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Topic: getting writing samples
| Author | Message |
| rng1082 | Posted – 7/31/2007 8:35:19 PM | show profile | email poster as a somewhat recent grad trying to break into the industry all i hear is "please send resume and writing samples". What if i dont have any writing samples? do they expect me to send essays written in college? Or to make something up entirely? A bit of a catch-22. i cant have samples without some freelance work and i cant get some freelance work without some samples. Any Ideas out there?? -thanks |
| Brena | Posted – 8/4/2007 10:40:39 AM | show profile You've never written for the college newspaper? I would send ficticious articles, then. I would NOT send college essays. |
| jennsfong | Posted – 8/11/2007 12:21:49 AM | show profile getting writing samples I'm also curious about this. So writing samples do not necessarily need to be "published?" It is only to assess one's style, right? |
| writesonwater | Posted – 8/11/2007 12:32:06 AM | show profile I would start with published clips. Only initially, those will need to be well-researched and well-written pieces that were done for cheap or very cheap. Possible ins can include: websites and local papers, trade publications, publications that you have a connection to (you're a voracious knitter, it's a magazine for voracious knitters, you have an edge as a writer, don't you?) Just because it's a cheap=paying and possibly not-so-hot publication doesn't mean your article has to be. Model your work after what you see in better publications a couple notches up; learn not at the feet of hacks but of the masters when possible. Look on this board and others for how to get your first clips. I know there are other threads in this board on this topic, full of generous advice (and some occasional snark from grumpy journalistic elders). Initially only, I would check out publications that may not be able to get seasoned writers with abundant clips because we won't write for a dime a word. Smaller papers may fit this category -- send an email and resume and ask for a brief meeting with the managing editor, and tell her you're interested in freelance writing, would she give you anassignment -- then do it very well, taking scrupulous notes and putting in immaculate quotes, and details, get it in well under deadline, and ask for more. Good luck to you. |
| writesonwater | Posted – 8/11/2007 12:35:52 AM | show profile One possible exception to this: well=researched and well-written essays. In this case, you submit the essay, well-targeted, to the publication's correct editor. Websites you like and subscribe to and aim to write like may be interested (depends on site, look for writer's guidelines.) Essays are usually sent in done instead of pitched as ideas, and there aren't editors necessarily stringently examing your previously published work. |
| Mr Media | Posted – 8/17/2007 3:06:53 PM | show profile Its pretty easy to get writing samples. When I was an undergrad during my university days I wrote for the student newspaper that's one way to get writing samples. Also, if you have a community newspaper call them up and ask if you can write for them. Newspapers are always looking for opinion pieces so that's another way to get a writing sample. |
