Knowing how to write a news article is one thing. How to benefit financially from that
knowledge is another.
For editors, a freelance journalist can be an irritant and a savior all at once. They
can be bothersome when repeatedly proposing story ideas at busy deadline times but they
can also rescue a news desk that may be short of staff on any particular day.
The key to freelance journalism is to keep plugging away with quality work so that
the editor will always have time for you.
To get a foot in the door of your local newspaper, a freelancer should know four
things the news, the editors, the newsmakers and the follow-ups.
Spend some time thinking about these four important facets and how you may write
your articles before you even start to submit work to any publication.
1. Know the news it may sound obvious, but youd be amazed at the number of
freelancers who have no knowledge of local issues but believe the quality of their writing
gives them first right to premium column space. It doesnt matter how well you write, if
your article is irrelevant to the publications agenda, it has little chance of getting used.
Take time to read the paper. Go through the issues and gain an understanding of its
editorial stance and what it cares about, not what you think is important.
2. The editors these people are the gatekeepers of your articles and they could
drop your stories at a whim. You should know them, their names, positions in the
company, demeanor and how they feel about certain issues, which can give you an idea
on how to slant your articles for a better chance of getting published.
3. The newsmakers it is crucial that you know who makes the news and who
doesnt. Go through newspapers in your area and identify which people are the ones who
are quoted and to what issues they are often sought out for. Once you know that, go
through the phone directory and get their contact numbers. Your ultimate aim is to get to
know these people voice-to-voice, face-to-face on a professional, and even personal,
level.
4. The follow-ups this is probably the most important knowledge you can have
because this is what will brand you as a journalist. And, significantly, this is not
something you can read up on but it is what you generate from your own head. If an issue
crops up, arm yourself with the knowledge required from the first three points and then
work on a possible follow-up story. Remember, the in-house reporters will probably be
doing the same thing, so you should try to think of a different angle. This will prevent you
from stepping on toes and also raise your standing in the eyes of editors.
Once you have all this in your head, call or email the editor and tell him or her your
story idea. If it is topical, fresh and relevant to what the paper had in its latest issue, and it
takes the story further, there is a good chance it will be used.
If so, you have your foot in the door. This does not only apply to newspapers. There
are magazines and online news outlets that can also be targeted. Follow these four rules
and kick-start your freelance journalism career.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nazvi Careem is an experienced journalist, writer and writing coach who has
written for newspapers, magazines and global news agencies such as Reuters, Associated
Press and Agence France-Presse. To download a free extract from his book on the secrets
to writing news, check out his website dedicated to news writing.




