Write for Weeklies

Review of Write and Sell Feature Articles to Weeklies: And Make More Money More Often by Lois Schaedler

I began my journalism career at a weekly newspaper in Rennsselaer County, NY. I loved the work, and loved my job. At least, until my editor was fired and our offices were combined with those of another paper owned by the same company. Suddenly, my commute went from 3 miles to 30, and my hours increased from a steady 40 to anywhere from 50 to 60. As we had only two reporters, I covered at least one meeting a week, often two or three.

After a few months of that, I asked to work from home. I did the same work, wrote the same articles, and covered many of the same meetings. But my hourly pay increased dramatically. I was getting paid for every word I wrote, whereas the company didn't pay me overtime for all those meetings. And I found I was much happier as a freelancer because it gave me a chance to explore new markets. Now I'm once again writing for a local weekly, this time writing a column on local people and organizations.

Weekly newspapers make an excellent springboard for a freelance career. I wish I'd known more about writing for weeklies when I started. In her new e-book Write and Sell Feature Articles to Weeklies, Lois Schaedler will take you through all the steps of becoming a regular feature writer for your local weekly. After detailing her own entry into weeklies, Schaedler tell you how to approach the editor by first writing a letter to the editor or a few sample articles. Your choice will depend on your own temperament and your goals. Do you want to write an opinion column, or do you prefer feature articles?

Next, she suggests negotiating a price for your work, whether hourly or by the piece. From experience, I know this is not always an option. Some papers have a flat rate for freelancers or stringers, and they don't deviate from that. On the other hand, you won't know until you ask.

Interview, Write, and Resell

Reselling your articles is one option for increasing your ncome. Some pieces will make good reprints without any additional work. Others can be expanded or revised to fit different markets. This is especially true for interview articles, which Schaedler covers at length. She has excellent tips for conducting e-mail interviews, using a tape recorder, and verifying facts. She also discusses how to let your interviewee practically write your article for you.

Go To Page: 1 2