This morning a freelance-writer friend emailed me with news that an editor from a new (to her) magazine had tracked her down and wanted an article from her. She was certainly pleased. It’s always thrilling to get an assignment without having to do all of the legwork, creative-thinking, pitching, begging…
I responded to her email with congratulations and by saying that freelance writers who stay in the business for any length of time enjoy some wonderful opportunities and experiences.
So what are some of the gifts that writers receive?
• Assignments, of course. It does happen—editors will see your article in a competitor’s magazine and commission you to write one for them. Editors and publishers also go on the prowl for good writers at blog sites. If you’ve been putting off establishing a blog, this is one good reason why to move forward with it.
• Perks. As a journalist or freelance writer, you may be invited to tour an off-limits area, meet high profile people, have interesting experiences, etc. that most people wouldn’t have. Because of my status as a freelance writer, I’ve been given private tours of massive natural gardens, a bird rehabilitation center, factories, amazing homes, etc. I was even invited to enter a cage with a pair of Pallas cats at a zoo in Denver years ago in order to photograph the wild cats for a story.
• Opportunities. Since I wrote regularly for The Toastmaster Magazine for many years, I was noticed. In 2006, I was invited to be the keynote speaker at a Toastmaster convention. I said YES and I was presented with an all expenses paid trip to Dubai where I spoke before 800 Toastmasters from all over the Middle East.
If you’ve been freelancing for any length of time, you’ve probably already experienced some of the gifts that come with the profession. I’d like to hear about some of them. PLFry620@yahoo.com. Or leave your comment here.
Sign up for one of my 7 online courses:
http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm
Learn more about my services:
http://www.patriciafry.com
I got a private tour behind the scenes before hours at the local zoo, with all the scoops on the rescue animals when I wrote a funding request article. Another such assignment took me behind the scenes at a horse and burro rescure. Yet another got me a private hay ride around a huge truck farm–and I got to help wrangle 1,000 baby checks. Just like being back home on the farm. Great photos ops every one. All three of the articles brought much-needed funds to the sites and the writer as well