what should i do?

Question

Okay, so i applied for my school newspaper and didn't make it, but i'm a really good writer only i like to write about fashion, beauty, fitness.etc and sometimes articles about poverty and immigration and the like. I really want to work for a magazine when I grow up maybe become editor one day. Also there's this internship at a magazine and I really want to apply, but to do so you have to write in and submit articles you've written,so i have 2 questions..1)What can I do about the articles thing(other than reapply i already know this) 2) If I where to write at a magazine would they accept me even if I wasn't on my school newspaper but took Jouranlism and majored in English and writing

Answer 1

I know plenty of people who work in journalism and never wrote for the school paper, some never took a journalism class. While the school paper is pretty good experience, there are better experience options out there for you.

If, as you say, you are a very good writer; get a copy of Writer's Market and submit some of your writing for publication. There are plenty of magazines out there that need good articles and take a high percentage from freelancers. These are some of the best "tear sheets" you can collect for your portfolio.

Also, almost every community has an alternative newspaper. It's the one that competes with the daily and may only come out once a week. They always need writers - and especially need writers who aren't expecting $50K for their articles. Find that paper and talk to the editor. Take along some of your writing.

Remember, if you take a gig as a journalist, you write about what you're assigned to write about.

Answer 2

Go ahead and apply. Give them two sample articles that you WOULD have written for the newspaper if you had been selected. Be sure to include a note explaining that you haven't been published yet, but have taken applicable classes, and you hope your talent and high level of interest will make up for your lack of previous experience.

They may or may not hire you, but if you don't apply, they definitely can't hire you.