest post by M. Esther Sherman

You have completed your work of fiction. You have written the perfect query. You have even received the highly sought after positive response from an agent/editor and now an agent/editor is going to read your manuscript. But how do you format it? These are a few simple steps which will help you to identify yourself as someone who has a clue what they're doing:


1) Everything must be double spaced. Though you may argue that this is a waste of paper/space/and anything else you choose to argue, the agent/editor wants it double spaced. They read too many pages of too many manuscripts and double spaced is easier to read; not to mention easier to make notes.


2) Use 12 point font. This too is non-negotiable. The agent/editor does not want to have to squint to read a manuscript and if they have to chances are they will already be annoyed at whoever wrote it.


3) Use Times New Roman or Courier Fonts. These are easy to read while giving the agent/editor an idea of how long your novel will be. Word count does part of this, but paragraph length can also impact the overall pages your novel will need.


4) There should only be one space at the beginning of each sentence. Paragraphs should be tabbed in or set to default at .5in. You should not ever space in your indents.


5) Make sure you have a header. The header should be format ted with your last name/first few words of title on the left and the page number on the far right (SAMPLE/BEST NOVEL 1)


6) Chapter headings should be in the center of the page, same font and size, in all caps. This is somewhat negotiable but is the most commonly accepted method of formatting.


7) You also need to include a title page. This is one of the most important pieces of the manuscript since this will be how they know to contact you in response. The title page should have the following information: Title of work, your name, address, phone number, e-mail address and/or website, and the total word count for the work. Formatting for title pages is somewhat negotiable as long as all of the information is present and the title appears in the center of the page (in normal font size, nothing fancy).


8) If printing your pages, make sure all pages are neat and clean. Do not send rejected pages to more than one agent. Make sure everything you send looks professional (pink paper is not professional).


9) If e-mailing, first make sure they will accept your document as an attachment. Second, name your file with your last name, part of the title, and, if it is a partial, the number of pages with the word "partial". This will help to distinguish your document from the hundreds of others the agent/editor already has on their computer.


Check out our Query Development and Submission Service.

Please feel free to visit my website for more advice on preparing manuscripts, query letters, and general tips on getting a book published. Visit mesthersherman.com.


~Esther

Five Keys To A Successful Query Letter

By Kristi Sayles

Do you know what a query letter is? If so, you are of a rare breed-a writer. Most people don't. I discovered this when I created “Instant Query Letters” software. “What's a queer letter?" they ask. The sad thing-they aren't joking.

Query letters are a major part of your life if you are a freelance writer. Almost every request for magazine articles includes the statement to “query first.”

We know that this means to send a detailed summary of the article to the publisher. You should never send the completed manuscript until it’s requested.

I decided to ask a few editor friends about their preferences when it came to querying. They told me that a great query letter must do five main things:

-Grab attention immediately.

-Summarize your article or book idea in the most compelling fashion.

-Emphasize why YOU are the best one to write about the topic.

-Show your professionalism.

-Display your writing credits.

First, I highly recommend beginning your opening with the first line or two of your article or book. It immediately draws the editor or agent’s attention to your idea. Since you’ve probably sweated over the perfect beginning anyway, why not let it do double duty?

Second, make your points quickly, yet concisely. Don’t drag out your story idea. Build excitement in your recipient to WANT to read more about this fascinating story.

Third, tell why you are so knowledgeable about the topic. Why did you choose the topic? Are you querying about an article about dogs? If you are a professional trainer, then say so. Are you suggesting a “How To…” book? Tell your qualifications.

Fourth, you should always present yourself as an intelligent professional. Be sure that your writing tone is confident without sounding arrogant. Always double- check your grammar and spelling. Many editors have stated that they will not deal with writers that do not show enough pride in their work to use a spell-checker!

Finally, toot your own horn! This is where you get to brag about your writing accomplishments. Most editors will appreciate the fact that you’ve written something that has been considered good enough to be published.

If you are a new, unpublished writer, there’s still hope for you. Many editors are looking for new talent. Don’t mention that you have not been published. Simply make it clear that you have enjoyed a particular article recently published, then name the article and state how your article idea would mesh with the magazine as well. Actually, that’s a good idea for all queries to include!

Now that you’ve gotten a handle on the five important query letter components, what are you waiting for? Find a magazine that publishes your kind of writing, query it right, and spend the time waiting for your response by creating new queries. That way, no matter what the reply, you can always have fresh ideas to send out.

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Kristi Sayles, author of numerous magazine and ezine articles, invites every writer to try her “Instant Query Letters!” Software. It creates fast, easy and fool-proof queries that contain ALL of the necessary components of a great query letter after the writer follows the simple Q and A format! It’s a huge help to those learning to query and a major time-saving tool for more “seasoned” writers. Get it now at http://www.instantqueryletter.com -More writing software by Ms. Sayles at http://smartauthor.com

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