I read two good articles on freelance writing this week. In fact, it seems as though I’m seeing more about freelance writing in the publishing mainstream this year than in past years. It could be because of the economy. Isn’t practically everything that seems new and different these days a reaction to the economy? Well, it follows that there would be more information, ideas and education related to freelance work at a time when so many people are jobless.
There are a lot of unfortunate aspects to this phenomenon, but I can tell you that lack of information and education about freelance writing is not one of them. What’s so unfortunate about the freelance writing business during these economic times?
• There’s more competition—more people wanting to freelance.
• There are fewer magazines using fewer pieces.
• Many new magazines are not paying writers.
• Some magazines have lowered their rate of pay.
• Some magazines are having trouble paying their writers at all.
I’ve been writing for publication for over 35 years. I supported myself through article-writing for about 20 years. And I can tell you that this has always been a tough business to break into and to maintain. Most people find it impossible for two reasons—they just don’t understand the nature of the business and what it takes to break in and maintain a career as a freelance article-writer and/or they don’t have expertise in an evergreen or popular topic.
Many writers don’t realize that they need some sort of special knowledge or guidance in order to break in and succeed.
Of course, I write about freelance writing often in my blog and for writing newsletters and magazines. I’ve even written a book on the topic. Some of you may have A Writer’s Guide to Magazine Articles. It’s only $6.50 at http://www.matilijapress.com/writingpage.html.
The two articles that caught my eye this week are both by Marcia Yudkin, a veteran writer who, according to her bio, has excelled at turning words and ideas into money. In these articles, she shares some of her ideas for doing just that. For example, she says that magazine editors are looking for good article ideas, of course, but also they want to work with writers who “have an appealing edge over other writers.” And that “edge” might include research ability, firsthand knowledge of the topic, access to experts within that field or area of interest, expertise, dependability and promptness. Read this complete article in World Wide Freelance Writer newsletter, May 6, 2009 edition.
http://www.worldwidefreelance.com
Her other piece, “Why Don’t Magazine Editors Like My Article Ideas?” is the Feature Article of the Month in the Writer’s Editors online newsletter.
http://www.writers.editors.com
If you are trying to break in to freelance article-writing or if you have been writing for magazines for a while, but you’re not getting much work, consider reading these articles. Also study the articles on this topic at my website and at the SPAWN website.
http://www.matilijapress.com/articles.htm
http://www.spawn.org
And subscribe to appropriate newsletters and magazines. Of course, membership in SPAWN will bring with it access to the SPAWN Market Update, which is full of information, jobs and other opportunities for freelance writers each month. http://www.spawn.org (Click on “Join SPAWN Now.” Membership $45/year.)
Sign up for my freelance article-writing course.
http://www.matilijapress.com/course_magarticles.htm
As always, I invite you to contact me with your questions, comments or concerns. Use the comment feature at this blog site or contact me here: PLFry620@yahoo.com