How do I break into the writing biz?

October 19, 2007 10:46 AM

I'm published, but not here. How do I continue to get further into the writing business?

I lived abroad and was published in various English language magazines, but now I'm back in the real world of Washington DC. How to I approach someone to buy my work, and who should I ask? I have the most experience with travel writing and restaurant reviews, but I'm willing and able to do pretty much anything. I recognize that I will, most likely, start by scraping the bottom of the barrel, and I'm okay with that.

Craigslist is all well and good, but the ads there are usually for start ups begging people for free submissions. I'm not necessarily in it for the money, but I'm not too cool with just giving away my work.

posted by borkingchikapa to Work & Money (3 answers total)

Get a copy of Writer's Market. Research the pubs you'd like to target. Put together a query. Submit. It's not as hard as it seems. You might want to start with travel and restaurant pubs, so that your existing work fits with what you're going after.

Steer clear of Craigslist. I think only university students take those jobs, given the lack of pay (and the low pay).
posted by acoutu at 11:27 AM on October 19, 2007

Consider writing for DCist. They don't pay, but it's a great group of people, and a fantastic way of making connections in the city (DCist alums have gone on to work at the Examiner, WaPo Express, Huffington Post, etc). More on the specifics here.
posted by ethorson at 11:42 AM on October 19, 2007

Rule number one: Read the pub you want to write for backwards and forwards and then pitch them something you think fits well. Nothing will make an editor ignore you harder than pitching a story they would never run.

Rule number two: Hit your deadlines. Editors love writers who hit deadlines.

Rule three: Learn to love Ramen, because most barrel-bottom pubs pay barrel-bottom rates.
posted by Camofrog at 11:51 AM on October 19, 2007