By Dee George, AAEA Freelancer
As a longtime freelancer I was recently reminded of the challenge of convincing new editors to accept my story ideas. I have steady worked with trade and agriculture publications, but occasionally pursue new markets. It’s good to try new topics to keep writing interesting.
Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years.
Stay vigilant: Though the majority of my work comes from assignments, it’s second nature to be aware of good stories and potential markets. (That’s what those magazines in waiting rooms are for, right?) That little story in the local paper can be new news for regional and national publications. Local field days and other agriculture events provide new sources and ideas. Before the event it’s ideal to have an assigned story from an editor, or at least know what topics she might be interested in. But if not, it’s still worth going. The best stories often come from farmers and not the main speakers.
Find the right client: Writer’s Market used to be my favorite reference book. As a beginner, I was open to any topic that interested me. WM helped market a story about a rommegrot business with different angles for five noncompeting publications. Now, Internet makes the search easier using keywords. Currently I am working with a woman with an impressive invention. In trying to market the story to publications I had two hits with the first queries and four errors (no replies) after that.
Ask the source: The first hit with the invention lead came because of the inventor. She suggested the publication because she liked it, and her invention fit. As a hungrier freelancer, even if I already had a home for the story, one of my standard questions was: What magazine would you like to see this published in? That question led to pitching to a trade magazine that I didn’t know existed; it continues to provide steady work.
Make them want more: With assignments from new editors, always ask for writer’s guidelines or general information such as word count, style, formatting, etc. Check out articles that have been published. Do they use subheads or sidebars? Pay attention to the tone. Beat that first deadline with a generous amount of time. When I turn the article in, I comment that it’s early because it’s the first article for them and I am willing to rewrite.
Professional friendliness: Once you’ve had success with the first article, editors and clients appreciate responsiveness and promptness. If you can’t answer a question immediately, at least let them know you received their email/text and are working on it. Update them during the process if there are delays or changes in the initial focus. But don’t overdo and be a pest.
Stay in touch: As a former editor, I know editing can be a thankless job. So when it’s warranted I send short emails thanking an editor for coming up with a great headline or improving my story. When I plan to travel, I email editors about where I will be and that I am available for writing/photography assignments. It usually nets at least one assignment (for a helpful tax deduction). I take photos and get contact information about things I discover that interest me and pitch story ideas later.
The challenge has always been the same — not knowing an editor’s needs at a specific moment in time. Pitch all possibilities — politely and succinctly. And if the answer is “no,” don’t take it personally.
There are plenty of “yes” stories out there.
Dee Goerge lives in Minnesota and worked as a newspaper and regional magazine editor before freelancing fulltime. She is a contributing editor for Farm Show and has written for Successful Farming, Michigan Farmer, Out Here and other ag, trade and general interest publications.