Freelancewritingtips.com

New book on freelance writing says success is still possible – with hard work

Hard work and realism are the keys to unlocking a successful freelance writing career according to a new book offering straight-talking advice on sustaining a profitable income.

Author and journalist Linda Jones has written Freelance Writing, Straightforward Advice from a Woman Who Knows, five years after an earlier book met critical acclaim and was dubbed ‘the freelancers’ bible’ by one reviewer.

Those years have seen turbulent times for freelance writers, with lucrative markets shrinking as publications continue to close or freeze freelance budgets. For many, the best advice for wannabe freelance writers may be ‘don’t bother.’

So you want to be a journalist? Helpers needed

Have you seen news of the So you want to be a journalist event?

This one-day gathering of some of the most respected UK journalists and innovators will be a sure-fire boost for aspiring hacks, offering up inspiration, advice from top professionals and a reality check for anyone wondering what it really takes - and if they have it.

Here's what the website tells us about what's on:

We’re not going to lie…getting into journalism isn’t easy. It’s always been a competitive industry, but in a tough economic climate, when many media outlets are doing more firing than hiring, getting a foot in the door has never been so hard. So how can you make sure you stand out from the crowd?

So you want to be a journalist is your chance to find out. This unique, one-day conference brings together top industry professionals from newspaper, magazine, online and broadcast journalism. They’ll give you the inside track  – warts and all – on the skills, attributes and experience you need to break into the profession. Visit our speakers page for a list of confirmed speakers.

Authors' advice: Should you pitch to an agent or publisher?

I'VE seen lots of discussion of this, with contradictory opinions expressed. I've also attended writers' groups and events where the same question arises. It's hard sometimes to know who to believe. 

So when I asked for challenges to address here, it was no surprise that this  was one of the first raised, from blogger and former production director CoffeeCurls. 

Is it a better idea to pitch your book idea to an agent or a publisher?

My experience

My view has always been that for fiction you should pitch an agent, while with non-fiction you may want to talk directly to a publisher. Guidance I latched on to was if you are an unknown writer, there may not be enough money to be made in non-fiction by an agent working on your behalf -- the publisher could offer a tiny advance and/or royalties. This is definitely the case with small presses responsible for many non-fiction titles.

Can you support a family as a freelance writer?

Thanks to Huw for this question.

Here's my answer.

Yes you can. I'm basing that on my experience as someone who has built up writing work over several years and the experience of other parents who work as freelance writers. But, guess what, it's not easy. (Already I feel like I'm stating the obvious - sorry.) Rates have hit a downward spiral for one thing and publications or sections that used to welcome freelance contributions are no longer so accommodating. More seem to be springing up, asking you to write for free. Many freelance journalists and writers, whether they are parents or not, will tell you how much of a struggle they are finding things.

My own situation is that at times I have been the sole earner due to my husband being made redundant and at present he can't work. We have twins aged 13.

Welcome back: Book, blog and events news

Hello there, thanks for dropping by. I'm now back here in the run-up to my new book, Freelance Writing, coming out in April.

I'm also due to speak at the Chipping Norton literary festival in April and at the Cybher conference on May 12. 

Upcoming posts requested so far are:

• Can you make a living (enough to support a family) from freelance writing?
• Focus on pitching a literary agent or publisher
• How to invoice and keep track of income/expenditure

Had a lovely time in beautiful Britain? Family travel writing contest call for submissions

The Have a Lovely Time family travel and activities website is calling for submissions in a travel writing competition celebrating Beautiful Britain.

The family travel writing contest has a top prize of £200, a second prize of a weekend stay at the Park Inn in historic York and 10 English Heritage family passes for everyone finishing in the top ten, as well as a copy of Travelling with Children, by Catherine Cooper, one of the competition’s judges.

There’s also a mystery prize on offer for the entry voted readers’ favourite after the competition closes on October 1, 2011.

We want to celebrate all that’s great about family tourism in our stunning land. That might include breathtaking  adventures in the Lakes, laughing til your sides ache at a family-friendly Edinburgh festival, savouring the splendour of the West Wales coastline, a Devon cream tea or a knees up at a holiday park…or of course plenty more.

Case study request: Did you fail to lose weight because of liquid calorie intake?

I'M looking for men or women who have launched a weight loss/healthy eating regime/diet (whatever you are comfortable calling it...) but it suffered because they drank too many calorie-laden drinks such as sugary pop or milky coffees.

Please get in touch by email (linda[at]passionatemedia.co.uk) if you think this could apply to you. My deadline is Thursday July 7 and there is a thank you of £100 in vouchers for those chosen to be included in a resulting national media article.

Thank you so much to anyone who can help.

 

 

Case study request: Did you mix drink and medication on holiday abroad?

IF so, a national newspaper is interested in featuring your experience.

You need to be photographed and named to appear in a piece warning of the dangers or complications of taking regular medication while on holiday and ending up mixing this with alcohol while in the holiday spirit.

Anyone featured will receive £100 worth of vouchers from their favourite store as a thank you. My deadline is Tuesday, May 17 at midday.

Please email me, Lindajonespassionatemedia[at]gmail.com if you can help. This request applies to men and women and I haven't been given an age range.

Thanks to anyone who can help.

 

Women's fiction bloggers and moderator wanted

AUTHOR Kate Allan has posted the following on JournoBiz:

She says:

Looking 2-3 writers with an existing interest in romantic/women's fiction to blog about it as part of a new social media website, and also 1 forum moderator.

Please email me with an brief introduction, what kinds of topics you would blog about and your availability and rates.

Also looking for a forum moderator - passion about women's fiction more important than previous experience in moderating.

You can reach Kate on kate.allan[at]gmail.com

Digital agency Made by Many seeks copywriter

THE following opportunity comes from Sara Williams at Made by Many.

You can read Sara's original post here:

We're hiring:middleweight writer

Please direct any requests for more information to the email address included at the end of this post.

We’re on the hunt for a thoughtful, articulate copywriter to join us at the Wharf. 

Background-wise, we’re looking for someone who has been writing and editing for three to five years: this is a job for a professional writer, not an aspiring wordsmith. Digital copywriting experience is critical.