How to Get Your Writing Published

Freelance journalism can be both lucrative and rewarding, plus you get to work in your pyjamas or in coffee shops, or both if you're feeling brave. It's also highly competitive, and a lot of writers spend large chunks of their time pitching for work.

You're probably not in a position to pursue a full time writing career, unless you fancy living on nothing but beans while you get established. The good news is that you don't have to.

Freelance writing is something you can pursue in your spare time, whether you're stuck in an unfulfilling temp job or studying at university. The work is out there - you just need to learn how to ask for it.

THE RIGHT IDEA

Make sure you're selling something specific. Vague emails asking for "some freelance work" will almost certainly be ignored. Think of yourself as a salesperson. When you turn up on someone's doorstep, they'll want to know exactly what you're selling

You need a strong, focused idea. This could be a topic that you think would suit a regular slot or column in a specific publication. If there's a different name on it every time, it's probably open to freelancers. Or you might have an idea that could be adapted to suit one of several publications, depending on who wants it. You should always have at least one specific publication in mind.

Your idea also needs to be new. Have they (or their rivals) done anything similar recently? And why they would want to print this article now? Does it have a news-related hook? For example, is it tied into a recent political event, some newly-announced research, a film release or a new product launch?

Imagine the editor you're approaching shrugging and asking you why their readers would care. What would you tell them? Why would someone want to read it? Why is it right for their publication? Whether you want to write about politics or pony-trekking, your idea needs to pass the "So what?" test.

TAKING IT PERSONALLY

Don't bother writing to generic email addresses that begin with something like editorial@ or info@. You need to approach someone by name, and it needs to be the right name. That won't be the overall editor, unless it's a very small publication, as they usually have very little to do with commissioning freelancers. 

So how do you find out who's in charge of a particular slot, page or section? For starters, look for the publication's own list of contacts, if they've got one. You're looking for a features editor, commissioning editor or similar.

But what if you can't find a contacts list or there are numerous sections, each with their own editors? Media guides like The Writer's Handbook can be helpful, as can internet search engines. And don't be afraid to pick up the phone, call the switchboard and ask.

WHAT TO SEND

An email with a clear title:

If you're just starting out then email is often your best bet. You can take the time to craft your proposal, rather than running the risk of finding yourself on the phone to a short-tempered editor with your mind suddenly blank.

Your subject line can fight half the battle for you by getting the editor interested. You should try to include the name of the slot or section you want to write for and a brief summary of your idea.

Your pitch:

You need to write a clear, concise proposal. If you've come up with a news-related hook as described above, briefly explain it. List any specific questions or topics you would cover. Include details of anyone you plan to interview, such as people from a particular profession. If you can provide pictures to accompany the article then say so.

A very brief biography:

This is worth including if (and only if) you have something relevant to tell them, such as recent writing experience or links to online work. If you don't, leave it out. Everyone's got to start somewhere and if your ideas are strong then someone will give you a break if you keep trying.

WHAT NOT TO SEND

Your CV:

You might be asked for one, but don't send it as a matter of course, because it probably won't be read. Section editors tend to be very busy and most people don't like receiving email attachments they haven't asked for.

Writing samples:

Again, only send these if you're asked, as unsolicited email attachments may well irritate or just be ignored.

Completed articles:

You need to sell the idea, then write to the specifications they give you. It's a bit like decorating someone's house for them: you've got to agree on the colours before you get the paintbrush out, or in this case you need a word count and maybe some extra direction. It's okay to have a go at writing it just to check that you can do it, but only ever send in an outline of your idea.

An email with spelling mistakes in it:

You're showcasing your writing ability. Don't let yourself down.

THEY'VE SAID YES! WHAT DO I DO NOW?

 Don't panic:

If they've said yes, it means they think it's a good idea and you're capable of writing it.

 Ask for a word count and stick to it:

Word counts are provided for a very specific reason. You're writing to fill a set space, so going massively over or under will mean that someone has to take the time to cut or pad your piece.

A general guideline is to allow a margin of no more than 10% either way. Chances are some editing will be needed anyway, and if in doubt it's better to go a little over so there's something to cut. If you're considerably over-length, it's always worth looking at your first paragraph - you'll usually find you can lose it.

 Ask for a deadline and stick to it:

Always assume that deadlines are non-negotiable, because missing a deadline without a good reason will not impress. If you have a genuine reason for needing more time, let the editor know as soon as possible.

They should understand if you tell them straightaway - they won't be so sympathetic if they find out two hours after the article was due in. And the reason really does need to be good. Deadline-dodgers don't tend to get a second commission.

Ask what fee they're offering:

Most people baulk at the idea of talking about money, but a breezy "Can I just check what the fee for this slot is?" won't do any harm. The amount you can earn varies wildly - the National Union of Journalists has a freelance fees guide which is worth a look.

Of course, money isn't everything. Some journalists are willing to write for low rates or for free, for a variety of reasons, while others aren't willing to do so. Whether you think it's worth it is your decision.

Find out if they want the article "on spec":

Some editors will ask you to write "on spec" if you're new to them. This means that they only have to pay you for the article if they decide to use it. Again, whether you write "on spec" is your decision. Consider how much time you'll have to spend on the article and how badly you want to write for that particular publication.

Find out if they pay "on publication":

This means paying you when the article is printed, not when you submit it. Which might not sound like a big deal, but some journalists liken payment on publication to walking into the supermarket, picking up a loaf of bread and saying "I'm going to eat this next Tuesday, so I'll pay for it then. If I like it."

Bear in mind that payment on publication could potentially mean spending months waiting for your money, but it is a common practice and some publications do cough up quickly, although sadly not all of them.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR ARTICLE

Keep it simple:

Your best bet is to send your article in the body of an email, with a clear subject line that lets the editor know it's enclosed. This might come as a surprise but most publications, especially newspapers, won't expect you to write your own headline and won't appreciate it if you do (sending in your own headline is, perhaps unfairly, regarded as a sign that the writer's an amateur). It's worth including one if you're writing for a smaller publication, but if it's a newspaper, don't bother.

Keep it clean:

Have you checked for errors (simply running the spellchecker doesn't count)? Have you checked and double-checked your facts? Are all names spelled correctly? Have you included all relevant information, such as the full name, age, job title and hometown of anyone you have quoted?

Include a phone number:

If the person editing your piece has a query, they'll need to be able to contact you. Make sure this will be possible, and don't panic if it happens.

Don't worry if it all goes quiet:

It's often the case that if your article's fine then you won't hear anything more about it. Sometimes it will even make it into print without you being told beforehand! It's okay to send a quick email saying you'd like to check the piece was received alright and asking when it will appear, but daily nagging will annoy.

Tell the tax man:

Most freelance fees won't be taxed "at source". In other words, you're likely to be paid tax-free, but you'll need to account for this later. While some people choose to take their chances, you should declare it. Call HM Revenue & Customs for more information on how to go about this.

BUZZ WORDS

Copy:

The text of your article. For example, someone might say: "Please email me the copy by next Wednesday."

Byline:

The writer's name. Contrary to popular opinion, you do not have a legal right to a byline, i.e. to have your work labelled with your name. However, you do have a legal right not to have it labelled with somebody else's name, which is called "false attribution".

House style:

The publication's writing style and tone of voice. While it's important to have your own voice, you need to be flexible and able to adapt that voice to different audiences. Remember that you are not writing for yourself but for that particular publication and its readers.

Writing on spec:

Submitting an article without any guarantee that it will be printed or paid for.

Kill fee:

A fee paid for an article that has been commissioned and then not used, which is also sometimes referred to as "spiking" a piece. Some publications pay in full if this happens, while others do not.

 Sub:

A sub is someone who edits text and writes headlines. If there's a query about something you've written, they'll probably be the ones calling you up.

Flat plan:

A page by page plan of what's going into the publication.

Splash:

A newspaper's front page story.

Spread:

This is short for "double page spread", which is sometimes abbreviated to DPS.

Press day:

The final deadline for a magazine or newspaper (unless it's a daily, in which case they're always "on deadline"). This is the day they've got to have everything finished and ready for print.

USEFUL LINKS:

 http://www.journobiz.com

http://www.journalism.co.uk

http://www.thewritershandbook.com

http://www.londonfreelance.org/feesguide/

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/

Anne Wollenberg is a journalist specialising in entertainment, technology and lifestyle. She has written for various publications including Technology Guardian and The Guardian Weekend Magazine, and can be contacted on annewollenberg@gmail.com.