How to get started
1. With an idea
Come up with an idea for a story/story angle that nobody else has devised (or at least proposed) before; then propose it to an appropriate editor or venue
Possible pitfalls:
- If you do not explain the idea clearly enough, an editor may think you are hiding something or simply do not know all that much about the topic at hand
- If you explain too much about the topic, the editor may take the idea and write the piece him/herself or assign it to a staffer so that he/she does not have to incur any additional expense hiring you
Possible solutions:
- Let it go/find another editor or venue
- Resubmit the idea with greater depth and more complete explanation\
- Threaten or pursue litigation in order to protect your (alleged) intellectual property
Possible pitfalls:
- Being “blacklisted” (i.e., having this and potentially other editors refuse to work with you for fear of being sued, etc.)
- Losing the case because there is not sufficient proof that the idea was yours, at least not exclusively so
2. With a contact
Find an editor or venue with which you have a personal or professional connection and ask them to assign you a story/piece
Possible pitfalls:
- The topic you are assigned may be unfamiliar
- The assignment may be more than you can handle or may involve more work than the reward warrants
Possible solutions:
- Ask for clarification/assistance/support, either from the editor him/herself or from friends/colleagues/experts in the field about which you are to write
- Ask for another assignment, either now or later on
- Beeing/becoming an expert in a given field.
If you have sufficient knowledge about a topic, there will most probably be a venue in which you can share it (see Bacon’s Media Guide for ideas)
Possible pitfalls:
- Not being taken seriously/not being considered an ‘expert’
- Not being able to find an appropriate venue
Possible solutions:
- Proving yourself through your work/other qualifications
- a. Working in venues that are similar/related to yours
- b. Creating a new venue
Possible pitfalls
- EXPENSIVE
- Competition
Possible solutions
- Win the lottery
- Find backers (e.g., venture capital)
- Work harder
Thoughts
