Comments on: Thinking of starting out as a writer? A few simple tips

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:10:23 +0000

Andy and all other contributors thus far; I fully agree.
I started blogging and writing in late 2010 and like you Andy, by no means do I consider my expert. But I have had success. My first few published articles were free, but the payments have started coming in.

A couple of tips I would add are:
- Include social media in your networking (it helps connect to the online community)
- Put the fear of rejection out of your mind, it will only clutter your thoughts and hinder your writing.
- If you’re planning a trip, contact business establishments (hotels, travel agencies, restaurants, etc.) to introduce yourself and your planned trip. Ask for “journalist” rates.

Mike
Travel Thru My Eyes; Let’s GO!!!
Have fun, travel safe

P.S. Develop your signature block, and use it

By: Conan

Conan — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 18:12:20 +0000

Thanks for the tips! As a college student who’s trying to write more about travel and potentially make it a career, or at the very least try to write to a larger audience, these tips were very much appreciated. Thanks Andy!

By: Riccardo

Riccardo — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 11:28:01 +0000

I couldn’t have come across this article in a better moment. I just finished drafting my 2013 plan

One question, i understand what you mean when say that getting paid without a portoflio is tough but, would a blog (well structured and written with passion) be considered part of this “portfolio”?

By: Rig

Rig — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 13:23:22 +0000

I would endorse the statement above of Michael and I would also say that you must be very much realistic in short term expectations.

By: Andy Jarosz

Andy Jarosz — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 07:07:00 +0000

Thank you Michael – I probably left out the most important piece of advice too: be 100% reliable. Treat deadlines as if your life depends on them (in a manner of speaking, it does).

By: Andy Jarosz

Andy Jarosz — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 07:05:44 +0000

Thank you Linda. I found it really interesting that to talk to the schoolchildren about my work I had to take a step back and look at what I was actually doing, and the logic (or madness) behind the decisions I make. A highly recommended exercise!

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 17:58:38 +0000

My own advice for any budding writer: aim high but be realistic in your short-term expectations – and have a Plan B ready in the event that lliterary superstardom proves harder to achieve than you thought. And never turn down a paid assignment.
Very true, by the way, what you say about the “two pay rates”. Retrospectively, I wish I had always been so rigorous.

By: Linda

Linda — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 09:52:45 +0000

As someone trying to change courses somewhat later in life I can’t tell you how incredibly useful I found this! The points seem kind of obvious on one level, and yet seeing them there in black & white, knowing someone like you thinks about the same things is very reassuring! Thanks.

By: Andy Jarosz

Andy Jarosz — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 11:05:20 +0000

Thanks Helen! Two good extra tips there. “Shy bairns get nowt” as they say up north. One of the main things you have to get used to in freelancing is rejection (or silence), so the more you ask the more chances of getting a positive answer.

By: Helen Campbell

Helen Campbell — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 10:08:39 +0000

All salient points, Andy! I would add that old cliche ‘if you don’t ask, you don’t get’, and that applies as much to those starting out and looking for their first break as it does to experienced freelancers seeking a higher rate! Also, always be polite, especially to other journalists!