| The Big IdeaOkay. So youve figured out that | | | | relevant writing background. See below for |
| you would like to write for magazines, | | | | info about clips.)I can provide |
| newspapers, and e-zines. Unfortunately, so | | | | documentation and interview notes for easy |
| have about eight gazillion other people on | | | | fact-checking, and could submit the |
| this planet. Therefore, you have to stand out | | | | completed article within two weeks.(Optional. |
| from the crowd. You have to sparkle. How do | | | | Some people like to suggest a time frame, |
| you do this? Simple. It all starts with The | | | | others let the editor do it. In general, the |
| Big Idea. The first secret you must learn in | | | | editor will tell you when the article is |
| this funny business is that you dont | | | | due, regardless of your preferences. Its a |
| actually have to write the whole article to | | | | nice touch to mention how you will research |
| get a job. In fact, only bright green novices | | | | your article. Mine was primarily dependent on |
| attempt to write the whole thing before | | | | interviews, but you may wish to include the |
| selling it. What you do need, however, is the | | | | names of journals/experts you plan to quote |
| IDEA for the great story. You will use this | | | | or use for information.)I look forward to |
| great idea to convince editors to pay you | | | | your response.(Obligatory polite ending. Use |
| exorbitant amounts of money via a proposal | | | | any variation you wish. No pleading. If you |
| letter (called a query letter. But youll | | | | dare type, I promise to write a reallllly, |
| learn about that in a minute).So, where will | | | | realllly good article! Please hire me!, you |
| you find this Big Idea? Well, youve heard | | | | will incur my wrath. I will hunt you down and |
| that wise adage write what you know. Thats a | | | | yell at you. A lot. Just a simple, dignified |
| wonderful mantra for finding your jumping-off | | | | ending requesting a response.)Regards,Jenna |
| point. You dont need to stick to what you | | | | Glatzer(Oh. Substitute your name and |
| know for the specific focus of your story, | | | | preferred signature ending. Unless you feel |
| but tap into your already huge vat of | | | | like sending your paycheck to me, in which |
| knowledge to find the storys basis. This is | | | | case, you can feel free to use my name. |
| how you will become an expert. Experts are in | | | | Grin.)Finally, clips! If youve had anything |
| demand. People with stories arent. What you | | | | publishedor even if you havent, but you have |
| have to do is sneak your stories into your | | | | a few good writing samples appropriate for |
| areas of expertise. Example: lets say your | | | | this type of marketinclude them. These |
| hobbies and interests include fishing, | | | | samples are called clips, and they are used |
| watching talk shows, and traveling. Good! | | | | to show the editor that you are an |
| You are a potential expert in those areas. | | | | intelligent, insightful, funny, clever, and |
| Jot these things down. Now comes the fun | | | | or excellent writer. Photocopy your articles |
| part: brainstorming.The biggest mistake you | | | | straight from the publication. Just 2-3 |
| can make in pitching your story is being too | | | | clips.When you're sending queries by e-mail, |
| general. Never, ever send a letter to the | | | | you can paste the text of your clips into |
| editor suggesting an article about fishing. | | | | the body of the e-mail (never as an |
| Not even an article about fishing in Florida. | | | | attachment!), or you can direct the editor |
| This vagueness is not appropriate for short | | | | to one or two website URLs where she can view |
| writing. In general, you will be expected to | | | | your articles.Interviews and ProfilesI know, |
| write somewhere between 800 and 2000 words on | | | | you feel weird about this one, right? Youre |
| your topic. You couldnt possibly tell us all | | | | uncomfortable calling someone or visiting a |
| about fishing in 2000 words. What you could | | | | business to ask a professional to take |
| do, however, is give us a comparison of | | | | precious time out of their day to help you |
| twelve different lures used to catch | | | | research your article.Well, buck up, little |
| sailfish. Or the pros and cons of joining a | | | | camper, because most professionals absolutely |
| fishing club. Or even how the moon can tell | | | | love to be interviewed. They jump at the |
| you if itll be a good fishing day.So heres | | | | chance, for a few reasons. These are the |
| your first assignment. Get out your trusty | | | | reasons to keep in mind when you feel small |
| notebook. (If you dont have one, stop | | | | and silly for asking:It shows you respect |
| reading and get one. Right now.) On the first | | | | their opinion and/or job.It gives them |
| page, write down a list of any and all | | | | opportunities for publicity of their |
| topics that interest you. Its okay to be | | | | business.It gives them the chance to brag to |
| general here. Need some ideas to get you | | | | friends that they are quoted in a magazine.It |
| started?Think through your whole day. Dont | | | | gives them something to frame and show |
| neglect anything. What do you do from the | | | | clients.Finally, someone is recognizing their |
| moment you wake up until the moment you fall | | | | genius and taking an interest in their |
| asleep? You turn off your alarm clock. (An | | | | work.Theyre usually wannabe writers, anyway, |
| article about alarm clocks disrupting | | | | and they will be just as happy to pick your |
| valuable sleep stages! Or waking up to music | | | | brain to find out how you got the job.Before |
| versus waking up to that annoying beeping | | | | you approach experts:Make sure you already |
| sound. Or the optimal number of times to | | | | have your questions mapped out, at least |
| press the snooze button.) You brush your | | | | briefly. What exactly do you need to know |
| teeth. (Article: What all those touted | | | | from this person? What could this person |
| ingredientsfluoride, peroxide, baking | | | | tell you that no one else can? Avoid yes or |
| sodareally do for your teeth.) You take a | | | | no questions. Ask open-ended questions that |
| shower. Maybe with your significant other. | | | | could lead to lengthy responses chock full of |
| Lucky you. (Romantic showers for two.)Moving | | | | great quotes. Also, have a synopsis of your |
| on. You go to work. This is the most obvious | | | | planned article ready, so you can tell your |
| area of expertise. Lets say youre a | | | | expert what youre writing and how they can |
| secretary. How ergonomic office equipment can | | | | supplement your knowledge.How to approach |
| save you from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, an | | | | experts:Get on the phone. Have your idea |
| achy back, and a stiff neck. How to avoid | | | | condensed into 2-3 sentences, so you can |
| screaming at your boss when hes a total | | | | quickly explain yourself to whomever answers |
| idiot. Five couples (or ex-couples) share | | | | the phone.Hello. My name is Jenna, and Im |
| their wisdom about dating in the office. | | | | writing an article about the rise in |
| Think about what cover story would entice | | | | vegetarianism among young women in Nevada for |
| you to pay three dollars for a magazine. You | | | | Youth In Nevada Magazine. I know Dr. Spuds |
| dont have to have the knowledge to actually | | | | is a well-respected nutritionist, and Im |
| write the article yet. You just have to know | | | | hoping she would be willing to answer a few |
| you can get this information later.Next, you | | | | questions on this subject.At this point, the |
| come home. What happens? Do you have kids? | | | | secretary will say, Hold, and make you listen |
| Great! A wealth of article ideas. You could | | | | to elevator musak while she summons the |
| write about childcare agencies, potty | | | | boss. Or shell take down your number and |
| training, decoding teenage slang, teaching | | | | have Dr. Spuds call you back. Or it will be |
| table manners youre getting the idea now, | | | | Dr. Spuds herself, and shell say, What do you |
| right? Run with it!Write at least one page of | | | | want to know?Your options at this point are |
| general topics that interest you, then weed | | | | (1) Ask questions over the phone, right then |
| out the most interesting ones. Narrow it down | | | | and there. Make sure you check to make sure |
| to three or four. Then write those three or | | | | your expert is not pressed for time before |
| four topics on top of brand new pages. Now | | | | you begin. (2) Set up a phone date to conduct |
| fill up those pages with specific article | | | | the interview. (3) Ask if you can meet in |
| angles. Just write. Dont edit yourself. Dont | | | | person. This is goodalmost necessaryif the |
| judge. Just write whatever pops into your | | | | person will be the focus of your article. If |
| head. If you need motivation, play it like a | | | | the person is being used just to add a few |
| game of Scattergories. Set a timer for ten | | | | quotes, you dont have to meet in person, |
| minutes. See how many ideas you can jot down | | | | because its unlikely youll ever need to |
| before the timer sounds.Keep in mind that | | | | write, Dr. Spuds wrinkled her brow and |
| there are markets for almost any conceivable | | | | stared into her pea soup as she explained |
| topic. Dont limit yourself to the headlines | | | | that young women are becoming more |
| youd read in Vogue and Good Housekeeping. | | | | health-conscious. (4) Trade e-mail addresses |
| Between newspapers, consumer magazines, trade | | | | and send over a list of questions. This |
| magazines, e-zines, tabloids, literary | | | | approach isnt usually the best, because it |
| journals, and more, youre bound to find an | | | | doesnt allow you to react to, and build from, |
| appropriate publication for your Big Idea.You | | | | information you gain in answers to previous |
| want to know more about these markets? Read | | | | questions. However, if the publication will |
| on!Researching the MarketsFirst, youll need a | | | | not reimburse you for long distance phone |
| few definitions:Consumer Magazines: These | | | | calls, and you have to conduct a lengthy |
| typically pay the best. These are the types | | | | interview, e-mail exchanges are acceptable. |
| of magazines you might find in a grocery | | | | Just make ! sure you specify a due date for |
| store check-out line, convenience store, in | | | | the responses. Be reasonabletry to give the |
| your airplane seat pocket, or your doctors | | | | expert a week to answer all your |
| office. Types of consumer mags: mens, | | | | questions.The SalesOkay, you sent out your |
| womens, special interest, inflight, teens, | | | | killer query, and you got a phone call from |
| school/career, travel, health, ethnic | | | | an editor with the big news: you got the |
| minority, political, entertainment, romance, | | | | assignment! Congratulations, you! Go on and |
| religious, etc. This is the area most writers | | | | do a little dance of joy, then crash back to |
| try to break into.Literary Magazines: These | | | | reality with your new mantra: GET IT IN |
| dont pay much, if at all. However, what they | | | | WRITING. Make sure the editor tells you that |
| lack in moolah, they make up for in prestige. | | | | a written contract is forthcoming in the |
| If youre looking to jump-start your career as | | | | near future.If youve researched your market, |
| a fiction writer or poet, your best chance at | | | | you probably already have an idea of the pay |
| recognition may come in the form of one of | | | | rate, but be sure to cover this ground in |
| these small publications. Often published by | | | | that initial phone call if the editor fails |
| colleges and universities, their circulation | | | | to mention it. Important things to |
| is usually regional and low. They generally | | | | remember:On Publication vs. On AcceptanceYou |
| seek scholarly essays, intellectually | | | | not only need to know how much youll be paid, |
| challenging prose, poetry, and book reviews. | | | | but also, when youll be paid. Many markets |
| Publishers will be impressed if you succeed | | | | want to pay you on publication. This can be a |
| in placing your work in one of the more | | | | problem, because many magazines and journals |
| prominent journals (Cimarron Review, | | | | have long lead times. (Translation: a long |
| Ploughshares, and Story, for example).Trade | | | | time between when they assign you the article |
| Journals: Pay varies greatly. Any publication | | | | and when it actually ends up in print.) If |
| that focuses on a particular occupation | | | | you write an article in January, and it |
| industry falls into this category. This is | | | | doesnt get published until November, you |
| where your expertise can shine. There are | | | | probably wont see a check until December. Do |
| trade journals for almost every line of work, | | | | you want to wait a year to get paid? Can you |
| from art dealers to truck drivers. In | | | | wait that long? This is a point you |
| general, your written eloquence is not as | | | | absolutely can negotiate. Ask for payment on |
| important as your research and timely | | | | acceptance. If this is refused, it gives you |
| knowledge for these publications.E-Zines: | | | | a little leverage to work with on the other |
| Pay varies greatly. Simply put, e-zines are | | | | issues, which areKill FeesIf you get the |
| simply magazines on the Internet. The only | | | | assignment, and, for whatever reason, an |
| major difference is that articles for e-zines | | | | editor decides not to print your article, |
| can usually run longer than print magazines. | | | | you can negotiate for a kill fee. This is a |
| (No printing costs, so space isnt as | | | | percentage of the sale price. If you are |
| important an issue for e-zine editors.) Most | | | | offered $200 to write an article, you may |
| e-zines dont pay (except by means of a | | | | get a $50 kill fee. Its a well known fact |
| byline) but this trend is changing. The most | | | | that big publications kill articles all the |
| popular sites and Wired, for example) pay | | | | time. Some editors admit to assigning 10-20% |
| quite well. Topics stretch as wide as your | | | | more than they could ever fit in the |
| imagination.Now that you know, learn how to | | | | magazine. They do this so they can pick and |
| contact them!There are tons of ways to find | | | | choose from the final products, or so they |
| markets that are open to freelancers. If you | | | | can see how things fit once the layout is |
| were paying attention, you might notice that | | | | complete. Some articles will be pushed back |
| this very website is looking for writers! | | | | to other issues, and some will just be |
| Finding places to submit your work is easy if | | | | trashed.BiosWe like them. Those are the |
| you know where to look.First, the most | | | | little blurbs that often follow an article, |
| important tool in a freelancers toolbox is | | | | giving short biographical information about |
| The Writers Market. Available at any major | | | | the writer, and sometimes an e-mail address |
| bookstore, this is an annual compilation of | | | | or phone number. Ask for one if you |
| more than 2,000 magazines, 1,000 book | | | | can.Sidebars and PhotosThose are the little |
| publishers, and even specialized markets | | | | factoids or columns that rest next to the |
| like greeting cards, script writing, and | | | | main article. For example, in an article |
| syndicates.The next best tools are online. | | | | about exercise, youll often see a little |
| Lucky you! Theyre free. Absolute Markets is a | | | | chart on the side that tells how many |
| weekly e-zine filled with market guidelines, | | | | calories are burned by doing specific |
| contest listings, and marketing tips. | | | | exercises (riding a bike, climbing a hill, |
| Freelancing4Money puts out a jam-packed | | | | etc.). If you can suggest sidebars, you can |
| e-zine filled with freelance opportunities. | | | | often get extra pay. Same goes for photos. If |
| Writer's Digest has a great, searchable | | | | youve got a decent camera and a good eye, |
| database of markets. Writing For Dollars has | | | | offer photos for a few extra bucks.To Spec |
| a biweekly newsletter with market | | | | or Not To SpecEspecially as a novice writer, |
| guidelines, and a searchable database on the | | | | youll sometimes get asked to write an |
| website. And Writers Weekly lists calls for | | | | article on speculation. This means that youll |
| writers and market guidelines each week.You | | | | have to write the whole article and submit |
| can even run a search for freelance writers | | | | it without a contract, or any promise of |
| on any major search engine, and youre likely | | | | payment. Its a bone of contention among |
| to come up with tons of listings. Try | | | | professional writers, because almost no |
| specifying if possible; add words that fit | | | | other field works this way. Its never do the |
| your needs. (Example: paying markets, | | | | job, and then Ill decide if I feel like |
| romance, teen magazines.)So, your next | | | | paying you. Only in this crazy business. |
| assignment is this: go back to your trusty | | | | Harrumph.That said, I advise you to take spec |
| notebook and pick out your very favorite | | | | assignments in the beginning. Once youre |
| idea. That will now be known as your Big | | | | established, you shouldnt need to do this, |
| Idea. Pick the markets that best fit your | | | | but in order to build up your resume and |
| idea. Choose several. Find out if you can get | | | | your clips, you need to get published. So go |
| a free or discounted sample copy. (Writers | | | | ahead and submit on spec, and go ahead and |
| often can, if you specify that you would like | | | | do a few free/nearly free pieces for the |
| to query them in the future.) Request | | | | experience.Before submitting anything, |
| writers guidelines if available. Its | | | | though, make sure you know in advance what |
| considered poor form to query publications | | | | the terms will be if the editor does use your |
| that youve never read, or know nothing about. | | | | piece. How much will you be paid? What |
| Do your best to read at least one copy of | | | | rights will they buy?Even many of the big |
| whatever magazine or journal you plan to | | | | markets have adopted the practice of |
| query. Check your library for copies if you | | | | requesting pieces on spec. They do this |
| prefer not to go broke researching.Got it | | | | because they can get away with it. Because |
| now? You have your idea, and youve found | | | | there are thousands of wannabe writers out |
| places to submit it? Great! Then you'll need | | | | there who will beg, borrow, and steal for |
| to learn proper protocol for writing and | | | | the chance to be published. So, if you want |
| submitting the Killer Query.The Killer | | | | to compete, sometimes youll have to suck it |
| QueryThe job of the query letter is to entice | | | | up and accept this. Once the publication |
| an editor to say, Hey! Id be interested in | | | | accepts one of your spec pieces, youll be a |
| learning more about that. Therefore, you dont | | | | much more likely candidate for an outright |
| want to spill all your secrets and research | | | | assignment next time.Rights to WriteThere are |
| yet. You want to tease and tantalize. Now | | | | several kinds of rights a publication may |
| that youve got your fabulous Big Idea, your | | | | buy:First North American Serial RightsThe |
| job is to condense (or expand) that idea | | | | newspaper or magazine has the right to |
| into two to three paragraphs.To illustrate | | | | publish this piece for the first time in any |
| the components of a killer query, here is an | | | | periodical. All other rights belong to the |
| example of one of mine (using fictitious | | | | writer.One-Time RightsThe publication buys |
| contact infosorry!) that landed me the | | | | the nonexclusive right to publish the piece |
| assignment:Jenna Glatzer(Always use proper | | | | once. The writer can sell the same article to |
| formal letter format) | | | | other publications simultaneously.Second |
| | | | Serial Rights (or Reprint Rights)Also |
| 123 My Address | | | | nonexclusive. Gives the publication the |
| | | | right to reprint an article that has appeared |
| My City, State, Zip Code | | | | elsewhere.Electronic RightsCovers CD-ROMs, |
| | | | e-zines, website content, games, etc. Get in |
| (555) 555-5555Mr. Joe Shmoe | | | | writing which electronic rights are |
| | | | specified-- First Electronic Rights, |
| (Make SURE to get a name of the appropriate | | | | archiving rights, etc. Most publications ask |
| department College Life 101 | | | | for the right to archive "indefinitely." |
| | | | You can try to negotiate for a fixed term |
| editor. Never address a letter to editor or | | | | (i.e., archiving rights for six months).All |
| submissions.) | | | | RightsPretty self-explanatory. You can never |
| | | | sell this piece to anyone else again. Try to |
| 123 Their Address | | | | avoid this one. Most publications ask for |
| | | | First Serial Rights.Work-For-Hire Rights-- |
| Their City, State, Zip CodeTodays Date, | | | | The publication has come up with the idea and |
| 2003Dear Mr. Shmoe: | | | | assigned it to you, and they will own it, |
| | | | lock, stock, and barrel. They own the |
| (Colons are used in formal letters. Commas | | | | copyright and don't even have to give you |
| are used in friendly letters.)Think company | | | | credit. It may be sliced, diced, |
| cars, expense accounts, and a spacious office | | | | repackaged, re-sold, etc., and you won't have |
| with bay windows. Who do you picture running | | | | any claim to it beyond what you were |
| a business this successful?(Start the letter | | | | originally paid.TV/Motion Picture RightsAlso |
| with a zinger that captures the essence of | | | | self-explanatory. Almost always |
| your proposed article/story. Raise a | | | | exclusive.Recycling Your Big IdeasThis is the |
| question that will cause the reader to | | | | bread and butter of freelance writing. Its |
| think, or give a visual image anything that | | | | also called re-slanting. Once youve got the |
| will make him/her want to read on and find | | | | Big Idea, dont waste it by only using it |
| out what youre talking about.)Think again. | | | | once. Use the information youve gathered and |
| This company was the brainchild of three | | | | come up with off-shoot ideas. Slant it to |
| Boston University sophomores whose ambitions | | | | appeal to different markets.Youre afraid |
| led them to thriving careers before they had | | | | because of the issue of rights that we just |
| diplomas to hang on the wall.(The rest of the | | | | discussed, right? (No pun intended.) Well, |
| first paragraph should give a concise | | | | you have nothing to fear, provided the new |
| description of the focus of your proposed | | | | article is sufficiently different in content |
| article. Remember to tell why its appropriate | | | | and intended audience. If youve managed to |
| to the publication youre querying. In this | | | | sell your article to a major national |
| case, I was targeting a college magazine, so | | | | magazine, it is considered poor form to try |
| I made sure to emphasize the relevance to | | | | to sell a re-slanted version to another |
| their subject matter early in the | | | | national magazine.However, if youre dealing |
| letter.)Charles Strader, Richard Skelton, and | | | | with regional, specialized, or small |
| Pablo Mondal run Net One, an Internet | | | | publications, there should be very little |
| Service Provider. The three met in the | | | | overlap of intended audience. Therefore, an |
| freshmen dorms, then moved into an apartment | | | | editor from Alabama Aristocrats would |
| together. Opportunity knocked when Strader, | | | | probably never know if you sold a re-slanted |
| who worked for the universitys computer | | | | version of your piece to Guitarists Today. |
| center, took a phone call from the owner of | | | | Even if they did know, they almost certainly |
| a hair salon. She sought help designing a | | | | would not care.It is standard and accepted |
| website; Strader volunteered, and Net One | | | | practice, for the simple reason that it is |
| was born.(Again, concisely, get a little | | | | darn difficult to make a living as a writer. |
| deeper into the content of the article. What | | | | If you have the choice between making $100 |
| is special about your story? In this case, I | | | | for selling your piece to one small |
| wanted to emphasize that these guys were | | | | publication, or making $1000 by selling |
| college buddies who started a booming | | | | altered versions to eight different small |
| business by branching out from their humble | | | | publications, which would you |
| beginning.)Working closely with friends to | | | | choose?Re-slanting an article is easy, since |
| build something we believe in is Mondals | | | | youve already done the bulk of the research. |
| favorite perk. Skelton agrees. We have great | | | | Scrounge up a few new quotes, and use the |
| trust in each other, and feel that were all | | | | information you left out of the first |
| in this together.(Quotations arent necessary | | | | article. Focus it on the new desired |
| in a query, but its nice to give something | | | | market.For example, I could sell an article |
| specific to show that you have done some | | | | about the health benefits of meditation to a |
| research into your topic, and that you have | | | | fitness magazine. A few alterations, and that |
| access to resources that will enable you to | | | | same article becomes Religions Encouraging |
| write the article well. I wanted to show | | | | Meditation for my local newspapers Society |
| that I had already spoken to these guysthey | | | | pages. Then it becomes Meditation Makes You |
| happen to be friends of mineand that they | | | | Smarter for the college market. Then, |
| would be upbeat and inspirational people to | | | | Meditate Your Stress Away for a working |
| interview. You can accomplish the same effect | | | | womans magazine. And I didnt even mention |
| by including a few quirky facts or survey | | | | all those new age/holistic publications. |
| results youve found out about your | | | | What a field day!With just a few more |
| topic.)Considering that their only capital | | | | questions posed to your trusted experts, |
| was a computer and a small loan from Straders | | | | youve got a whole new article. And, look! |
| father, the guys feel very successful. Were | | | | Youre becoming an expert yourself. This is |
| not millionaires, but we have goals, and | | | | how you begin to find your nichea few |
| were following them, says Skelton. I think | | | | specific subjects that you feel comfortable |
| thats true success. By any definition, Net | | | | writing about. Ah, soon those journalists |
| Ones roster of more than 50 clients ranging | | | | will be coming to YOU with their |
| from colleges to Fortune 500 companies | | | | questions."The Extras"Once youve gotten a few |
| attests to their hard work and talent.(Look, | | | | assignments, and feel that youve really |
| editor. These guys are big up-and-comers! | | | | embarked on this as a potential career (or |
| Notice I mentioned Fortune 500 companies. | | | | just a part-time income-booster), youll want |
| This lets the editor know quickly that these | | | | to think about the little extras.A nice |
| college guys arent small potatoes. It neatly | | | | touch: get yourself some nice letterhead. |
| ties up the opening sentence, which promised | | | | Splurge a little with your second or third |
| an article about guys who have a spacious | | | | paycheck and invest in professionally printed |
| office, expense accounts, and company car. | | | | letterhead. Presentation does count when |
| Now the editor has a reason to believe that | | | | submitting your correspondence to an editor. |
| these guys actually are that successful.)I | | | | Avoid cutesy clip art of quill pens and |
| propose a 1,000 word profile for your | | | | inkwells.Also, an invoice. You should always |
| Students At Work section.(Shows Ive | | | | include an invoice with your completed |
| researched their magazine. I know which | | | | article. Often, the person you submit the |
| section this should fit, and Ive read their | | | | story to is not the same person in charge of |
| guidelines to determine an appropriate word | | | | sending you a paycheck. By including an |
| count.)I am a full-time freelance writer, and | | | | invoice, you can be reasonably assured that |
| my works have been recently featured in such | | | | the billing department will have a record of |
| publications as 201 Magazine, College | | | | what terms were agreed upon, and when they |
| Bound(Notice I mention the most relevant | | | | are supposed to pay you.Receipts: Hold onto |
| magazines first. Anything youve had | | | | your postage receipts and your |
| published that might relate to the content, | | | | writing-related supplies. If writing is your |
| tone, or audience of the proposed | | | | profession, then these can be tax write-offs. |
| publication belongs here.)Bliss!, Working | | | | Also, if you are able to negotiate it, |
| Women, and Video Librarian. Clips are | | | | editors will often reimburse you for any |
| enclosed.(If youve never had anything | | | | expenses you incur while on assignment once |
| published, dont distress. Just shut up about | | | | you are an established writer. Submit your |
| it. Do NOT tell anyone, Though Ive never been | | | | phone bill (with the reimbursable call/s |
| published yet, Im a real go-getter. Less is | | | | circled), your book receipts, your travel |
| more. If you keep quiet, they may not even | | | | expense receipts, etc. along with your |
| think about the fact that you didnt mention | | | | invoice. Make sure these terms are specified |
| your credits. Also, do not get into a | | | | in your contract.Youre ready? Good! Get out |
| diatribe describing how you edited your high | | | | there and get 'em, slugger. Good luck! |
| school newspaper. Just a quick list of | | | | |