How to Get a Newspaper Assignment

Newspaper reporting is a competitive field for freelancers. At most publications, there are far more writers willing to pen articles than there are assignments. Knowing the “tricks of the trade” offers an advantage for breaking into what might seem an impossible market. Following the below steps will help you narrow the gap between reader and writer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Local newspapers

1. Research small- to mid-sized local newspapers. Though a modest
   circulation (under 100,000) may not be your life's goal, it is an
   attainable starting point. The best way to build a "clip folder"
   --samples of a writer's previously published work--is to gain any
   assignment which will highlight your abilities.
2. Assess your strengths. Do you love eating out and telling friends
   about the hot new restaurants in town? Are you a pro on local
   nightlife? Does interviewing people come naturally? As you leaf
   through local newspapers, mark the sections and/or columns that
   highlight your specialty.
3. Form a pitch. This should include a brief introduction, a one to
   two paragraph description of a proposed article, and an explanation as
   to why you are the person to write it. Total word count should be
   under 300 words.
4. Contact the editor. The easiest way to locate the correct person
   is by looking on the masthead. Here, those in charge of each section
   are listed by name and title. There is usually contact information
   below which may consist of a mailing address, phone number, and
   website. Any unlisted information, such as email addresses, can
   usually be obtained by calling the newspaper's main number.
5. Follow up. Give the editor seven days to consider your idea before
   calling to ask its status—unless your proposed article is timely, in
   which case you can check in after two or three days. Be persistent but not annoying. If you follow up twice and don't get a response, it's time to submit your idea
   elsewhere.
6. Once an editor accepts your pitch, write and submit your article
   before the deadline. This shows the editor that you are reliable and
   might encourage him to hire you again.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't limit yourself to one pitch at a time. You can send several pitches to several different editors—even at the same newspaper—at one time. This increases your chances of getting an assignment.
• Even without an assignment, you can still be published. Newspapers often accept submissions "on spec" (an author writes and submits a piece for review, which may or may not be used by the editor). Additionally, the OpEd column, which features first-person, opinionated takes on timely issues, only accepts full manuscripts.
• While it is fine to accept one or two assignments for no pay as practice, be wary of newspapers which might take advantage of your willingness to work for free. Ask if the publication begins payment after a certain quota.