Freelance Journalism?

Question

I'm interested in becoming a journalist. I'm well aware of how hard I'll have to work and how competitive it is.

I have an unrelated job, in a bank. I want to start writing some freelance articles. Im not interested in making money out of this in the short term (although it would be a nice bonus!) I'm just trying to get my name out, and build up a portfolio.

Does anyone have any advice on who to approach when starting out? I've contacted my local newspaper today, but obviously haven't given them a chance to get back to me.

Do you think that's my best bet? Getting things published in smaller, local publications, building up a portfolio and getting used to the system, then approaching the larger publications?

Any advice from anyone who works in this area would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

You are wise to be willing to do gratis work at first. The more you build your portfolio, the better. Many magazines accept freelance submissions. Others pay... but the scale is low. But as you said, that's a bonus. I get the following two free e-newsletters every week. They list magazines that are looking for freelancers: http://www.worldwidefreelance.com and http://www.writersweekly.com

Another suggestion that has worked well for me is to join in online discussion groups of professionals in the field you want to write on. I write on health and wellness topics, so I participate in an online discussion group of wellness professionals. I always take great pains in being very detailed and informative in my comments. I sign my comments with my name, contact info, and the title: "Freelance Health/Wellness Writer and Consultant." Over the years, that strategy has gotten me a number of good, paying writing gigs, because often vendors who are looking for writers peruse such sites looking for potential candidates.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Listen to the people in the street, because that's what's really going on.

The world today is a real mess and problems can only be solved when the word is spread by word or viewing.

Step to the newspapers & magazines and show that you can do it.