Keys to Freelancing: Market Before You Write

A few years back I wrote a article titled “Texas Poker League Hits Invercargill, New Zealand”, which i specifically wrote for a local newspaper. After some good feedback from my journalism tutor at the time, I decided to submit it to a local newspaper. Without any warning, I fired through a e-mail containing my article, expecting a reply. One week later, no reply. Two weeks later, still nothing. By that time it was too late, the article was ageing and it wouldn’t benefit any of the local newspapers. I decided to submit it to Triond and it is still my best article yet with over 400 views. I did learn one valuble lesson though, always market your work and ideas before you write or submit to any newspapers or magazines.

1, Do your research

Always investigate the magazine or newspaper you are willing to submit work to. Check their house style and subjects they most often write about. If you believe your articles would suit their newspaper/magazine, take the next step, write a query letter. You can normally find the editors e-mail address or postal address on the contents page.

2. E-mail or write to the editor.

Write a query letter,  putting forward your ideas and any information regarding the subject you are willing to write aboout. Include who you wish to interview or gain quotes from, amount of words and if  photos will be included.Note your writing experience and any previous articles that have been published. Make sure your spelling and punctuation is perfect, if your query letter comes across badly then you probably don’t stand a chance of getting your idea accepted. . E-mail is the quickest option , you are most likely to recieve a quicker reply ,compared to writing a letter which could take weeks.

3. Recieving a reply.

If the reply is good news, you can go ahead and write your article, knowing what is expected of you. Make sure you stick to the guidelines and submit your work by the deadline required. If your reply is bad news, you can further investigate your next idea, knowing you haven’t wasted time by writing an article which isn’t going anywhere.

There is the odd time when you don’t have time to market your work, whether it is a breaking story or article which must be submitted straight away for any chance of publication. There is nothing you can do about that. If you are ever willing to cover a sports event, let the newspaper/magazine know a month in advance, giving them time to check out their freelance budget and space allocation. If you get a quick reply which states “No”, you can always forward your idea on to the next publication. You save yourself valuble time and embarrasement.