An award-winning journalist breaks down the types of query letters at a freelance writer’s disposal and when to use each to land assignments. Sometimes—and this is usually after you’ve sent out the first dozen query letters and received a couple of acceptances—you won’t need to send out pitch after pitch to solicit assignments. You’ll still […]
Why Your Story Ideas Are Key To Getting Freelance Assignments
A journalist who’s written for The New York Times and TIME on generating story ideas that will impress editors. Most freelance writers I know want ready-made assignments without having to send through any story ideas. They can’t wait to be established enough that editors find their websites and email them to offer work. And it’s […]
5 Questions To Ask About Every Article Idea That Will Help It Sell
Use the following checklist to determine whether you have a winner or another stale idea that the editor’s been rejecting for years. How do you know whether your brilliant article idea will strike a chord and get you the assignment or land your carefully crafted pitch in the slush? Use the following checklist to determine […]
Stop Obsessing And Send That Query NOW
Five tips from an award-winning journalist to help you hit send on that pitch. Obsessing over whether to send that query or work on it a little more? You’re not alone. Far too many writers get into the habit of obsessing over a single pitch or query letter, rather than doing the best they can […]
6 Mistakes That Cost You Money And Assignments
A six-figure freelancer on the mistakes that will cost you clients. Some may surprise you. Sometimes, you don’t get second chances. If you offend an editor, it’s unlikely she’ll send more work your way. If you don’t muster up the courage to ask for higher pay, you won’t get that chance again until a new […]