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Topic: how many ideas in the works/sending out at a time
| Author | Message |
| LeoK | Posted – 1/12/2008 7:08:50 PM | show profile | email poster Hi, I'm trying to really develop my freelance magazine and web site writing this year while working a full-time editorial job. I have some clips from my current place and from my internships, and I've read a few great books on freelancing, but my problem is focusing. I think I have a lot of ideas, and I've sent pitches out in the past year, but I don't know how many ideas to pitching out at once. Should I spend most of my time just honing one idea to different mags and markets? Or work on a lot of new ideas? Thanks for your suggestions. best, d |
| WritingEd | Posted – 1/13/2008 12:22:16 PM | show profile I have been working full time as an editor while freelancing for more than a decade. I've had the most success from trying to build relationships with a particular editor who has shown interest in a pitch and encourages me to pitch more. Once I get to that point I spend a good amount of time thinking about that publication's and that editor's needs (I always ask if there's a particular type of story/department they need ideas for) and lay low on pitching other publications for a while. I have definitely re-slanted/revised unsuccessful pitches for other markets but usually find that the idea originates with one publication in mind. Otherwise the ideas wind up sounding generic. You have to constantly consider that because you've got a full time job there is a limited amount of time you can spend on freelance pitching (especially once you start to get assignments and are spending all your free time completing them!). To start, sure you want to cast a wide net. But once you get someone to bite you may have the most success in dropping your other markets for a while and focusing on your contact's needs. There are always ideas I have in the back of my head that I haven't yet had time to turn into pitches. My "to pitch" folder is always way too big. But I know what I can realistically accomplish, and typically that's going after one new market at a time while keeping existing clients (I have two regular ones who give me assignments so I don't have to pitch) happy. One thing that has worked for me is keeping a spreadsheet of stories on my favorite topics that have been done for magazines I'd like to focus on pitching one day. I read these magazines a lot. This way, when it's time to begin pitching I'm not starting from scratch trying to learn a new market of interest -- I have already been researching it quietly in the background for a while. |
| SeeKatyWrite | Posted – 1/14/2008 2:21:41 PM | show profile LeoK, it sounds like we're in the same boat. I have a full-time job as an editorial director of a regional magazine, but am concentrating this year on building my fledgling freelance (and blogging) career. From my experience, I agree with the "cast a wide net" philosophy. My personal goal has been to send out two blanket editorial inquiries OR specific pitches a day for the month of January, and take inventory at the end of the month. True, I may end up getting slammed, but it's better to be too busy ... right? :) Once you've built relationships with the magazines, like WritingEd, then perhaps you can slow down and really focus on some in-depth projects. If one idea will fit several magazines, I see no problem with pitching it (tailored, of course, to each magazine) -- you'll be able to easily draw on the research and experience you already have. But also, don't be afraid to try new ideas and publications, especially at the onset of your career. Best of luck for a happy and prosperous 2008! ~Katy |
| LeoK | Posted – 1/19/2008 3:09:05 PM | show profile | email poster Thanks for the advice, I'm going to keep casting my net :) |
