Re-post: Getting the first byline

The Living, Breathing, Writing Kindle Blog has been in existence for six years - from now through August I am re-posting revised blogs from the earliest weeks in addition to the normal weekly posts. Each re-posted blog will feature a Writing Exercise, a Writing Prompt and a Challenge Assignment.

So you’ve made up your mind to write for publication. Before you romanticize your newest career choice and imagine yourself rolling in royalties, let’s have a reality check.

#1- Most editors, even those who are looking for a bargain, want someone with published credits to his name. #2- And even more dismaying, many publications tell you up front that byline credit and/or a free publication copy is considered payment. While #2 doesn’t help pay the rent, it does help you build those credits to satisfy #1.

If you have never been published before, here are a few things you can do to start building your publishing credits:

Check out your local publications, particularly the ones dealing with your specific community; do they have columns about community clubs, personal achievements, local schools, history and folklore? See if you can suggest a new and exciting feature or even regular column. Remember, you should be familiar with the writing style and the types of articles they regularly feature. Use the masthead to learn the managing editor’s name – if you have to call the main office number and ask. Be sure you have the right spelling. Either snail mail or email (if the email address is provided, note that some publications state they don’t want emailed inquiries) the editor with a professional looking query.

Remember, you are trying to sell yourself as a writer and the query letter is your first writing sample the editor will see.

Blogging is a wonderful opportunity thanks to current technology. Find a suitable site for the type of writing you want to do (many sites are free), blog regularly, keep it themed and keep it professional. Familiarize yourself with popular blogs at that site to see what gets the most response and how to get your blog and your name recognized. Include the link to your blog(s) in your custom signature at the end of emails or forum submissions to help advertise it. By all means, use that blog in your list of writing credits, it is an easy way for an editor to see what you are capable of.

Read the classifieds regularly. It is rare to see an advertisement for a freelance writer, however be sure to read through all of the writing and editing listings. If you see an ad for an editor who “works with freelance writers” then bingo, you have just found a local freelance market. Browse through the publication if possible, again familiarize yourself with the market, and draft a query letter to the editor (by name). Don’t get discouraged if you get a negative response or even no response at all, sometimes your info will be kept in someone’s rolodex and called up as the need arises. Do not, under any circumstances, respond negatively to a decision – you will not only burn yourself with that publication but in the small world of publishing, you are liable to ruin your chances in a much larger market.

When you send your query letters, pay attention to spelling (ESPECIALLY the name of the person you are addressing) and punctuation. Often magazines and newspapers will include detailed instructions how to make queries, who to address, and how to submit. Follow the directions exactly or your query will only wind up in a wastebasket. Make your story/idea pitch in the opening paragraph, if your letter doesn’t grab the editor, he won’t read far enough into it to give your idea any consideration. Tell the editor why you are suited to write that article – do you have relevant experience, a chance to interview an interesting personality, are you good at research, etc? Don’t make any great boastful claims, no editor wants to be told that you are the “best writer since”; if that is the truth, let them discover it for themselves.

However there does come a time when the non-paying and low-paying gigs are no longer the path of choice for you unless you have a personal passion about a particular project. The first time you are asked for your rates, be realistic, but do not underestimate yourself. Again, being familiar with the market will help when you quote your fee. If the specific periodical doesn’t post their rates, search “freelance pay rates” online and you will come up with several handy guides. Depending on your LOCAL market, the publication you are querying, and the type of project you are contracting for, advertorial rates can vary between 40-cents and 2-dollars per word; reviews can be as low as 10-cents a word; and magazine features can start at 14-cents per word. (*recent Writer’s Market quotes)


Writing Exercise:  Write a brief synopsis of the story YOU WOULD LIKE TO READ. This can be totally original or a re-write of a story you read where you would have liked to see a different ending.

Writing Prompt:  You are preparing an extremely romantic dinner for your lover and you - list the food items you would include; describe the music and setting.

Challenge Assignment:  Write your resume AS A WRITER. Be honest and include every relevant detail.