How to Become an Online Reporter

Online writing requires skills that the print writer may not be familiar with.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dictionaries
• Thesauri

1. Become proficient on the Internet. Learn about different search engines, how to attach Word documents to e-mail and how to look up a URL.

2. Look at examples of online writing to get a sense of online style, which emphasizes brevity.

3. Figure out what you like to write about based on your background and interests; choose that area as your specialty, called a niche.

4. Look up Web sites in your niche and determine what makes the writing strong (or weak) and what you could add to the information.

5. Ask current contacts, peers and friends if they have any Web writing needs, once you feel confident in your skills. Refer them to your Web site - if you have one - if they ask for writing samples.

6. Pitch ideas to editors at online magazines and other sites that might benefit from your expertise or creativity. Read the site carefully first, making sure the tone of your potential piece fits the magazine.

7. Start to advertise, network and frequent online writing discussion groups and job boards.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider developing your skills by building your own Web site so that you can learn firsthand about the online medium.
• Think about other editorial options, such as freelance editing or copyediting, if you're trying to get your foot in the door at an online publication.
• When you do get an assignment, know the site you are writing for and tailor your work to the site's needs. Request a writer's manual or style sheet.
• Online writing differs greatly from print writing. Study the differences.
• Try to avoid crossing into the realm of pushiness when querying editors; determination and persistence are admirable, but pushiness can land your clips and résumé in the circular file.

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