Freelance journalism: Start low and aim high?

WHEN you're starting out as a freelance journalist, how realistic is it to write for mass circulation publications?

Breaking news: It's not that easy.

I was interviewing Andrew Dickson from Guardian Unlimited today in connection with a piece I'm working on and said to him that commissioning editors there weren't as intimidating as others.

There's a view among freelancers that they were more open than most to new ideas, I told him.

But of course he was quick to stress that there's still stringent quality control!

In my opinion, it all comes down to knowing you can deliver. If you aren't sure, you shouldn't pitch.

Having encouraged work experience people, students, trainees and wannabe freelance journalists over the years, what strikes me isn't their lack of writing skills, I'm sure they can write better than I can in lots of cases.

But what can irk me is an apparent lack of grasp on reality. You can't just pick a subject, say you are going to write about it, and expect an editor to roll over. And if they do - are you sure you know what the hell to do?

Can you expect the people you are going to write about to be found easily? Will they agree to speak to you?

Then you may have to - shock horror - ask difficult questions, and not make yourself look a total prat by leaving out lots of important detail and when pressed by the editor say: "Oh they didn't say."

Personally, I wouldn't encourage being over ambitious - but there will always be exceptions, if the idea or story is good enough then it's going to get in. This is in direct contradiction to Diane's post, isn't it?

There are also slots that can be filled by anyone who can write, and there have been some excellent success stories from students and 'newbie' writers - but my (rather grumpy) point is that doesn't set you up for a career in journalism! Learn the basics first. [Linda]

Comments

[maidiya00]

I think starting low could also mean, for the student freelancer, to start publishing their work on sites like Allvoices, where your article gets viewer ship from thousands of people and you get feedback too on your work. Earning cash is another use.

http://www.allvoices.com/register/ask1

[Freelance Writing Jobs]

The starting point for any freelance work always start at low but aim high. It's like a saying that expect a little but aim high.