I'm a university student in the third year of my Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in English. I'm looking to build up a writing portfolio and get some articles/stories etc. published. I really am not sure how to go about doing this. I'm considering doing some freelance writing while I'm finishing the degree. Any help or even small tips would be appreciated :) Thx
2007-02-09 07:37:25 · 5 answers · asked by Principessa 5 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Other - Arts & Humanities
Go on-line or to your public library and research small-town newspapers and niche' magazines. Study what kind of articles are published in them and then select a dozen or so to "query" about writing an article for them, pro bono (for free). Write and polish a "sample" article before sending it to them. As you gain experience and a portfolio writing for small newspapers and magazines for no pay, you can approach larger papers and mags about writing articles for pay.
There is also something called "self-syndication" where you write a "column" on a general interest subject that you could license at a modest price to many small-town periodicals and end up making a pretty good income from one article written once a week, or bi-weekly, or monthly. You can also ask area small businesses to "sponsor" your article if the papers or mags say they can't afford to pay you. At the end of your recurring column it could say something to the affect of "This column is sponsored by, ABC Car Repair Center located at 123 Main Street." Obviously a disclaimer should be included stating words to the affect, "...the opinions, beliefs, and ideas expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the opinions,ideas or beliefs of our sponsors or the publisher and its agents.
Forget about journalism school. They do not teach you the "business" of being a writer. One other thing, either you can write well enough to make a living at it or you can't. Creative writing talent is a gift from God like any other innate talent. So if you CAN then DO!
Best of luck and success,
Karl Lasky, Publisher, Ravenhawk Books
2007-02-11 08:57:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not possible for you to become a freelance writer *anywhere* at the age of 13. Freelancers are writers who have a proven record as successful writers, usually beginning with salaried staff writer's job somewhere. You don't just become a freelance writer from nowhere. You need a career track record. I work in a job where we engage freelance writers from time to time. No, we would not employ a freelancer without a career history in writing, and no, we would not employ a teenager. Ever.
2016-05-24 02:16:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should have taken journalism instead of English if you wanted to be a writer. English is analytical, not practical like journalism. But it's not too late. I suggest you at least take some journalism.
Through journalism you will gain experience in writing 1000-word non-fiction articles on a regular basis. And there are tons of websites, for example, that need content. And newspapers and magazines as well. For websites, I recommend you submit to sites that have editorial boards -- they're considered credible like newspapers.
If you offer your material for free you gain experience. Getting paid is a lot harder but for a portfolio money isn't your goal.
Also, you can take a summer and work as an intern journalist.
2007-02-09 08:56:00 · answer #3 · answered by i8pikachu 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One freelance writer I know began by writing little notices for clubs, churches and organizations in her community. She did it for free, but the clippings made a nice portfolio for her when she had enough confidence to approach businesses. She now has a nice list of companies who call upon her to do everything from news releases to the copy to be used in corporate annual reports. She has enough work to bring in a tidy income, but is able to work from home and schedule her writing time so that she has time to do things with her children and husband. The flexibility would work as well for you while you are pursuing your advanced degree.
Good luck!
2007-02-09 07:52:32 · answer #4 · answered by Suzianne 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Continue writing to build a potfoilio but without a literary agent your chances of getting published on your own are slim. If you are in school for this subject matter a professor should be able to help you and your school should have a career center loaded with information
2007-02-09 07:45:16 · answer #5 · answered by daven71 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋