How To

How to Work as a Reporter Overseas

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(5 Ratings)

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Laptop Computer
  1. Step 1

    Before departure, apply for and receive a journalist's visa or work visa.

  2. Step 2

    Just before leaving, call publications you hope to write for and introduce yourself to editors. Get email addresses and names, and send clips. Don't worry about brush-offs.

  3. Step 3

    Set up a U.S. bank account with a small amount of money.

  4. Step 4

    Go to a country.

  5. Step 5

    Read the local press. An English-language newspaper is especially helpful. Identify local issues not well-known in the U.S.

  6. Step 6

    At a cyber-café or with a laptop computer, email a letter pitching a local story to a small U.S. publication. Expect resistance from large publications, most of which have little interest in local news. Industry-specific newsletters and business publications are traditional places to break in.

  7. Step 7

    When you sell the story, ask if you can call the editor collect in the future, to save yourself an expensive phone bill.

  8. Step 8

    Write and file a story of the agreed length. Remember time differences and datelines when figuring out deadlines.

  9. Step 9

    Arrange payment to U.S. account.

Tips & Warnings
  • Don't be too pushy.
  • Having your own phone and computer is very helpful.
  • Local language skills are an enormous advantage.
  • Don't misrepresent yourself. You are not a representative of a publication until the publication agrees to buy your story.
  • Expect to lose some money on phone calls and faxes at first.

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