How to Become a Newspaper Stringer

Stringers are freelance writers who publish in newspapers but are not on the paper's regular staff. Stringers usually write about local issues and events, but sometimes stringers write columns on specialty topics. The pay rate for stringers is not very high; however, stringing is a good way to get into print and build your portfolio of published pieces to show when you submit articles and ideas to more lucrative publications.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Enroll in a journalism class if you haven't had one before. If you are going to write for a newspaper it is important to know the conventions, protocols and kinds of things a paper will be interested in. A basic journalism course can help ensure that you are prepared for an assignment.
2. Research possible topic areas. Remember that stringers often cover local events like school board meetings, public hearings and the like. Take some time to figure out what kinds of things are going on locally so that when you contact the paper you will have a ready list of issues you can propose to cover for them.
3. Write to the editor. If this is a large newspaper there are probably several associate editors. Take some time to find out whom you should be addressing with your proposal. Write a brief cover letter expressing your interest in stringing for the paper, and include topics that you are interested in covering. Include a resume with your letter, and if you have published before, include a couple of samples of your published work. If you are a new writer start with a smaller, perhaps weekly, paper rather than a large metropolitan daily.
4. Follow your letter with a phone call. If the paper is not currently hiring stringers, ask about anticipated future needs. If you write well and present yourself well, chances are an opportunity will open up for you down the road.

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