Hi Guys

I ask this question from the dizzy heights of total ignorance. I may even be duplicating an old discussion (Horror). But I would really like to know.

Thanks

John

Hi
Do you mean articles here, or short stories? No idea, I'm afraid, about the latter, but for articles I can honestly say I've never met a single freelance journalist with an agent in 15 years. So, a big 'no' for features. Hope I haven't misunderstood wildly here!
Caroline

No, you are spot on Caroline, though it still begs the question how do you get magazines to look at your stuff in the first place.

If they chuck unsolicited manuscripts on the slush pile, do you have you get them to solicit work from you and if you do have to do that how do get them to take any notice of you if you are an unknown quantity.

Sorry, but I really am totally in the dark on this one.

Best

John

John,
With newsstand magazines and newspapers, you're right that they will tend to want to see something else you've written before ever commissioning a piece. I've been a freelance feature writer for a long time now, but it can still be difficult to break through in new places. I have very often had the experience of being really 'in' with one editor who then leaves and is replaced by someone who has their own pet writers. If you have a great idea they may give you a try, especially if you offer to do the first one for free. It's quite a tough business and although journalism qualifications are not necessary, you do need a few cuttings under your belt before you will be taken seriously. If it is a special interest magazine you'd like to write for, and you know a lot about the subject, a lot about the magazine, and are prepared to be paid very little, it's definitely worth approaching them without other experience though. I can't stress enough the importance of knowing the publication well, regardless of what it is. I know features editors tear their hair out about suggested pieces that don't mimic the style and subject matter of the publication at all, but are just topics the writer fancies doing.
Feel free to ask or email me if you want to ask more, or if this doesn't make sense. It's a little hard to know where you're starting from and aiming to do, but you can happily pick my brains if it helps,
Caroline

Bless you, that is so kind. I wil get back to you.

Best wishes

John