Breaking into Freelance Writing
(from the class of the same name)
By Wendy Burt
In teaching my class "Break Into Freelance Writing," I often write
follow-up letters to my students to let them know I am available for support
as they venture into the world of freelancing. Of the return correspondence
I have received in the last six months, I have noticed an interesting
pattern.
For many, the writing is blossoming. They have tapped into new sources
of creative energy, joined local writers groups for support, and written
fabulous manuscripts....which sit upon the shelf gathering dust.
The problem for most is not a lack of talent, but a fear of rejection.
Many of the students have still not attempted to submit their work for
publication. It is as if the confidence and passion to market their work
were suddenly blown away by a strong gust of wind as they exited the building
at the college after my class.
With this in mind, I have created a take-home pamphlet to help students
maintain their courage from the classroom to the computer. It is a
step-by-step guide to motivate even the most intimidated writer--a refresher
to take the sting out of the often confusing process of marketing your work
for publication.
FINDING MARKETS
1. Buy the 2001 Writer's Market. If you're not familiar with it, the 1100+
page book is the Bible for freelance writers. For less than $30 you'll get a
list of almost all the major publications out there today. If you've got the
2000 version, you may want to consider upgrading. In addition to having new
markets and hundreds of updates from the 2000 version, the 2001 version lists
even more e-mail addresses, which can save a lot of money on postage for
queries.
If you've already got the book and are looking for even more markets,
consider some of the following ideas:
2. Look for online markets. If you've got access to the Internet, use a
search engine to find responses to such key phrases as "submissions wanted",
"writers wanted," and "call for submissions." The other advantage to this
method is that because they're listed on the Web, many of these publications
will allow you to send queries and/or submissions via e-mail, which will save
you not only money, but time.
3. Submit to magazines you read. One of the top pet peeve of editors is
writers who submit without reading their magazine first Be sure to write to
the appropriate column editor and specify in your query letter that you're a
subscriber or frequent reader. You may even want to mention a recent article
that you enjoyed, citing the particular issue and author. This will give you
a leg up in place of a long list of published pieces, and may even make them
more likely to request your manuscript.
CREATING A QUERY LETTER
A query is letter proposing an article or story concept. It is sent with
the intention of gaining enough of the editor's interest to lead them to
request that you send the manuscript to them to read. Most of the larger
magazines require a query first and will often return an unsolicited
manuscript without even reading it.
1. Address the editor properly. This means taking the time to research the
correct name. Look at a recent issue of the publication or call if you need
to. If you're pitching an idea geared toward a certain column, address your
query to the editor of that column, if there is one. If editor is a male,
begin with "Dear Mr. Smith". If it is a woman, use "Dear Ms. Smith". If it
is a gender neutral, use the full name, i.e. "Dear Chris Thompson".
2. Include credentials or clips if you. If you have less than five published
pieces, feel free to name them in your query letter. If you have not been
previously published, mention that you would be happy to send other writing
samples upon request - assuming you have other samples - or write on for
free if you're willing to do it to get published.
3. ALWAYS include a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope). In the top left
corner write the name of the publication it went to. Underline it and write
the one or two word name that represents the name of your article, poem or
story underneath it. Put your return address on the back flap. This way, if
the publication responds with just a general rejection (or acceptance) card,
you know to which piece they are referring.
THE SUBMISSION
1. Use a professional format. If your query leads to a manuscript request, be
sure to set up your submission professionally. You want to be judged on the
quality of your writing, not the format of your submission. Be sure to put
your name, address, phone number and e-mail are on the cover letter which
accompanies your manuscript.
2. Let the editor know if another publication is reviewing your piece. If you
are sending your manuscript to other editors for review, indicate that your
manuscript is a "simultaneous submission."
3. Be courteous. Be sure to end your cover letter with a "Thank You" in some
form and sign your name to your letter - in pen.
4. Use regular mail. Unless otherwise indicated, always mail a hard copy
(paper) submission. Don't fax, e-mail or submit on disc unless an editor has
requested you to do so.
5. Master the art of mailing. Consider investing in some labels to save time
and make submissions look more professional. Use large envelopes (9" X 12")
rather than folding your submission into a standard #10 envelope.
KEEPING GOOD RECORDS
1) Always include the date on your submission and in your records. This is
important for follow-ups. It allows the editor to search for your submission
(in her slush pile) by date, and shows that you are a professional.
2) Keep good records of to whom you sent your submission. This will remind
you to whom to aim your follow up. It will also be a good reference when
editors change.
