RETURN TO WRITING STRATEGIES

The Writer’s Edge
Tips for the Freelance Writer - By Terri Mrosko

Queries vs. Job Assignments

There are generally two ways to find work writing articles. One is to submit a query to a publication outlining your article idea. The query is a one page summary with a hook to pique interest, a paragraph on what your article is about, and a listing of your credentials and why you are best qualified to write the article.

The other way to get assignments is to apply or ask to be a regular contributor to a publication. Some of these assignments can be found in online listings for freelance writers. Other times you may succeed in creating a working relationship with an editor because you show you have the ability to write ongoing assignments for their publication.

Ongoing assignments are the preferable of the two. Some contributing relationships are formed after querying the publication. Although the editor cannot use your article idea, he sees something in your query that tells him you have something to contribute on a different topic or slightly different twist from your query subject.

The most important thing to remember whether querying or responding to an online job assignment is to appear professional. The editor is most likely to work with a published writer, and the best way to get published is to act as if you already are published.

This does not mean you lie or expound on half-truths, but building up your credentials in a positive light can help you prove why you can handle the assignment.

Once you land an assignment with a publication and successfully fulfill your obligation, the odds are in your favor more work from that publication will come your way.

Keep up your relationship with the editor and don’t be afraid to ask for more work.