Some Freelance Writing Advice
While I've largely been on-staff during my journalistic career, I have done a fair amount of freelance writing in my time for a variety of outlets. So when a friend, who is embarking on a new career in freelance writing, asked me for some advice via email, I ended up writing back with a quite a few suggestions to keep in mind when you're starting out on the adventure that is freelance writing.
These are the ones that came to me right off the top of my head, but I thought I'd share them here:
1. Leave the ego at the door.
While you’ve heard the adage that rejection is a bitter pill to swallow, be ready to deal with something even worse than rejection: silence. I’ve been on both sides of the freelance equation: I’ve been a freelance writer at some really great publications (and some not great ones) and I’ve been an editor who has bought freelance pitches. Editors are super-busy dealing with the writers they have on staff, their bosses, the copy, deadlines, etc. Freelance pitches are often at the very bottom of their burgeoning to-do list.
2. Be persistent, but not too persistent!
Find that fine line between checking in via email if you haven’t heard back and pestering editors. Never, ever, ever telephone an editor about a pitch!
3. Find out who’s buying.
Make an Excel spreadsheet of every publication you’d want to write for, contact info for relevant editors (or general freelance pitch email addresses). Scan the mastheads for the exact area you’re looking to write for AND where your story pitch would fit in. Front of the book story? Don’t pitch the features editor! (And vice-versa.) It helps to keep everything in one place: contact info, publications, pitches, dates emailed, responses, etc. This is your dashboard. And will help you begin to spot emergent patterns as you go along.
4. Find out who is on staff and who isn't.
Likewise, keep track of whether you’re seeing a lot of stories in outlets from writers who are on staff (i.e., appear on the masthead) or don’t. Mediabistro is a fantastic resource for freelancers and often have insider info on who to pitch, what percentage of stories come from freelance vs. in-house, what sections are open to freelance or new writers, etc.
5. Be specific in your pitch(es).
Don’t send 10 pages of random info. Again, editors = super-busy. Cut to the chase. Who are you? What can you offer? What are your qualifications, experience, connections? Do you know chefs, winemakers, publicists, etc.? Send 3-5 story pitches in the body of the mail. Keep them short, snappy, and to the point. Why would someone want to read this story? Why are you the only person who should write it? Why does it make sense for this particular publication?
Also, tailor your pitches. Never start with "Dear Editor," which is the kiss of death. Personalize them at the start as well as being specific in terms of a targeted pitch. And double-check before you press send. Nothing is more embarrassing than sending the wrong email to the wrong editor.
6. Write every day.
Seriously: Every. Day. As a freelancer, you live or die on your freelance rates, which tend to be low. How quickly you can write copy and turn it around, clean and pristine, will determine how many other stories you can write per month and therefore how much you can actually earn. Practice, practice, practice. Didn’t sell that freelance pitch? Write it anyway and post it on your blog. Get to know AP Style and check the style guides for any publications that you’re writing for. Clean, snappy copy goes a long, long way to making editors happy.
7. Get to know your industry on a national and local level.
Interested in covering food outside of New York? Well, who are the local chefs in Oakland/San Francisco who are up and coming? And who are their publicists? How can you get on the list for restaurant openings/parties, etc.? What is happening in SF or Wine Country that is new, novel, or innovative? Want to cover entertainment? What are the stories that you're not seeing covered by the major city newspapers, the trades, and the general interest entertainment press (EW, Vulture, etc.)? Can you get to these stories first before they become covered by the New York Times or others?
8. It's about ideas.
Write down every idea that you have, no matter how insignificant it might seem at the time. You never know where a story thread or inspiration will come from.
9. Be fearless.
Contact anyone and everyone, even if it’s a cold pitch. Don't be afraid to get a no.
10. Brand yourself.
Every pitch needs that graf about who you are and why you’re amazing and your experience/background, writing credits, etc. Refine this graf. Live it, breathe it, love it. It is your best friend. It needs to be on the tip of your tongue every time you meet someone new and every time you pitch an editor. It should seem effortless and natural but also impressive. Don’t be boastful but also don’t be modest. Sell yourself as much as you’re selling your ideas.
Be sure that you have active social media accounts (Twitter, especially) and that you're especially engaged with the topic(s) that you're looking to cover... and that you're not posting things on your personal accounts that prospective editors/employers would be horrified to see.
11. Keep track of every work-related expense.
Find a good accountant who can help you with itemized deductions. Check with the city you live in to see if you need a business license to operate as a freelancer. (Word to the wise: in SF and LA, as a freelancer, you do.)
Are there any other specific questions that you have about freelance writing? Ask me and I'll answer them in the comments...
