Anyone Can Be A Freelance Writer
The most important letter you will ever have to write is your query-letter. This is the one page document you will be sending to the editor of the newspaper or magazine you are planning to write your article in.
You must grab the editors attention by placing your topic in the first two lines, as he will be skipping through hundreds of queries daily.
Then explain to him why you are the ideal writer for this topic and the type of photographs you will be using. There's no harm in showing how enthusiastic you are about your project as this will shine through in your writing. Finish off the last paragraph with a piece about your qualifications or experience, if you haven't had any, just leave it blank. Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope and wait for a reply.
There are two kinds of articles; those which cover things in general and can be
published at most any time, and current events.
The best place to
start with these kinds of articles is the local newspaper with a
goal of syndication to many other media.
In order for acceptance by the editor there must be a local twist
of personal interest to the readers. The unusual and odd things
about people and their vocation, which gives the reader a departure
from the daily drudgery are the best and most salable articles
to write about. This includes adventure, mystery, murder, money,
accidents, discoveries, economy, history, illness, jail,
jealousy, obsessions and struggles etc.
You must attract attention from the first words when writing
feature stories for a newspaper type publication. Where as a
novel or short story for a magazine builds to a climax and
generally clears up all the loose ends at completion.
For a magazine article to sell to the publisher, action in the
first and last part is a must, while the body copy is devoted to
narrative or explanations with a number of vital incidents to
keep the action alive. Keep the writing flowing in such a
manner that the reader will anxiously read ahead to see what happens
next.
When it is possible to do so without distorting the truth, add
some fiction to your life stories to keep them interesting and
alive! Submit 8 x10 glossy print photos if possible as the
pictures can often be the difference between acceptance and rejection.
When submitting your copy, put your name, address and phone
number at the upper left cover of the first page and total number
of words contained in the article on the upper right side. If
you are submitting an article to the newspaper a title will not
be necessary as the editor will usually determine this after reviewing it.
Leave plenty of room at the top of the pages, use double spacing
and wide margins so there is plenty of space for editing. Number
the pages at the top. Preferable on the right hand side. Type
only on the front side of each page. Enclose a Stamped, self
addressed envelope. Lay it out so your name always appears
with the article so that you will gain recognition as a writer.
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