Sep 17 2010

New Writers- Fresh Ideas

Magazines

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If you want to become a freelance writer, who will give you a chance? It used to be that you had to already have made a name for yourself. Now, its seems to be a little different which is good for a new writer longing to break into the market.

So, the question becomes, who do you take a chance on and who will take a chance on you? I have listed some tips that will help with the freelance submission process.

New Magazines

Lots of new magazines and ezines are being created all the time. These new ideas have a need for lots of writers with fresh ideas. This is a good place for a new freelancer to submit work. Check internet, newsstands and supermarkets to see what’s new.

Old Magazines With a New Owner

Keeping up with new owner information can be a bit tricky in this economy. Lots of publications have folded or merged with other existing companies. One way of keeping track of new trends old magazines are turning to is to keep up with the trade magazines. If you notice new logos and overall design this may be just the opportunity you have been looking for.

Magazine Expansion

If a magazine has gone from 6 issues to 12 issues a year. This could be your chance as a new freelancer or old freelancer to get in one of those issues. The chances of an expanding magazine means more room for your ideas.

Changing Focus

With the changing technology and the way information is gathered, sometimes magazines want to change their focus. A new fresh voice and point of view can potentially re-ignite a magazines voice.

Small Markets

Smaller magazine have a tendency to give new freelancers a chance. If your new just looking to get some publication credits without a lot of profit, a small magazine company is the way to go. Generally they can’t pay much so new writers can jump on the opportunities to get their name in print.

These tips should help in getting you started on a simple path of starting a freelance career. No fear, just jump right in.

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2 comments on “New Writers- Fresh Ideas”

  2. My husband, Don Britt, is about to begin a marathon that might interest you. We’re calling it the ultimate act of writing insanity. Beginning on Friday, November 5, 2010, he will start the first of twenty four 3-Day Novels, which he will finish over the course of a single year. All this will happen live online, at the following website:

    http://www.24novels.com

    This past September, Don took part in the 3-Day Novel Writing Contest (www.3daynovel.com), which is billed as Literature’s most gruelling marathon. With apologies to the folks behind that contest (who graciously granted him permission to use their trademark 3-Day Novel for this project) we believe this will set a new standard. In fact, we have submitted an application to The Guinness Book of World Records, with hopes that this will be recognized as a record attempt.

    Would you be willing to endorse us on your website? In return, we will list you as one of our supporters. You can be on the ground floor of a remarkable, twenty four ring circus, a wild, year long literary adventure.

    The rules of this one person contest are listed below. We sincerely hope that this has piqued your curiosity. We very much look forward to hearing from you.

    Sincerely,

    Georgia Britt

    The Rules

    I will produce twenty four 3-Day novels in fifty two weeks. The 3-Day novel is defined by the producers of the 3-Day Novel Writing Contest (TM) as a work of fiction, averaging 100 pages in length, produced over a 72 hour period. My goal will be 90 – 115 pages per story, hoping to come in around the 100 page average over the length of the contest.

    If I don’t beat the clock, that entry is disqualified. A countdown timer, set at 72 hours, will start as I begin each entry. If it runs out before I finish a coherent story, I get a goose egg for that particular effort. What’s a coherent story? I hope most will follow Aristotle’s rule, and have a beginning, middle and end. Some will be plot driven. Others will be character studies. But each should be a self contained tale, and one that readers will generally agree is over when it’s done. I have a strong sense of fair play. I will not throw in the words ‘The End’, mid sentence, after a hundred pages of chaos. If I consider the work a failure I’ll tell you, by typing the words ‘I resign’ at the end of my effort. (A strategy which could also be employed at any time, if I’m completely exhausted.)

    All entries are ‘live’. The wildest part of this high wire act. Each entry will take place online, where any and all interested parties can watch the entire creative process unfurl, while the clock clicks down to doomsday. HOWEVER, in the event of unforeseen disasters (ie power failure or website crash) I have the right to continue my entry privately, and then cut and paste what I have written when things are up and running again. The countdown will continue during any such mishaps.

    Sequels are permissible. Each story should stand alone. I will not use this rule as a crutch, to throw in a quicky cliffhanger to ‘save’ a particular entry. That said, I reserve the right to return to any character, in any circumstance, at any time in subsequent stories. I hope to discover at least a couple such recurring characters over the course of this marathon. It would be nice to have a friend or two to keep me company as this act of insanity plods on.

    A minimum of 24 hours notice will be given before any entry begins. I will try to give more notice, as well as a ‘pitch’ for my next story, so interested parties will have some idea what’s coming up next. The pace that’s been set will require an average of two 3-Day novels a month. But the only thing that matters is that 24 get in the tank before 52 weeks are up. The website homepage will mark my progress, by showing works completed and the time remaining.

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