Are you working this summer? Are you looking for, waiting for or hoping for writing work? Well, I have some ideas for you.
First, while in the process of compiling the SPAWN Market Update (absolutely the best newsletter around for freelance writers, authors and others who want to publish and/or promote their work), I stumbled across what appears to be a good service for freelance writers. It’s called HARO (Help a Reporter). I thought I’d share my findings with you.
HARO, the brainchild of Peter Shankman, is a place where reporters, journalists, authors and freelance writers can go to post their editorial needs and where authors can go to discover opportunities to get exposure for their books. Here’s how it works: you sign up at http://www.helpareporter.com and twice a day Shankman emails you lists of reporters’ needs.
This morning’s listing included 35 items. Here’s a sampling: A reporter or freelance writer needs to talk to an expert on small business tax issues, someone wants to know how you use social networking sites as a marketing tool, First Magazine is seeking embarrassing stories, Parade Magazine wants you to help them find the best apples, someone is writing a book on wedding calamities and they need input and another individual wants your experiences with learning vacations.
Of course, you can sign up with your special journalistic need, as well. Maybe you want to quote one more expert for your piece on fly fishing or you need additional references for your book.
How could HARO help you find work? Let me count the ways:
• You’ll meet other journalists and magazine editors who may be good resources for you.
• You’ll learn about new and obscure publications you could approach.
• You’ll get ideas for articles.
• You’ll tune into what topics are hot.
Here are two freelance writing job directories (also taken from the SPAWN Market Update). I’m telling you, if you want to stay in the groove with job directories, ways to get exposure for your book, classes and other resources to help you learn your way around the publishing industry and so much more, you really ought to join SPAWN now. It’s only $45/year and you get a free book from a choice of 6 titles, including The Successful Writer’s Handbook by Patricia Fry and The Fine Print of Self-Publishing by Mark Levine.
Online Job Directories
http://www.journalismjobs.com
http:/allfreelance.com/index.html
Let us know if you land a job using these resources.
If you want to learn more about how to break into the freelance article-writing business, sign up for my on-demand, online article-writing course. http://www.matilijapress.com/course_magarticles.htm