Lyndi's Writing Prescription Sixteen

“Success comes to a writer as a rule, so gradually that it is always something of a shock to him to look back and realize the heights to which he has climbed.” -P.G. Wodehouse

Just the other day, a writer-friend asked about landing freelance writing work – how could she go about finding a gig? Freelance writing jobs don’t generally fall in your lap. Here are five tips that will help you get in the right frame of mind for freelancing and increase your chances for landing assignments.

1. New Angles on Old Ideas:

Finding a truly original idea is rare. Most topics have been covered dozens of times in magazines. It’s not about finding a new idea; it’s finding a new angle on a topic that’s important to the magazine’s audience.

2. Query Early:

Some magazines publish a month in advance while others work up to six months in advance. Don’t write an article on Halloween in September and expect it to be accepted for publication. Keep in mind each magazine’s production schedule when you are querying.

3. Send an example of your writing in your query letter:

Typically when you pitch an article to a magazine editor, you send along your idea in query form and wait for the editor to accept it before writing the piece. If the editor has never worked with you before, he or she may be hesitant to pull the trigger on giving you the assignment. To “write a piece on spec” means to write the entire article before receiving any type of contract. If you submit a completed article for consideration, the editor will be able to see that you can deliver. Also, with magazine staff at minimal levels these days, a completed piece that’s ready to go is more likely to appeal to a busy editor than a piece that requires a lot of his or her attention.

4. Start by Thinking Small:

Breaking into the world’s largest magazines, like Sports Illustrated and Vanity Fair, is difficult. Smaller publications are more willing to take a risk on writers they don’t know, so long as the idea is really good. Work on getting freelance gigs in these smaller magazines to build up some experience and credits. These will go a long way when you’re ready to start pitching the big guns.

5. Take Risks:

Don’t be afraid to walk outside your comfort zone and write on topics you’d never dream you’d write about. One of the best parts of being a freelance writer is that you aren’t confined to any one subject. Keep your eyes and your mind open. You never know where it may lead you.

Websites to check out:

Major magazines www.PubList.com

Http://elance.com/freelance-jobs

www.placesforwriters.com

http://jobs.freelanceswitch.com/

www.online-writing-jobs.com/

www.freelancewritinggigs.com/ifreelance.com

http://poewar.com/jobs-by-category/

Word of the day- INTRANSIGENT (adj): unwilling to compromise, especially from an extreme point of view/position.

Character flaw # HARD: a person who is difficult to deal with, manage, control, overcome, or understand. Hard emotions, hard hearted.