Newspaper strings
Writing for a living is a challenge in itself, but working around the schedules and needs of the rest of the family makes some 9 to 5 writing jobs difficult to work.
If you’re a bit of a maverick about writing and prefer to stay out of the office, look into chaining both local and national publications. Most periodicals that hire freelance writers for ongoing or recurring assignments are newspapers.
Community newspapers don’t have the luxury of having an entire team of reporters to cover meetings, events and breaking news. This opens up space for the stringers.
Larger newspapers, like the New York Times, that have a national or international audience, use localized news correspondents to cover news that is of national interest but takes place in an area where they don’t have a news bureau.
Look for help wanted ads or ads in local or community newspapers asking for freelance writers or reporters. Alternatively, call the editor or news editor and ask if you can send samples of your writing. When you submit samples, offer a variety: featured articles, a hard-hitting news story, and an interview, for example.
When working as a correspondent, you’ll need to have contacts within your community, so being part of different groups or having contacts that are already in the legislature or police department will help. However, not having them shouldn’t interfere with your success as a correspondent. Once you’ve been assigned a rhythm, you’ll be in a position to request interviews and find that leaders will want to talk to you.
Other tips for stringers include:
Network, network, network – go to local events and meet the PR specialist for different events. Raise your profile and expertise in your community by attending fundraisers, community events, and journalism association meetings.
Keep your word: Understand that when you are given unofficial information, you can only use it as a basis for further investigation. You can’t quote someone who has spoken off the record. Also, don’t promise something you can’t deliver. If someone asks you to promote their business by writing about it, don’t say you’ll do it, just say you’ll talk to your editor about the idea.
Gather phone numbers. Keep track of local citizens of all styles and ages. You never know who will have the answer to the question you’re asking, so write down all your phone numbers in one place (cell phones die and take your stored numbers with them!). Take note of who the person is, where they work, and any other backgrounds or special experiences they have.
Pass out your business card. Even if that community newspaper doesn’t cover the cost, print your own cards and include as many forms of contact as possible. Make sure ALL of your phone numbers and email addresses are on the card so that a potential informant or interviewee can contact you first with the big story.
The advantages of stringing for a newspaper are numerous. You’ll make valuable contacts, get a ton of articles published for your clip archive quickly, and learn how to interview just about anyone AND you’ll get the real story. Have fun, learn how to report and earn money while working for a community, regional or national newspaper.