How to Work as a Reporter Overseas

By eHow Careers & Work Editor

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Laptop Computer

Step1
Before departure, apply for and receive a journalist's visa or work visa.
Step2
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.
Step3
Set up a U.S. bank account with a small amount of money.
Step4
Go to a country.
Step5
Read the local press. An English-language newspaper is especially helpful. Identify local issues not well-known in the U.S.
Step6
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.
Step7
When you sell the story, ask if you can call the editor collect in the future, to save yourself an expensive phone bill.
Step8
Write and file a story of the agreed length. Remember time differences and datelines when figuring out deadlines.
Step9
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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eHow Article:  How to Work as a Reporter Overseas

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