Freelance writing - Writers Forum

maverick101 · 03-06-2006, 09:01 PM

I found my first freelance job today for the local paper. They are even going to pay me to write. YIPPIE!!! What I have to do is interview business and then write a article on it.

I do have a question, Is there a guideline as far as questions to ask and so forth? I've never really had to "interview" a business before so this should be fun to see my name in print.

Also trying to go from novel writting mode to acticle mode.

Jason

CZ · 03-07-2006, 02:43 AM

There's no real guideline as to questions, but since you're interviewing businesses you need to do it in a way that's not just giving them free PR. Generally that means contacting other sources about the business, asking about their experiences, etc.

You're familiar with the elements of writing a newspaper article, right? If you get stuck, feel free to post here or shoot me a PM, I'm a little busy lately but I check the boards every day if possible. And congrats on the freelance work!

CZ · 03-07-2006, 02:43 AM

double post, sorry.

mammamaia · 03-07-2006, 05:11 PM

study similar articles in the same paper and others of comparable size/readership, to see how it's done... cz's advice re content of the article is good, should be followed...

and be sure to avoid spelling goofs such as the ones in your post, when writing the article!

i'll be glad to take a look at it before you submit it, if you want a neutral edit/opinion by a former columnist... congrats on the assignment and best of luck to you!...

love and hugs, mai
maia3maia@hotmail.com

maverick101 · 03-07-2006, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mammamaia

and be sure to avoid spelling goofs such as the ones in your post, when writing the article!

love and hugs, mai
maia3maia@hotmail.com

Thank God for editors. LOL To CZ and yourself, thanks for the invite.

maverick101 · 03-07-2006, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CZ

to do it in a way that's not just giving them free PR.

Well in a sense I'am, They pay to be in the small paper and depending on the contract there allowed 1-2 write ups about there biz.

Jason

CZ · 03-08-2006, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maverick101

Well in a sense I'am, They pay to be in the small paper and depending on the contract there allowed 1-2 write ups about there biz.

Jason

Ah, so kinda like rewriting a press release. Less work for you, then, than a full article.

One thing to remember, by the way: don't ever accept any freebies offered by these companies. I've been offered some interesting stuff, but ethically it is dead wrong to accept that kind of stuff. I can proudly say that after writing 20+ articles for several different publications, I've never ever accepted anything, not even a free lunch when interviewing a source.

Good luck on the piece, maverick.