FOR a freelance writer, ideas can make or break a career. As markets and budgets shrink and competition increases, it’s more crucial than ever to make your ideas stand out from the crowd. Linda Jonesshows you how.
So you want to write for your favourite magazine and you are brimming with ideas – you’re a little disappointed that most of them – or something similar at least – has been covered already – but it’s still worth a shot, right?
Wrong. If you spot a piece in a target publication that bears any resemblance to the germ of an idea you have been slaving over – but too nervous to send – for days or even weeks then you need to change direction immediately.
Does the thought of picking up a phone to suggest an idea for a magazine feature fill you with dread? Do you break out in a cold sweat as you open an email with the all-important “yes” or “no” to your pitch?
If you're are nodding in agreement to either of these questions, then to put it unkindly, you need to get a grip! Or, to put it much less bluntly – don’t worry, editors are human too.
THIS is a book written by Linda Jones ex journalist, freelance writer, blogger at You've got your hands full, Judith's Room member and all round fabulous lady who has helped me out a lot with starting freelance writing.
Her book arrived today and I have been racing through it. Verdict? It's flippin' brilliant. You know all those questions you have about how to write a pitch, should you write the article first or not, how do you find out how to email it to, should you call them afterwards, how soon etc etc? She answers them all and so much more.
Linda Jones shares some harsh realities of a book deal with a small publisher.
1. A book launch may be more hassle than it’s worth This time last year, I was feeling pretty pleased with myself. My first book, the modestly titled Greatest Freelance Writing Tips in the World had just been published. Holding some initial copies in my quivering hands, I’d felt a rush of pride. Now here I was, preparing for my very own book launch. Then one by one, more than half the confirmed guests dropped out. My heart sank. Even though local paper reports and reviews followed and those lovely guests who did come along were overwhelmingly positive, I was disappointed. In hindsight I can see my expectations were unrealistic. But I hated feeling like Billy no-mates.
MARIA McCarthy is the author of The Girls' Guide to Losing Your L-plates: How to Pass Your Driving Test and The Girl's Car Handbook, contributes features to national publications and is a lecturer in journalism. She still found time to share her writing day with us...I hope you find it an inspiration, I certainly did.
THE day starts with a cup of industrial-strength tea at my computer. I’m currently working on a feature for one of the colour supplements entitled ‘I found a fortune’ - about people who’ve found junk at car boot sales or in the attic which has turned out to be worth thousands. I’m finding it good fun to do and most importantly, the case histories aren’t proving too hard to track down.
DID you know a top notch story in a women’s weekly magazine or tabloid ‘real life’ section could bring you thousands of pounds? Perhaps you did – and maybe you fancy a piece of the action.
But beware. As well as being one of the most lucrative areas of freelance journalism, unsurprisingly, because of the high stakes, it’s also one of the most daunting and competitive – and not one to be entered into lightly.
These publications include inspirational and heartwarming tales about everyday people who have battled through adversity. But of course they also feature hard-hitting stories peppered with tragedy, crime, sex or violence.
Your job is to find them and make them compelling…and it’s easier said than done.
MARIA McCarthy 
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