A couple of new websites for writers and some freelance opportunities

HELLO! Not been around for a while due to a deadline mountain but I've been contacted about a couple of new websites for writers, so here I am passing on the information in the hope it may be useful.

First off is The Crafty Writer. As the latest post is about talking animals in stories I was intrigued. (Can't think why!) I enjoyed reading this blog. It's also plugging the services of experienced writers who can work with those hoping to make more of a splash with their writing.

And anyone who includes this headline on a piece about the gorgeous Alex Gazzola is okay by me. (I say gorgeous as it will make Alex cross.) Still, he offers some excellent advice.

Next up is a new venture called The Hardline which is billed as a showcase for new writing talent and is the brainchild of Steve Sweeney, a new writer whose work has made me go 'wow' I'd like to see some more of that. As I jumped at the chance have been persuaded to send in one of my own short stories for inclusion, I'll be watching what happens to The Hardline with interest. It's set to launch on April 2, by the way.

Just a quick mention of some freelance opportunities that are doing the rounds, just in case you haven't picked up on them as yet.

Rob Hume from the RSPB magazine, Birds, is looking for new contributors.

He says: "Birds is for the members of the RSPB and centres largely on RSPB work and RSPB supported projects. We would not, for example, have features on 'great birdwatching places' either at home or abroad, or exciting holidays, or even exciting and worthwhile projects to save places - we have too many of our own priorities to squeeze in and only four issues a year. We do not deal, either, with captive or domestic birds of any kind, nor with looking after sick or injured birds. Our field is entirely the conservation of wild birds. So, if a writer would like to write for Birds or any other RSPB publication, the best idea is to look carefully at what we produce and then send an e-mail or give me a call. It is often better that way than to work on a finished feature only to find that it is unsuitable. I am keen to find good writers, so it is worth a try."

You can contact him by email.

Journalism.co.uk has details of an agency looking for home-based news correspondents based in London and the South East.

The following message has come through the Journalist Directory at Response Source:

Message sent from: Phil Donnan
Email address: aplimited13@yahoo.co.uk
Job title: Editor
Publication: Ards Post
Message:

Hello, we are a small free newspaper operating in northern ireland. We are currently looking for articles from journalists in the uk. Please feel free to contact us regarding this matter.

There's also a shout-out for contributors to Wizzit magazine over at JournoBiz. Destinations to pitch about are listed on the forum so get yourself to to JournoBiz forums if you want more details.

With all these jobs, bear in mind that they are unlikely to thank you for getting in touch if you can't actually meet their brief or have relevant experience. You may think that's tough. That's just the way it is.

I've been asked to flag up any opportunities for greeting cards writers. I'm afraid to say this isn't my area at all. But I have seen there's a new posting at Writethismoment with details of an opening in the US. I can't include a link as a small payment is needed for this site, which uploads news of new opportunities each week.

Comments

[Fiona]

Linda, don't abandon Dotty! She's a delight. There may also be an opportunity for piggyback marketing through an aquarium. I was at one in Whitley Bay the other day and they were selling some children's books written by a local author about some of the 'inmates' of the aquarium. Now I've written one about a Great White Shark - wonder if Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town would be interested. Mine's called Whitey by the way; wonder what would happen if Whitey and Dotty met up. He doesn't waste much time on talking though.

[Gregg]

Hi,
After reading this great post, my first reaction was that I'm pretty sure that you can find what your looking for in a site called Triond.
I myself am a young freelance writer in diapers. I publish most of my stuff on their network and usually get great feedback from other writers. I took the liberty of posting a link under my name so you can check them out.
Thanks
Gregg