Getting started with a column?

Question

I am slowly coming to the realization that I wouldn't be happy doing anything other than writing. I have a job, so I'm not interested in making buco buxx-- at least, at first-- but I would love to find a way to get my foot in the door. How would one go about putting together a writer's portfolio, and shopping themself out to newspapers and magazines about a possible trial column? Doing something like a 500 word column, once a week would be amazing! I feel like there isn't much guidance out there for getting started though.

Answer 1

If you have had no previous experience in journalism and your college degree wasn't in communications, most newspapers and magazines won't want to pick you up, but you can still try contacting your local papers and see if they have any openings.

Instead of writing for them, you could start a blog. It's much easier because there are no deadlines and if you mess up, nobody will care.

Blogs can also be used to attract the attention of magazines and newspapers. If you have a steller blog, they'll come to you with job offers.

Good Luck in either starting a blog or going to those local papers!

Answer 2

I suggest getting published in small local newspapers, even the free advertisers.  Just start submitting news features and columns and collect a packet of press clippings so you can approach a larger newspaper as a published columnist.

Stay ahead of the holiday curve by placing a 12-month calendar on your wall above your computer.

This week, for example, in the U.S. is the time to craft and submit a Fourth of July column, or a fireworks column or beach rental ideas......whatever...stay a month ahead.  Near the end of July start developing back-to-school columns etc.

Devote six months to writing free columns and you will probably be successful in breaking into the business with a small to mid-sized newspaper.  

Publishing success begets publishing success....you have to move up the food chain......but you will also be learning along the way -- sort of an internship in column writing.

Hope this answer helps you, Jackie.  Good luck.